SKYLOTEC presents 'Spark', an additional descender for rope access

The SKYLOTEC 'Spark' descender can be used, for example, to maintain the rotor blades of wind turbines

For anyone using rope access in industry, rescue, tree care or maintenance, rappel devices are standard equipment. With 'Milan', SKYLOTEC is already the market leader in centrifugal rescue and evacuation devices, which are used for emergencies in high and low-level workplaces. In this field, the brand, present throughout the world, has constantly expanded its technical knowledge and manufacturing capacity, as well as its product range. For use in rope access and industrial rescue, there is now also the 'Spark' descender. This is based on the 'Sirius' descender, with which SKYLOTEC has set the standard since its launch on the market in 2019. There is a significant difference in its use: 'Sirius' as a device has a 'double stop function'. In addition, it assures the user through the so-called 'anti-panic function', in case he ever accidentally oversteps the lever for the rappel. However, advanced users prefer devices without the anti-panic function for certain manoeuvres or for rescues, as they allow smooth, precise and fast rushing without interruption when handled correctly. SKYLOTEC has responded to this with the 'Spark', which has precisely this function. In addition, it is also equipped with an 'auto-lock function', like the 'Sirius'. In this way, the rope locks automatically as soon as the user releases the draw lever.

Equipped with all the advantages of the Sirius'

„The 'Spark' is equipped with an anti-panic function which, if handled correctly, enables smooth, accurate and fast uninterrupted rappel

When it comes to ease of use, reliability and robustness, Sirius has many advantages. Well-thought-out fine control during the rapid descent process, ergonomic details and robust design contribute to this. Users also do not have to do without these advantages with 'Spark'. The device is compact, which makes it especially comfortable to hold. In addition, it has an ergonomically designed lever that makes handling the device comfortable and safe. This saves time during work, as quick and precise movements are possible. An additional advantage is that the 'Spark' does not have to be removed from the musket connecting the device to the work harness to insert and remove the rope. This increases safety for the user, as the descender remains attached to the harness at all times and the rope can be inserted intuitively and safely with the musket closed. On the other hand, a small owl on the lever allows the descent to be operated with a rope in case of emergency and, therefore, also to perform a simultaneous rescue. If a person falls or suffers a medical problem, a rope can be attached to the tip of the person's lever. The user can then operate both his own descent and that of the accident victim, thus bringing both people down to the ground safely.

There's no twisted rope

Until now, those working with descenters have often had to deal with the fact that the work rope twists excessively due to the predetermined rope direction and therefore wears out too much. Like the 'Sirius', the 'Spark' makes these problems a thing of the past: The end of the rope enters the apparatus from the top and exits from the bottom in a straight line, without deviating by any edge. In this way, the rope is protected against torsion or over-torsion. 'Spark' is made entirely of metal. It is therefore very robust and durable, even in harsh working environments and with extensive daily use. It is certified according to EN 12841:2006-C for ropes 10-12 mm in diameter, according to EN 341:2011/2A for ropes 11 mm in diameter and according to EN 15151-1.

„The SKYLOTEC 'Spark' is characterised by its compact design and a lever with a small movement radius