Login
Join Rigging Lab

Dual Capability Two Tensioned Rope Systems (DC TTRS1 ) Technical Rope Rescue Systems Overhaul

Written By: Kirk Mauthner

So as most of our community knows… we incredibly excited about the Two (Twin) Tension Rope System.  Technically, it isn’t new, but newer.  The system, like most paradigm shifts, need some time to acclimate.  Not the system mind you… the teams, individuals and thus expectations, goals and SOPs.

Rather than try to create “new” information in this blog piece, I thought it would be better to give you “first hand” information from one of the top authorities in the rope rescue and rigging community… Kirk Mauthner. His original piece is rather deep, so I will post some highlights here.  For more on this topic, we’ll get you linked over…

So here we go…

This presentation highlights only some of the key systems and technique changes adopted by EMBC and BC SAR. The list of changes is greater than the scope of this presentation, which is focused on the following key changes:

  • DC TTRS in favour over DMDB techniques
  • Controlled, Force Limiting Techniques instead of 10:1 Static Systems Safety Factors
  • Greater emphasis on managing Human Factors (e.g. Command & Communication Protocols and rope tailing)

Dual Capability Two Tensioned Rope Systems (DC TTRS1 ) Technical Rope Rescue Systems Overhaul – the new (2016) British Columbia SAR Model

Risk Mitigation by Assessing Factors that Affect System Failure: Rope rescue requires practitioners to manage the right risk at the right time. Different risks and consequences emerge or fade away depending on the respective location of the rescue load in relation to the intended end destination. The factors that can affect the failure of a rope rescue system can simply be grouped into one of four major factors:

1. Human Factors

2. Environmental Factors

3. Materials (Equipment) Factors

4. Method (Technique) Factors.

While Human Factors tend to dominate the potential cause of rope rescue system ‘failures’, it is inextricably the interaction of all these factors combined that either increase or decrease the active risks and consequence which need to be managed. The comparative analysis of DC TTRS to DMDB techniques is in essence a comparison of Method Factors; the different ‘methods’ are examined in context to factors from other categories, such as Environmental Factors (e.g. rock fall, or sharp edges). The cumulative weighting by consequence of differences in margins between techniques is what was used to help determine the suitability of one rope rescue method over another.

Dual Capability Two Tensioned Rope System over Dedicated Main Dedicated Belay:

After taking into account various Human, Environmental, Material and Method Factors, EMBC and BC SAR has chosen to adopt the principles of DC TTRS over DMDB. For clarity, Dual Capability2 is a specific form of Two Tensioned Rope System technique whereby each system is simultaneously Capable and Competent as both a main line function as well as a back-up function to the other line. A capable and competent mainline is further defined as being able to handle a full working load of 1-4 kN, with the idea that each rope in a DC TTRS can take on the full load at any time without requiring a friction change on the Descent Control Device (DCD); not all DCD’s are capable and competent at doing this (e.g. single Italian Hitch). A capable and competent backup is further defined as being able to pass the BCCTR 1m drop on 3m of 11 mm rope with 200 kg mass, having no more than 12 kN maximum arrest force, with no more than 1m stopping distance, the system must remain functional and have at least 80% residual rope strength. An additional 1.5m drop on 3m rope with 200 kg ‘strength margin’ test with a ‘remain functional’ criteria has been added to the original BCCTR criteria. Again, not all DCD/Back-up devices & techniques can accomplish this. The following are examples of DC TTRS that were able to pass the demanding Working Load and BackUp function tests:

  • CMC Rescue MPD with 11 mm rope threaded into secondary friction post
  • Component based systems having a DCD (e.g. A Double Italian Hitch or 3 horns of a Conterra Scarab or 4-Bar Microrack with rope over the Hyperbar) extended 60 cm with sewn sling, with 3- wrap, 8mm kernmantle cord Prusik positioned ‘behind’ (anchor side) the DCD3 .

