North Water Rapid Survival System W Manuel utilisateur

Emergency Floatation for

Moving Water Self Rescue

Version 10.04

Phone: 604-264-0827, Email: northwater@northwater.com

User Manual ........................................................................................................................................................ 1

Part 1: Description and Function ................................................................................................................ 3

Part 2: Package Contents ........................................................................................................................... 3

Part 3: Product Orientation ......................................................................................................................... 4

Part 4: Refolding Rescue Float .................................................................................................................... 5

Part 5: Packing Rescue Float into Pouch.................................................................................................. 6

Part 6: Attaching the RSS Pouch to the RSS Belt. .................................................................................... 7

Part 7: Tethering Lanyard and D-Ring Attachment ................................................................................ 7

Part 8: Attachment Options for the RSS .................................................................................................... 8

Part 9: Practice Activation .......................................................................................................................... 8

Part 10: Inspection and Re-arming ............................................................................................................ 9

Inspection Procedure - Before Field Use ............................................................................................... 9

Inspection Procedure - Semi Annual and After Field Use .................................................................. 9

Re-Arming .................................................................................................................................................. 10

Part 11: Cleaning and Maintenance ...................................................................................................... 11

Cleaning .................................................................................................................................................... 11

Storage....................................................................................................................................................... 11

Part 12: Register your RSS ........................................................................................................................... 11

Part 13: Spare Parts and Further Information ......................................................................................... 11

Re-Arm Kit .................................................................................................................................................. 11

Phone: 604-264-0827, Email: northwater@northwater.com

The North Water Rapid Survival System Model W (RSS) is a self-rescue aid for Rescue Professionals

for use in high risk moving water environments. The RSS is designed to provide substantial

emergency floatation in scenarios including body entrapment, large volume, fast, or highly

aerated water, long swims or when caught in recirculating hydraulic features.

The RSS is a waist worn pouch on a Quick Release Belt. The pouch contains a self-inflating

Rescue Float in the shape of a tapered horseshoe. When activated the Rescue Float quickly

inflates providing the user with approximately 150 lbs. of additional floatation. The added

buoyancy helps the user lift their upper body well out of the water, allowing them to relax and

maintain control in extreme water conditions. The Rescue Float is tethered to a D-Ring on a PFD's

Quick Release Chest Harness.

Important:

1. The RSS must be used with a PFD equipped with an integrated Quick Release Chest

Harness.

2. The RSS is not a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) or Life Jacket and is not designed to

replace one. The RSS is designed to provide increased floatation for the user beyond what

is provided by a certified PFD.

3. The RSS - Model W is designed for rescue professionals with the appropriate experience,

training and judgment in its use. If you are not familiar with how to use this product, seek

professional training from a qualified Swiftwater Rescue instructional organization1.

4. Due to the inherently hazardous dynamics of moving water environments, significant risk is

always present and even with proper use of the RSS, injury or death may occur.

5. It is very important that the user be very familiar with the RSS and how it works. Knowing

how to use the RSS when it is needed is essential in its aid to the user. Take the time to read,

understand and practice the information provided in this User Manual. Additional

instructions and videos for the Rapid Survival System can be found at

www.northwater.com/products/rss-model-w.

Inspect and confirm that all the components listed

are in the box.

1 x RSS Pouch

1 x RSS Rescue Float (inside RSS Pouch)

1 x Quick Release Belt (attached to the RSS

Pouch)

1 x User Manual

1 x Re-arm Kit

2 x Spare CO2 Cylinders

2 x Spare Service Indicator Clips

1 NFPA Certified Trainers (Qualified and Certified Swiftwater Rescue Organization)

Phone: 604-264-0827, Email: northwater@northwater.com

Perform the following in an area with more than 6’ (2 m) of clear, clean, dry space.

Open the pouch containing the folded RSS Rescue Float.

Note the orientation of the folded Rescue Float, Inflation Toggle, and the CO2 Cylinders.

Remember, as the Rescue Float is unfolded the same steps will be reversed when re-folding and

packing into the pouch.

Lay out the Rescue Float as shown in the photo below.

1. Rescue Float

2. Pouch

3. Quick Release Belt

4. CO2 Cylinders

5/6. Re-arm Kit

5. Spare CO2 Cylinders

6. Spare Service Indicator Clips

7. Grab Handles

8. Inflation Toggle

9. Tethering Lanyard and D-Ring

10. Manual Inflation Housings

Inset Detail:

1. 2 x CO2 Cylinders

2. Inflation Toggle

3. Manual Inflator Housings

4. Inflation/Deflation Tube

5. 2 X Manual Inflation Levers

(concealed)

6. 2 x Green Service Indicator Clips

7. Spacer Bar

Inset Detail

Phone: 604-264-0827, Email: northwater@northwater.com

Video: https://youtu.be/loD_MzjOcO8?t=115

Note: After use and prior to folding ensure that:

 All components are clean and dry

 All air is removed from the Rescue Float

 Inflation/Deflation Tube is closed.

