Controlling the victim’s ZIGZAG from a distance

Written By: Lance Piatt

Controlling the victim’s ZIGZAG from a distance

In case of a fall where the worker loses consciousness or is incapacitated, inert suspension in the harness presents a mortal danger requiring urgent treatment. The arborist must be capable of quickly evacuating an injured team-mate, without assistance. The goal of this document is not to cover rescue techniques that must be practiced at a training center. Only several precautions specific to the ZIGZAG are presented here.

WARNINGS

  • Read the technical notice before viewing the following techniques.
  • It is important to fully understand the information provided in the technical notice before using this complementary information
  • Mastering these techniques requires training.
  • Consult a professional before attempting to perform these techniques on your own.

Many evacuation techniques involve controlling the victim’s device to lower him down the work rope.

If the victim is hanging from a friction hitch, the hitch is normally controlled with the help of a pulley.

Warning: using a pulley is dangerous with the ZIGZAG: risk of jamming the release lever and causing the victim to fall. Control with a simple knot in a rope is recommended.

Example of accompanied descent

The victim's ZIGZAG is controlled by a simple knot made with the rescuer's lanyard.

Warning: pulley pressing on the release lever

Example of accompanied descent

The rescuer is connected “short” to the victim.

The victim is held upright with the help of a lanyard.

The rescuer controls his own ZIGZAG, on a different rope that is in good condition.

The victim’s ZIGZAG is controlled by a simple knot made with the rescuer’s lanyard.

Warning: this technique requires that the condition and length of the victim’s rope has been verified sufficient for the descent.

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