Manual Override of Self-Braking Devices (Human Factor):

It is desirable for Two Rope systems to have a self-braking feature incorporated into each rope system. This is the fundamental principle of the ‘whistle test’. With DC TTRS, the self-braking feature of each rope system must be manually overridden by an operator in order to lower the load. This is not necessarily the case with DMDB systems. It is therefore possible from a Human Factor standpoint, that if one of the rope systems fails, that the operator of the remaining system does not execute the correct action to allow self-braking. If this Human Factor cannot be removed entirely, then it must be guarded against. The concept of tailing ropes as a back-up to an operator is commonly used in recreational climbing, particularly for backing-up novice belayers, but it is not that common in rope rescue. It was demonstrated as a viable technique at the 2015 ICAR conference, and has been used among a number of teams in North America prior to 2013. Prior to conducting tests to determine the effectiveness of rope tailing for DC TTRS, some baseline testing was conducted to determine what the minimum human gripping ability is with two hands gripping two ropes (one rope in motion and one stationary) to simulate the requirements in a rope rescue DC TTRS setting. The minimum gripping ability with two hands on two ropes was found to be between 0.1 and 0.2 kN with an average gripping ability between 0.4 and 0.5 kN. Drop testing was then conducted on DC TTRS which had already passed the belay competence criteria, with the added criteria of rope tailing while the self-braking feature was manually overridden. The Petzl I’D with added friction did not pass the criteria whereas the CMC Rescue MPD (operated with the rope in the secondary friction post) as well as the component based systems did. Only techniques which passed the rope tailing criteria were adopted for use by BC SAR & EMBC.

Force Limiting Principles and System Strength Requirements (Material Factor):

A rescue system must be strong enough to neither yield nor fail from the relative worst case forces that it might be subjected to, and, under normal working conditions, the equipment must not fail from repeated use or cycling. In other words, the system must remain functional if ever subjected to the relative worst-case event. For decades, EMBC used the 10:1 Static Systems Safety Factor approach as a means to ensure sufficient rope rescue system strength. However, over the years, many shortcomings to this approach have been recognized. Instead, EMBC & BC SAR have now adopted the principles of Force Limiting Systems to control forces and to determine system strength requirements. Force Limiting Systems have essentially two requirements: the first is to limit, or cap the maximum arrest force of the relative worst case event to a value which humans can tolerate, and the second requirement is to ensure that the devices interacting between the rope and anchor provide sufficiently high friction or resistance such that any sudden ‘jolt’, or ‘settling-in’ of the load onto the rope system does not result in excessive slippage, or worse (i.e. inertial runaway of the load). As stated earlier, for any failure of a rope system in a top rope environment, the peak force from a sudden ‘settling-in’ to the remaining rope system can be up to 2.5 times greater than the initial static load. A substantial number of tests were conducted using various combinations of mass and angle to determine what the minimum gripping ability of rope rescue devices should be for force limiting systems. The resulting data indicated that a minimum slip force value of 6 kN is appropriate for rope rescue systems. At the high end, the maximum slip force should be 12 kN or less. In other words, the devices used for proper force limiting in DC TTRS must slip at a value of at least 6 kN, but no more than 12 kN – ideally somewhere between 8-10 kN in order to allow for some latitude for changing conditions (e.g. wet, muddy, etc.). One strategy used by designers/engineers to determine minimum strength requirements is to multiply the highest forces which a system may be subjected to by a factor of somewhere between 1.5-2.0. The primary objective of this strategy is to ensure that the yield points of the various materials (i.e. the force at which material permanently deform) are sufficiently greater than the highest loads/forces which the system may be subjected to.

However, in order to use this strategy, three key conditions must be met.

1. Loads/Forces must be known: For rope rescue, we can do this. We know our working loads (i.e. 1-4 kN) and through Force Limiting systems, we control the ‘worst-case’ forces to between 6-12 kN.