A. Turn the rescue float so the

CO2 cylinders are underneath

and to the right. The arch

opening is centered away

from the user.

B. Fold the float in half with the

right side over the left.

C. Fold the right-most edge

over so it aligns with the long

arc of the left edge of the

float.

D. Fold the bottom 25% of its

length towards the Lanyard

Attachment

E. Fold the bottom 20% again

towards Lanyard Attachment.

F. Fold again leaving the 2

inches exposed.

G. Turn the unit over to ensure

the top edge of the fabric is

aligned with the Manual

Inflation Housing.

H. Fold each edge under the

CO2 Cylinders.

Phone: 604-264-0827, Email: northwater@northwater.com

Video: https://youtu.be/loD_MzjOcO8?t=210

Note:

 The RSS Pouch may be worn on the users right or left side.

 When packing, be sure to orient the Inflation Toggle so the ball is coming out at the

forward end of the Pouch closest to the user’s front and the Lanyard Attachment with the

2” D-ring is extending out the other end.

A. Open the RSS Pouch by separating the

hook and loop closure.

B. Place the folded Rescue Float into the

pouch with the cylinders facing up.

C. Draw the bottom of the pouch up over

the CO2 cylinders and fold the top over to

close along the length of the hook and

loop. Be certain that the Rescue Float is fully

tucked inside the Pouch.

D. Pass the cut end of the Inflation Toggle

through the 1” square ring and carefully pull

until the Toggle is flush with the ring.

E. Secure the Inflation Toggle along the

hook and loop strip on top of the RSS Pouch.

F. Ensure that the 2” D-ring Lanyard

Attachment comes out of the opposite side

opening of the pouch.

Phone: 604-264-0827, Email: northwater@northwater.com

Video: https://youtu.be/HTOBVRuWFMc?t=39

The RSS Pouch is designed to be worn on either the left or right side of the waist. Ensure the

Inflation Toggle is at the front and the 2” D-ring Lanyard Attachment is towards the back.

Thread the end of the RSS Quick Release Belt through the belt loop on the back of the RSS

Pouch closest to the Inflation Toggle. Continue through all three belt loops on the back of the

Pouch.

A video detailing this process can be found at www.northwater.com/products/rss-model-w in

the media section.

Video: https://youtu.be/JLwnSCfWBD8?t=135

Note: If your PFD is unable to accept a Quick Release Chest Harness you cannot use this

product. The RSS - Model W is designed to be tethered to a PFD on the back of a 1.5” or 2”

Quick Release Chest Harness.

The Quick Release Chest Harness must be properly seated, adjusted and functioning.

If you do not know how to properly seat and adjust your Quick Release Chest Harness get

professional instruction before use.

If your PFD has an Extrication Line, Pig Tail or Cow

Tail and its D-ring uses the same chest harness,

ensure the tethers don’t cross load or wrap around

each other or the float may not release properly

when the chest harness is released.

Phone: 604-264-0827, Email: northwater@northwater.com

Video North Water PFD: https://youtu.be/JLwnSCfWBD8

Video North Water EDS Belt System: https://youtu.be/5ESbFuMXE9M

The RSS Pouch can be attached to a North Water PRO Rescue PFD outfitted with the Quick

Draw Deployment Straps, the North Water EDS Belt, the North Water Double Draw Belt or the

North Water Quick Draw Belt.

Note: Attachment to the EDS, Double Draw, or the Quick Draw Belt may place the Inflation

Toggle too far back to be easily reached. The User may choose to

rotate the RSS Pouch closer to the front.

NW Quick Draw Deployment Straps, EDS Belt, Double Draw Belt or

the Quick Draw Belt all employ the same belt threading to attach

the RSS Pouch to the Belt.

Ensure the Inflation Toggle is facing towards the user’s front and

within reach as above.

A video detailing this process can be found at

www.northwater.com/products/rss-model-w in the media section.

Video: https://youtu.be/HTOBVRuWFMc?t=329

1. Make sure you are in an area with 6’ (2 m) clear space around you.

2. Put on your Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and secure it according to the

manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Secure the Quick Release Belt with the RSS Pouch attached firmly around your waist.

