Spinlock DURO SOLAS & SOLAS+ — Owner's Manual

Fitting

1. Fasten the clip at the front.
2. Pull the chest belt tight – the manual states it is unsafe to wear any lifejacket loosely.
3. Pass the crotch strap through the legs before fastening the plastic buckles on the front.

Spinlock recommends always using the crotch strap; the manual states the lifejacket has been tested and approved for use without it at your own risk.

Inflation

• Manual: sharply pull either rubber handle downwards; the CO2 cylinder inflates the bladder within seconds.
• Oral: open the zip at the yellow breakout point on the front panel, remove the end cap and blow into the tube until fully inflated.
• Automatic: inflation occurs within seconds of the inflator being submerged; the automatic capsule releases a sprung pin that punctures the cylinder.
• Deflating: invert the oral-tube end cap into the valve, hold it there and gently squeeze out all air or gas, then return the cap.
• Using the CO2 inflation when the jacket is already fully inflated can over-pressurise and damage it.
• With temperature changes, topping up by oral inflation may be needed, especially after prolonged immersion.

3-Level Checking Routine

• During use: check buckles and other fastenings regularly.
• Before and after use: examine for damage, abrasion, wear, tear or contamination, especially stitching and webbing; check the cylinder is tight.
• Annually: inspect the fabric; inflate each bladder compartment separately through the oral tube until firm and leave for 24hrs – any loss of firmness means a leak; check the oral valve under water; remove and inspect all components.
• Spinlock recommends replacing the automatic capsule (DW-UML5) annually, and unscrewing and inspecting the threaded end of each CO2 cylinder to confirm it is unused.
• Service life is in general 10 years; Spinlock does not service lifejackets over 10 years old.

Re-arming

• Remove the cylinders and old firing caps by unscrewing anti-clockwise.
• Check the firing mechanism moves freely and is free from contamination; refit first the cap, then the cylinder, ensuring a secure fit.
• Re-arm kit for each head: DW-RAK/275 (2 needed). New automatic cartridge expiry at least 2 years away (service guide).
• Service guide checks: firing head tightened to the manifold at 3nm (TX30 Torx bolt); cutting pin moves freely; cylinder O-ring in place; cylinder 60g for 275N, weight checked against the stamp; refit the green retaining clip over the firing arm on Mk5 heads.

Testing: put the jacket on in shallow water; automatic inflation should be complete within five seconds of water contacting the firing head. For an oral-only test remove the cylinder and automatic capsule first.