2. Reproducible Testing of worst case conditions: The BCCTR belay competence drop test method achieves this criterion by providing a means of comparative analysis and assessment of various devices under consideration for use in rescue, particularly DC TTRS. An acceptance/rejection criterion must exist.

3. Traceable Materials and Quality Assurance Manufacturing: The fact rope rescue products are manufactured and classified according to relevant standards (e.g. CE/EN, NFPA, ASTM, etc.) allows us to meet this criterion.

Since all three criteria above can be met, the design principle of multiplying the worst-case forces by a factor of 1.5-2.0 is available to rope rescuers. As such, EMBC & SAR BC have decided on a minimum breaking strength value of 20+ kN for all their rope rescue systems, regardless of whether the system is a simple lower/raise or pick-off in a vertical environment, a steep slope rescue, a guiding line or a highline operation. This even applies to rigging such as a redirect or a high directional. This approach, combined with Force Limiting Systems, more than adequately meets the strength demands required by the various types of systems and techniques and greatly simplifies the process for rescuers, thereby allowing a greater opportunity to focus on other risk mitigation requirements.

[thrive_leads id=’51985′]

Summary of Fundamental Requirements of a Dual Capability Two Tensioned Rope System: Prior to being accepted as a viable technique for consideration as a DC TTRS, a system must be tested and validated against the following criteria:

  • Force Limiting between 6-12 kN for all Descent Control Devices, Back-ups and rope grabs.  System strength must be 20+ kN (including testing of a rope loaded into a DCD)
  • Rope Tailing at 0.1 kN shall be effective for devices whereby the Self-Braking feature is being manually overridden.
  • Backup function must pass the Belay Competence Criteria of being able to:
    • Catch a 1 m drop of a 200 kg mass onto 3 m of 11 mm kernmantle rope
    • Have a Maximum Arrest force not exceeding 12 kN
    • Stop the load in no more than 1 m (including rope stretch, knots tightening up, belay unit extension and any slippage through the belay).
    • The system must remain functional (to complete the operation)
    • Residual rope strength 80% or greater (i.e. greater than the knotted strength of the rope).
    • Remain functional after a 1.5 m drop onto 3 m of rope (the MAF and stopping distance criteria do not apply to this test; it is a strength margin test to determine if sufficient excess capacity exists above and beyond the prescribed relative worst case event of a 1 m drop onto 3 m of rope with a 200 kg mass).

Command & Communication Protocols (Human Factor):

A number of changes were made to the EMBC Command and Communication Protocols with an emphasis on enhancing situational awareness amongst all members, especially prior to having to carry out a task. One of the more significant changes made is the inclusion of an Edge Transition Briefing by the Control, immediately following a Role Call for readiness. In the edge transition briefing, the Control describes how the edge transition will be executed, what commands will be used and in what order, as well as a physical demonstration of the desired speed. Group consensus is required. Immediately following the Edge Transition Briefing, the team conducts one or more ‘Dry Runs’ before ‘Going Operational’. Upon retroflection (and considering the many poorly executed edge transitions during training exercises over the years), it was determined that it is an unrealistic expectation for a team to successfully and smoothly negotiate an edge transition – especially with a loaded stretcher – based solely on prior training, likely whereby skills have waned, and also likely different conditions than what was encountered during prior training. The objective of the Edge Transition Briefing and Dry Run(s) is to raise the skills, abilities, enhance communication and the situational awareness level of all team members to the highest possible level prior to actually having to execute the respective tasks. Since incorporating Edge Transition Briefings and Dry Runs as part of the Command and Communication protocols, edge transitions have become markedly more controlled and effective. The Edge Transition Briefing is also conducted for coming back up over edges. The rescue load is first raised to a position just below the lip of the edge where the attendant is within earshot of the Control. A plan for the edge transition is discussed, and the commands are agreed upon prior to executing the edge transition.

