Gilet de sauvetage - Holly
LIFE JACKET
2022 Lifejacket User Care & Advice
Spinlock advises checking your Deckvest Lifejacket annually at a minimum, even if you feel your Deckvest has had little use. For lifejackets used more frequently checks every 3 months are advised, especially ahead of any longer passages or races.
These checks can be made yourself following our comprehensive instructions. Special attention should be made to all components such as CO2 bottles, Lights and any fitted additions such as MOB locator devices. Alternatively, if you are unsure we have accredited service centres globally which can service your Deckvest.
Key points to check:
OUTER FABRICS Rinse or wipe with freshwater and check for any cuts or tears, signs of abrasion or potential heat and chemical damage. Do not use any harsh chemicals to clean the jacket as this may damage the materials. Assess all stitching areas for damage or tearing along the seams. The outer fabric can be subject to more stress than you may consider, even during storage.
BLADDER Inflate your lifejacket using the Oral inflation tube. Leave the jacket for 24 hours in a dry controlled environment. Any decrease in pressure during this time may indicate it is unsafe. Check the oral inflation tube for leakage whilst the bladder is still inflated by placing the tube underwater and checking for bubbles indicating loss of air. If any signs of leaking are discovered take your lifejacket to your nearest service centre for repair.
COMPONENTS
Check over all the components for signs of damage and wear. Check any compatible additions to the lifejackets such as knives, MOB devices, rescue lines are tested & fitted correctly as per manufacturers & Spinlock instructions.
Instructions can be found on our
PYLON LIGHT Ensure the Pylon light is still functioning by holding the test button. If there is any sign of corrosion at the terminals this will indicate damp wet conditions may have activated the light inside the cover, running down the battery.
LUME-ON LIGHTS Test your Lume-On lights by applying water to the terminals, again if corrosion is present damp conditions are likely to have run down the battery. If the unit is broken remove the old ones and replace with new.
SPRAYHOOD Ensure the sprayhood is still attached and all stitching are buckles are secure, check there is no degradation to the fabrics. If significant damage is found this can be replaced by yourself.
FIRING UNIT Ensure all firing head indicators are showing 'Green' and there is no corrosion. If indicators are 'Red' the firing cap, cylinder or both will need replacing. Check the Expiry Date on the firing cap, if this has expired replace immediately. Ensure the firing head and CO2 Cylinder are screwed tightly into place.
CYLINDER Ensure there is no corrosion on the cylinder and around the join to the firing unit. Make sure the cylinder is screwed in hand tight.
If you require any spares these can be purchased from your local retailer or directly from www.spinlock.co.uk/spares
If you would like any further clarification on servicing your Deckvest or have a general query please do not hesitate to contact us either via email prosupport@spinlock.co.uk or phone: +44(0)1983-295 555.
SAFETY LINE
Whilst lifejackets are routinely inspected and maintained, safety lines are often overlooked. An important part of your harness system, safety lines should be inspected to ensure they are also in good condition.
- Webbing should be inspected for any signs of wear and damage to the fibres
- Check the webbing for any staining which could indicate contact with a contaminant
- Check the ‘overload indicator’ has not been triggered
- Clips should be checked to ensure the moving parts are operating as designed, opening and closing easily
- Look for any signs of wear & damage to the body of the clip, the gate and spring mechanism
Continual movement around decks and cockpits can cause the webbing to quickly abrade and deteriorate, potentially weakening the line. Both clips and webbing can be flushed and soaked with fresh water to remove dirt and salt build up. Don’t leave safety lines wet and damp. Let them dry and store in well ventilated space to reduce the risk of mould and degradation Safety lines are connected to the deck of the yacht and similar attention should be given to the jackstays and connections, inspecting for wear and degradation. When connecting remember the safety line hook should be free to rotate and align with the load. Lateral loading of the hook should be avoided.
RECEIPTS
NOTE: not 100% sure it is the same lifejacket as I have today. Below is refers to 150N but mine is 170N and has a sprayhood.
DATE: @April 22, 2018
