Abaris International is an authorised and 'Skylotec Approved' Inspection and Service Agent for the Skylotec Milan Constant Rate Descender (CRD) Rescue Device.
With prices starting from £45 + Vat for a Level 1 inspection, we can also arrange for courier collection and re-delivery of your device to ensure that your down time is as short as possible. Inspection and servicing can be also be completed on-site.
For full details and costs, please call our sales team on +44(0) 1484 768277.
Skylotec Milan Servicing Requirements:
Paragraph 21 of the HSE Operational Circular 282/31 Rope evacuation from mechanical handling equipment give guidance on how often Controlled Rate Descenders (CRDs) should be inspected:
"There should be a system for regular inspection of rope evacuation equipment by an appointed person. Duty holders should consult the supplier and/or manufacturer of the rope evacuation equipment for specific recommendations for checks and inspections. Regulation 9 of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) applies to evacuation equipment because it is used for lowering people. The equipment should be thoroughly examined by a competent person at least six monthly, or in accordance with a written scheme of examination, drawn up by a competent person. Equipment used for training is more likely to be used more frequently and may need to be inspected and thoroughly examined more frequently".
Regulation 9 of LOLER states:
(3) Subject to paragraph (6), every employer shall ensure that lifting equipment which is exposed to conditions causing deterioration which is liable to result in dangerous situations is –
(a) thoroughly examined –
(i) in the case of lifting equipment for lifting persons or an accessory for lifting, at least every 6 months;
Skylotec Milan Servicing Guidance
The servicing regime for Skylotec Milans is dependent on the age of the device, its use (if it is a training unit they require a more intensive servicing routine) and whether it has been vacuum sealed in a 'Sealpac' (Seal Pac Light pack or Sealpac tin) or not.
Skylotec Milan devices in Sealpacs should be inspected once yearly by a competent person. The vacuum sealed foil bag should NOT be opened! This inspection involves removing the tamper seal from the pack or tin, inspecting the overall condition of the pack or tin, checking that the humidity indicator has not exceeded 50%:
then taking one of the spare inspection stickers to stick it to the next available spot on the pack or tin, after resealing the bag or tin with a spare seal (remembering to put the spare stickers and seals back into the pack or tin!).
For devices, not in a Sealpac, the service regime depends upon whether the unit was manufactured before or after January 2018, and also whether it meets any of the following criteria, which would require the unit to be immediately inspected:
- Has been used for a rescue
- Has been used for 2000m of descent
- If here are any doubts about the device function / safety
If the Milan unit was manufactured before January 2018, then as an absolute minimum, the following regime should be followed:
Year 1 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 2 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 3 – Level 2 Inspection / Service – Small parts replaced (washers etc)
Year 4 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 5 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 6 – Level 2 Inspection / Service – Small parts replaced. Rope replaced.
Year 7 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 8 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 9 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 10 – Level 3 Inspection / Service – Small parts replaced. Rope replaced. Brake replaced.
If the Milan was manufactured on or after January 2018, then as an absolute minimum, the following regime should be followed:
Year 1 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 2 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 3 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 4 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 5 – Level 2 Inspection / Service – Small parts replaced (washers etc)
Year 6 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 7 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 8 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 9 – Level 1 Inspection
Year 10 – Level 3 Inspection / Service – Small parts replaced. Rope replaced. Brake replaced.
An Level 1 Inspection is a visual and function test, to be carried out by a competent person. A Level 2 inspection involved opening the device, cleaning it, measuring the wear, replacing various small parts such as washers and some nuts, reassembling and re-greasing the device, and then sealing the device with a tamper sticker. The Level 2 Inspection / Service must be carried out by an authorised, trained and in date Skylotec Milan Service Agent.
Theoretical Maximum Lifespan of Skylotec Milans
From the Milan User Guide 15/04/19: 'The duration of the service life depends on the individual usage conditions, the plastic components are subject to an ageing process, even with careful treatment. An overall utilisation period of max. 20 years is possible, if the products are allocated to one user only, who does not use them excessively, always treats them with due care and knows the entire utilisation history of the product.
For that, at least once a year an inspection by a technical expert must be documented stating the examiner and the special product features detected. Furthermore, it must be absolutely ensured, that the product was always optimally stored, has never been in contact with chemicals, gases, or otherwise damaging substances. Devices which are installed on a fixed working area and are left there in between inspections, must be appropriately protected from the elements. (e.g. SEAL PAC®). Devices which are used regularly, e.g. as training equipment, will have a shorter service life'.
Note: Although the Milan has a maximum 20 year lifespan (from date of manufacture), at 10 years the Milan will need a Level 3 Service where the brake, rope and small parts, such as washers and nuts, will be replaced. If the Milan is part of a full rescue kit, the textile components (harnesses, rope etc) will need to be replaced at the 10 year point.
Lifespan of Skylotec Milans when in use