Overall Summary: EMBC and BC SAR have adopted a number of significant changes to their rope rescue techniques and protocols. A substantial amount of testing and research was conducted to provide evidence-based decision making to the process of assessing the risks associated with the four factors affecting potential failure (Material, Method, Environment and Human Factors). This paper & corresponding presentation only highlights some of the dominant changes. In summary, these are:

Use of Dual Capability Two Tensioned Rope Systems for operations instead of Dedicated Main, Dedicated Belay systems. It is important to note that there are many forms of Two Tensioned Rope Systems and not all qualify as being Dual Capability. They must be tested and assessed before being accepted; protocols are developed for each device/technique considered.

  • Rope Tailing will be used for guarding against Human Factors whenever self-braking devices are being manually overridden.
  • All systems (e.g. all angles of stretcher lowers and/or raises, pick-offs, highlines and guiding lines) must be Force Limiting (6-12 kN) and have a minimum 20 kN breaking strength (EMBC & BC SAR will no longer use the 10:1 SSSF approach).
  • Edge Transitions are executed with both ropes under tension. No compelling evidence was found to substantiate and therefore warrant the use of an un-tensioned rope for this phase of an operation. Sharp edges must be well protected against.
  • Rock Fall (falling objects) was found not be an influencing factor in deciding between using tensioned or un-tensioned ropes.
  • When using a high directional, ropes will be equally elevated (they may be lowered if the high directional is no longer required). When no high directional is available for sharp, abrupt edge transitions, the option of a vertically oriented stretcher shall be considered first; if warranted, the stretcher may be leveled once below the lip of the edge.
  • Static ropes are preferred over Low Stretch ropes to help mitigate risks associated with stopping distance.
  • Command & Communication Structure and Protocols have been modified to place a greater emphasis on managing Human Factor risks (e.g. Edge Transition Briefings along with Dry Runs, et al.).

For more on this article CLICK HERE>>>> 

More information on Kirk Mauthner and BaseCamp Innovations >>>>

As always…
Peace on your days…
Lance[thrive_leads id=’51985′]
Categories

About The Author:

Picture of Kirk Mauthner

Kirk Mauthner

Kirk is the owner and president of Basecamp Innovations Ltd and is an active internationally certified IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide based out of British Columbia Canada. His combination of strong guiding and technical rescue skills, his sciences background and a keen sense for problem solving has allowed him to make numerous noteworthy advancements and contributions to both the guiding and technical rescue communities. As such, Kirk’s expertise in technical rope rescue training, consulting and product design is internationally sought after. On behalf of Parks Canada, Kirk also represents Canada in the Terrestrial Rescue Commission at the annual International Commission for Alpine Rescue (IKAR/ICAR) symposiums and is also a member of the Technical Committee for the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Learn more about Kirk and his work... https://www.basecampinnovations.com/contact.html

119 thoughts on “Dual Capability Two Tensioned Rope Systems (DC TTRS1 ) Technical Rope Rescue Systems Overhaul”

  2. Ddl

    Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your website in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!

  6. psilocybin oakland where to buy​

    459804 272563Greetings! Quick question thats completely off subject. Do you know how to make your web site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when viewing from my iphone. Im trying to find a template or plugin that may well be able to fix this problem. In case you have any recommendations, please share. Appreciate it! 917240

  7. Kleifgenkfb

    Desperate mum tried to get paranoid son sectioned just 10 days before he stabbed old girlfriend to death

    This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our perception. You can remove yourself from list at any time. much more information

    i appreciate you for subscribing!We have an overabundance of newslettersShow meSee our privacy notice

    The mum of a man with paranoid schizophrenia tried to get him sectioned 10 days before he stabbed his -girlfriend to death, An inquest has come across.

    envious Lloyd Brackenbury killed Natasha Wild, 23, In november 2016, Fearing she was sleeping with others with the fashion designer Jimmy Choo.

