Typically such devices are the 3-ring release or Capewell  releases. These types may utilize a separate release handle  to provide release of both sides with one motion. This cable/ handle assembly consists of a cable to each riser and a  velcro-mounted handle. The cables must be kept lubricated  to function properly. There are several types of cable coatings  used by various manufacturers. Nylon coating, which is  hydroscopic, includes the yellow (Lolon) coated cables and  the clear coated cables. This type of cable should be oiled  frequently as climate conditions dictate. When you pull the  cable between your fingers, if it squeaks like clean hair, then it  needs to be lubricated. The Red or (new) orange-coated cable  is pure FEP Teflon coating and requires no maintenance.  Typically when the cable is removed from its housing, it has  black oil in spots along the cable. This black oil is the residue  of the cutting oil used in the manufacture of the housings. It  is not harmful. In fact, if this black oil is distributed evenly  along the cable, it provides limited lubrication. There is no  need to worry about sand or dirt being attracted to the oil on  the cable as it is more important for the cable to be lubricated  than it is to be clean.  [Figure 2-3]  The reserve may employ  a static line (RSL) that is activated upon cutaway. This is  covered in greater detail later in the chapter. The ripcord is a device for securing the container closed  prior to use. It usually consists of a handle, a flexible cable,  one or more pins, and a device for securing the cable to the  handle. Some ripcords use a stiffened cable instead of a pin.  Similar to the ripcord is the main riser retain/release cable/ handle assembly if the parachute is equipped with a main  riser release system, such as the 3-ring release.  Risers are part of the suspension system between the lines and  the harness or load. Generally made of webbing, emergency  parachutes usually have the risers integral to the harness. If  they are detachable and not integral and are being used for  an emergency parachute, they require a cross connector, as  they are tested with only one side connected. Main risers used  on sport or military systems used for intentional jumping  have release mechanisms installed. Steering toggles are  usually design specific to the riser for the type of canopy  installed. Ram air canopies use the steering toggle to lock  the deployment brake. Pulling on the toggle after opening  releases the brake. Premature brake release is a major cause  of malfunctions.  [Figure 2-4] The main parachute release mechanism has two parts. One  part is attached to the harness and the other to the risers.  Deployment devices are designed to provide an orderly  and controlled deployment of the parachute during use.  Typical devices include bags, sleeves, pockets, straps,  diapers, and sliders.  Chest strap Horizontal back strap Upper leg strap Hip ring Lower main lift web Upper main lift web Harness 3-ring Reserve parachute Container Main parachute Reserve deployment bag Main risers and toggles Reserve pilot  chute Main deployment bag Main pilot chute  and bridle RSL lanyard 3-ring release handle Reserve ripcord Risers and Associated Steering Toggles Deployment Devices for the Main and Reserve  Parachutes Main Parachute Release Mechanism and  Associated Handles or Static Lines  Ripcords or Equivalent Devices for the Main and  Reserve Parachutes  Figure 2-3.  Lolon cable is yellow. Teflon cable is red or orange. Figure 2-2.  Subcomponents of the harness/container assembly.  2-3