Introduction to Anchor Systems

An anchors systems overview  is the foundation on which we build our rescue systems. Rescuers must quickly decide on an appropriate anchor system for a given rescue situation. Usually, anchors need to be in place before other aspects of the rescue can proceed. Determining where anchors should be built and beginning their construction early are critical steps in timely rescue operations.

Here’s a quick review of anchors and related keywords we’ll cover throughout this course:

The terms “anchor” and “anchor system” are related concepts in the context of rope rescue, rigging, and various industrial applications, but they have distinct meanings:

1. Anchor:
   • An anchor, in its simplest form, refers to a singular point or device used to secure a rope, sling, or piece of equipment to a fixed object or structure.
   • It serves as a connection point or attachment point for ropes, carabiners, slings, or other hardware, enabling secure load-bearing or attachment.
   • Anchors can be natural features (like trees or rocks), structural elements (such as beams or bolts), or specially designed devices (like anchor plates or pickets).
2. Anchor System:
   • An anchor system is a more comprehensive setup that includes one or more anchor points, along with the associated hardware, rigging, and safety components.
   • It involves the strategic arrangement of multiple anchors, ropes, slings, and other equipment to create a complex rigging configuration designed for specific tasks, such as load lifting, fall protection, or rope rescue.
   • Anchor systems are carefully designed to ensure safety, stability, and efficiency in various industrial and rescue scenarios. They may include backup anchors, redirects, pulleys, and other components to achieve specific goals.

In essence, an anchor is a single attachment point, while an anchor system encompasses a network of anchor points and related equipment to accomplish more complex tasks. The choice between using a single anchor or an anchor system depends on the requirements of the operation, the load, and the safety considerations involved.

Anchor
An Anchor is a general term for the combination of everything combined. Single connection point (e.g. tree, boulder, camming device, etc.).

Anchor Point
An Anchor Point is a single object or component used either alone or in combination with others to create an anchor system capable of withstanding a significant force.

Anchor System
An Anchor System is one or more anchor points connected in order to provide a secure connection. Multiple anchor points rigged together creating a redundant system. 

• Structural Anchor Points are sufficient to hold a rescue load and significant enough to possess unquestionable strength. Typically we would consider buildings, bridges, and towers as possible points.  
• Natural Anchor Points would be trees, large rocks/outcroppings, and other living features that would be significant to the surrounding environment.  Caution must be taken when considering natural anchor points.
• Artificial Anchor Points would be really anything not natural, but not considered “structural”. These would include passive and active types of equipment such as camming devices, chocks, and nuts. 
• Bolts, Pickets, and Vehicles would also be considered a form of “artificial anchor points”.
• Artificial High Directionals (tripods, A-Frames, and Ginpoles) and Aerial Ladders are often considered not just directional high points, but anchors as well. 

Deviation
Redirects the natural fall line of the rope on the rock face. A deviation point may or may not to be subjected to the same force as the primary rig point.

Directional
Rigging technique to change the natural line of a rope with a carabiner or pulley attached to an alternative anchor.

Focal Point
A location, floating or fixed, where all rigging is directed for anchor points. This concept disciplines rescuers to construct rigging which joins together at an efficient point, rather than unwittingly resorting to wherever the knot that joins all anchor points ends up due to the length of material used; the latter can result in an awkward spot to manage rope handling tasks.

We will always try to engineer our anchor systems with housekeeping in mind. Though a single “bombproof” anchor may be strong enough to support an entire rescue system, including multiple load-bearing lines, we may still build a second anchor for convenience and cleanliness and to allow more workspace for rescuers.

Rescue systems are often more efficient and easier to operate with redundant load-bearing lines rigged on separate anchors.

What is ERNEST?

E – Equalized
In a system with multiple anchor points or multiple strands of anchor material, the various components of the anchor system should bear roughly equal parts of the load. Self-equalization is not required. Pre-equalize the anchor for the anticipated direction of pull.

R – Redundant
Failure of any one component of an anchor system should not lead to complete anchor failure. For example, construct the anchor system so that if one strand of software is severed, at least one additional strand capable of supporting the load will remain intact.

NE – Non–Extending
Failure or shifting of one element in the anchor system should not cause significant movement of the load. This is why we fix and focus our multi-point anchor systems and why we generally avoid self-equalizing anchors. The location of anchor points relative to one another is also a factor in this stage of anchor system analysis. Failure of one anchor point should not result in the excessive swinging of the load toward the remaining anchor point or points.

S – Solid
Choose the strongest available anchor point. If no single anchor point seems strong enough then combine multiple anchor points until you are confident your anchor system is strong enough. Build your anchor with materials at least as strong as the weakest point in your system.

T – Timely
Balance the need for strong anchors with the need to reach your patient as quickly as possible. Simpler is usually better.

Anchor strength is dependent on object material.  Use superior judgment as to whether or not the material, be it steel, wood, rock, live material like trees and or shrubs is appropriate.

Ultimately a team or individual will developed their “go-to” point anchors.  There are literally hundreds of options, but the 20-80 (20% of anchor options will succeed in 80% of the rigging requirements).  Here are a few of the many options we’ll go through.

• Full strength tie-off – Look to see the MBS of the rope in-service.
• Wrap 3 Pull 2 (W3P2) – Roughly 38 kN – 40 kN with optimal webbing type and bend.
• Basket hitch – With 8mm cord 53 kN can be reached.
• Prusik Loop – With 8mm cord 53 kN can be reached.
• Girth hitch – With 8mm cord, 20 kN-21 kN can be reached.

More on Anchors

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