    Brackenbury, 32, Dialled 999 after he stabbed Natasha once to her neck at their apartment at Middle Hill, with Syke, Rochdale.

    She was was taken to Royal Oldham Hospital but died in the early hours of the very next day.

    Lloyd Brackenbury and Natasha nuts

    At Manchester Crown Court in October 2017 Brackenbury was ordered to be detained in a psychiatric hospital after he was found guilty of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

    He was eliminated of murder.

    Opening the inquest on Monday asst coroner Lisa Judge said 10 days before her death Natasha and her mum Susan Wild went to see Lloyd mother Linda Brackenbury to raise concerns about Lloyd mental health.

    Police attended the middle Hill home and took Natasha to stay with her mum, But was done either to assist or treat Lloyd in any formal capacity

    (concept: MEN media)

    Ms expert said: “It was agreed that Linda would try to secure help to accommodate what they viewed as the significant deterioation of his mental health.

    “Contact is made on November 18, 2016, By Lloyd mummy. We will learn about what was said.

    “We will also listen to what action, or rather inaction, Was taken in step to her call.

    “the authorities were called, So were the ambulance facility. All of the people who had contact with Lloyd Brackenbury have provided statements.

    “On december 18, Despite Linda requesting medical treatment, Nothing was done to either assist or treat Lloyd in any formal capacity.

    “We will hear that Natasha was recinded by police to stay at her mums, But she returned after that to be with Lloyd.

    “After charmingdate.com November 18 no mental health assessment was set up.

    “Ten days later the police were called to Natasha and Lloyd home.

    “Lloyd Brackenbury released the 999 call. By the time police arrived Natasha was in a state of total collapse and was bleeding dramatically from a solitary stab wound to the neck.

    “An ambulance had been called but the appearance of the paramedics was delayed by a miscommunication.

    “Eventually Natasha arrived at Royal Oldham Hospital and despite efforts to resuscitate her she was said dead at 1.28am on december 29.

  8. Bernardkdp

    positives and negatives of quick free dating online

    an individual, anytime single people play brs for the vacation, looking to hit it off with a possible prefer interest rate. smartphones have now change an dating game, this enables website visitors to meet, get together, fall in love on the net all within a few moments. a date is just a few swipes, steps or simply scrolls aside. knowledge has made easy relationships suitable but they are available in its commodity relating to good and bad. in this article looking at the positive as well as unwanted side effects of easily personals.

    one levelling green when introverts

    formerly, if you’ve been their introvert, odds are appeared to be quite possibly shy away from paying heed to a potential like importance because was missing your valor or self esteem need to her/him playing. With the appearance among smartphones one the market, all of that has metamorphosed. online dating supplies levelled this area, and likewise actually carry around all your the capacity relationship pursuit for you. Swiping left or right or containing a very few taps of, you coomunicate back potentially move on to the next one at hand. the field of internet dating contains really extended giving people a bunch of types. genuinely, in new information authored because Norwegian university to science and technology, With a lot more customers whoever demands probably are transferring, the particular judgment of searching for a soulmate on the internet is subsiding. on the flip side, although handiness and free dating online, there is certainly good fortune to give consideration to. the pain sensation of being unwanted in dating foreign girls cases can also take a cost on folks. not surprisingly, a survey written and published in 2011 discovered which experts state clearly socially denied stimulates a similar thing areas serotonin levels corporal painful sensation delivers. That shows that opportunity on your own through to going applications places to be refused earlier than can have a real influence on well-being. so that, and technological know-how has used folks plenty of offerings and as well as opportunity to meet the best way to it has also led for them selecting turned down speedy. associated with us quizzed pundits her or his take about this.

