Aftercare
Buoyancy Aid Level 50. ISO 12402-5
This level is intended for use by those who are competent swimmers and who are near to bank or shore, or who have help and a means of rescue close at hand. These garments have minimum bulk, but they are of limited use in disturbed water, and cannot be expected to keep the user safe for a long period of time. They do not have sufficient buoyancy to protect people who are unable to help themselves. They require active participation by the user.
Service: This PFD requires no servicing. Maintenance: Your PFD should be replaced immediately if it shows signs of excessive wear or damage. Before and after every use visually check your PFD. Look for holes and rips. Excessive fading of fabric. Damage of webbing, buckles and zips. If any problems are found replace your PFD immediately. If you are unsure please contact: service@peakuk.com
Uplift: Annually test the uplift of your PFD. A crude test is to float a steel weight in water at room temperature. It is important to use steel, not lead, as the weight’s density will seriously affect the test result. If your PFD’s required uplift is 50N, then a 5kg weight should be a good test. For a 70N device, a 7kg weight will work. This is a pretty crude test though. For accurate testing of uplift we suggest that you set yourself up a test rig. See our step by step guide, over page.
Lifespan: The lifespan of your PFD depends upon its care and use. We estimate that it will last for up to 500 hours use if cared for properly. That’s around 3 - 4 years if it is used for three hours a week. If you use it for an hour a week, you may get ten years use from it. If you use it for 10 hours a week, you may need to replace it after a year. Shelf Life: For commercial use, we recommend that your PFD is replaced, at the latest, ten years after its date of manufacture. The date of manufacture is printed inside the PFD.
Washing: Rinse in freshwater after use. Hang to drip dry in the shade, away from heat and fumes. Rinsing in disinfectant may reduce the lifespan of your pfd.
Contamination: Use in contaminated water may reduce the lifespan of your PFD. Storage: Store dry, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Wearing: Only use a pfd that fits correctly. For usage, all buckles should be firmly locked and the device should fit close to your body, without limiting mobility too much. Firstly try the PFD on land and then on a calm stretch of water. Never go out onto the water alone and always wear your pfd. Full performance of this device may not be achieved if the user wears non suitable clothing and footwear. Wetsuits, shorts, dry tops, dry pants and one piece suits are great. If you use this PFD with a drysuit, make sure you remove as much air as possible from inside the suit before use. This air will effect the PFD’s performance and your ability to swim.
Water and Weather Conditions: Do not venture out in conditions beyond your skill and experience level. Take instruction or train yourself in the use of this device. Teach your child to float in this PFD. Do not use as a cushion! For those who can swim and are close to help! Trapped air and carried loads will impair the performance of this PFD. Full performance may not be achieved using waterproof clothing or in any other circumstances.
PFD N Uplift Test:
To undertake a simple N uplift test, you will require a few items: a hanging scale (such as luggage scales),a 10kg steel weight, a body of water large / deep enough to submerge a complete PFD (a large barrel or pool), a length of rope / cord and karabiners for ease of attaching.
Method:
1. Weigh and record the reading of the 10kg weight in water
2. Weigh the weight with the PFD attached
3. Subtract the reading from step 2 from the reading in step 1
4. Multiple the findings by 9.8 to convert from kg force to Newton force
NB. Make sure the weight / weight and PFD are not touching the sides or bottom of the barrel, this may alter the results.
Outerwear Care:
Store your equipment in a dry, dark, and cool place, away from any bright light, strong fumes, dampness or heat. An ideal storage temperature is 10-20 degrees C. Make sure your equipment is fully dried inside and out before storing away. If you leave any wet garments in your kit bag for a few days they will go mouldy and lose their performance. If your garment begins to stink, wash it with Grangers Performance Wash and hang to drip dry. High areas of wear and tear such as the arm pits or your boat carrying shoulder may need some running repairs. Treat such areas with Aquasure Seamgrip adhesive. From time to time reproof the garment’s outer fabric with Grangers Xtreme Repel. Seamgrip and Grangers products are available from our online shop: www.peakuk.com
Latex / Neoprene Seals:
To keep the seals in good shape, make sure you do not pull your garment on or off against them. Stretch each seal open when fitting and removing. If you drag the seals on and off they will fail and the seam taping may pop off. Latex seals are designed to be cut to fit. If they are too tight, cut them down carefully and evenly with small sharp scissors, taking care not to leave any nicks. Cut off a small amount at a time, remembering that the seals will stretch a little with use.
One Piece Suit Fitting / Dry Zip Care:
When fitting and removing, ensure to stand on soft ground, a towel or mat. Always use with paddling shoes and wearing wicking under socks to help reduce moisture build up inside. When closing the zip make sure to pull it straight and parallel. Do not force, as zips can break easily- ask someone for help if needed. Always fully dock the zip and keep it lubricated, this will help with opening, closing and its performance. Make sure not to trap any clothing, the zip flap, or other small debris in the teeth as this will cause leaking and damage. Lubricate your dry zip immediately after purchase. Visually inspect your suit and pant zips from time to time for any dirt or grit in the teeth, as this will affect the seal. Clean using a soft brush and fresh water, then re-lube it before use with YKK Zip Tech lube. Dry One Piece Suits both inside & out before storage, and make sure the zip is fully closed when in storage. Check out our helpful One Piece Suit and Dry Zip care videos on our youtube channel youtube.com/peakuktv