4. Grasp the Red Inflation Toggle and firmly pull outwards (like your life depends on it) away

from the RSS Pouch. Depending on the ambient temperature, inflation time can vary. It

should be mostly inflated in 6 -12 seconds and it very firm in 30 – 40 seconds.

5. If the belt begins to rotate around the waist, firmly grasp the unit with the non-pulling hand

to prevent rotation and allow the Red Inflation Toggle to be pulled from the pouch.

6. Do not touch the CO2 cylinders as they become very cold on deployment and may cause

frost bite.

7. Once the Rescue Float is completely inflated, remove the Quick Release Belt and PFD.

8. Leave the Rescue Float inflated for three hours to ensure that it remains firm. There should

be no noticeable leakage over this time.

9. If the RSS needs to be inflated for many hours, it may need to be topped up by the user

with the Inflation/Deflation Tube.

10. Deflate the RSS and refold and pack as per parts 4 and 5.

A video at http://www.northwater.com/products/rss-model-w in the media section.

Phone: 604-264-0827, Email: northwater@northwater.com

Video: https://youtu.be/loD_MzjOcO8

Important:

 Due to the critical mission of the RSS, regular inspection, care, and maintenance are

essential to its proper function. Failure to do so may result in improper deployment.

 Inspect the RSS each time before and after it is taken into the field regardless of whether

the unit has been deployed.

 Inspect the unit every 6 months if it has not been deployed within that time interval.

1. Open the RSS Pouch so the CO2 cylinders are visible.

2. Ensure the Manual Inflator Levers are housed within the Manual Inflator Housings and are

covered by the Green Service Indicator Clips which are seated firmly in place.

3. Make sure the Manual Inflation Levers have enough space to pivot freely when the Ball

Handle is pulled.

4. Remove and weigh each cylinder. Re-arm if cylinders are under their designed weight

printed on the cylinder.

5. Ensure that the Inflation/Deflation Tube is closed by twisting the valve end-cap clockwise

making the overall length of the tube smaller. If you are turning it the wrong way the tube

will lengthen.

6. Repack the Rescue Float into the RSS Pouch.

7. Log each inspection in the RSS Inspection Table which can be found on the Rescue Float.

1. Perform the following in a clean dry area with more than 6' (2 m) of clear space.

2. Remove the rescue Float from the RSS Pouch and unfold.

3. Ensure that the CO2 cylinders are properly seated in the Manual Inflator Housings to

prevent air loss.

4. Orally inflate the Rescue Float until firm using the Inflation/Deflation Tube.

5. Once inflated, close the Inflation/Deflation Tube.

6. Allow the unit to sit inflated for at least 3 hours at room temperature.

7. If the unit remains firm, visually examine the Rescue Float, RSS Pouch, and Quick Release

Belt carefully for any damage or excessive wear.

8. Ensure the unit is armed properly and re-pack.

9. If the Rescue Float has lost any volume, wash the Rescue Float and its components in a

10% solution of fresh water and dish soap. Inspect carefully for bubbling indicating the

location of a leak.

Phone: 604-264-0827, Email: northwater@northwater.com

10. If a leak is found, contact North Water customer service for instructions.

11. If you have any reason to believe the integrity of the Rescue Float or any of its components

have been compromised, retire the unit from use.

12. Log each inspection in the RSS Inspection Table which can be found on the Rescue Float.

Video: https://youtu.be/loD_MzjOcO8

1. Remove the used CO2 cylinders by rotating in a counterclockwise direction, mark as spent,

and discard. Spent cylinders may be recycled with steel and other metals.

Note: Be certain and check that new unused cylinders are being installed.

2. Close Each Manual Inflator Lever within its

Inflator Housing and firmly snap the Green

Service Indicator Clip into the indents on the

Inflator Housing.

3. Inspect the flat face of each CO2 cylinder ensuring it is

smooth with no holes or scratches.

4. If you have any question about the cylinder integrity,

weigh it on a small scale. If the weight does not match

the weight printed on the cylinder, mark as defective

and use another cylinder.

5. Insert the neck of a new CO2 cylinder through the

webbing holder and into one of the Manual Inflator

Housings.

6. Rotate the cylinder in a clockwise direction. Ensure that the neck seats firmly to the base of

the opening and is not cross-threaded. Do not over-tighten.

7. Install the second cylinder.

8. The Rescue Float is now armed.

9. Check that the two Green Service

Indicator Clips are in place before the

unit is taken into the field. If they are

dislodged or missing, service is required

before use.

10. Remove and inspect the cylinder faces

regularly to ensure they are not

punctured or corroded.

11. Repack the Rescue Float into the RSS

Pouch by following Part 5.

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