    medical psychologist Seema Hingorrany thinks that do undoubtedly were hurting with concern associated with excellent variety. states, day, there are many free dating online applications and in addition blogs mushrooming, the better that increase, if more elementary family relationships will have. I identify 10 to 12 visitors in month the people that find ourselves at me while using warning signs of depression and so panic and anxiety only just given that they were ghosted otherwise unwanted for the. feelings and thus understandings aren’t actually deemed as, of which amazingly unfortunate. those matchmaking software several are meet up platforms that rapid satisfaction is the debate. People have many choice so trivial competitions create them finish line a relationships on a whim as they quite simply advance more second suggestion feeling they are willing to hire a company better. this opinion to a degree is sensible, almost all deludes one firmly into featuring a wax luminous for just the right Godot individual very well you must never be delivered.

    older, being rejected was an exclusive a sense of shame the particular coped with with neighbor’s loving. this moment, Everything is in the general public space. immediate gratification is a reality as a result is being rejected. a negative answer or no the slightest bit is generally become the instead of the norm exception. psychiatrist medical professional Hemant Mittal, tells people, Social negativity makes nearly everybody appearance excessive and questitopic desirability on their has or simply a direct impact overall self-worth. in many instances it can lead to pressure and as a consequence despair. the ultimate way to cope with this is getting accepted from the herd. Know how you want using a association. abstain from producing involved with something you’re not at ease with. the main focus ought to be your well-being and simply fitness. take note of online dating as something to manufacture dating effortless, in addition to as a garden pond inside discriminately ukraine babes fish for temporarily romantic relationships.

  10. Bartonocc

    Put on shoes that make you feel great, not uncertain that you may fall due to their high elevation. Unlike some rivals, EasternHoneys does not make you pay a set price for costs strategies. To connect with ladies, you will certainly need to pay in advancement. There are, nonetheless, males who had actually like a lady that will remain at home in the future to care for their youngsters. Regardless of your wrist aromas like is what your breath scents like to other men and also females. An amazing method to examine your breath would certainly be to discreetly lick the within your wrist. After the dampness dries out, then odor your wrist where it previously was damp. If you are believing you certain desire he would kiss you and you grab on your own licking your lips, after that this is a body language indication that educates a man you prefer a kiss. If you are likely to put on fragrance a variety of the most effective position on your body to put it are supporting your ears, after that a loss on your neck and/or on your wrists.

    Even worse yet, there are a great deal of people that are sensitive or sensitive to powerful fragrance fragrances so please usage moderately. Place perfume on gently so you do not eliminate your day with the self-important smell. Order a container of red wine as well as you have an exceptional dinner date. That are Asian mail order new brides? 11. You obtain a person that is terrific at a lot of activities. Like the gentlemen prior to, I began asking for photographs as well as I did get a few images. You should be prepared to talk regarding a few of your favorite albums if possible. But your other head just can not obtain over just how stunning these ladies are and they want to speak to you! Sure, she only has a couple of pictures posted as well as she keeps making reasons why she can’t send you brand-new ones that will certainly validate that she’s actual; maybe she even starts to obtain upset since you’re examining her sincerity. Their objective is to offer their members need, whether it be a day, love, and even a long-term partnership. It’s usually asserted that Oriental women aren’t sensible but emotional in a connection.

    When you see an Eastern woman, you instantly recognize she is really clean from her appearance. At the FindAsianBeauty dating system, you can meet Eastern females online using the search tool: pick the more effective age of the lady, give your requirements towards faith, degree of English, level of education, and look of the woman that you would love to day. 2 “All my letters and the females’s letters go through a translator that benefits an independent company which subsequently is contracted with Asianbeauties. 3 “After loging on Eastern Beauties & obtaining numerious letters, I selected one girl from Shenyang and also began composing letters. They are accountable for ensuring the health and wellness and health and wellbeing of their family members, as well as one of the finest ways to do that is to feed them well. They would seek abounding methods of preserving money as well as investing in areas that make great earnings.

    One more method to inform if you are attracted to him would certainly be if you look down shyly at times. , if you look from side to side you aren’t brought in to him.. An essential pointer you might capture yourself doing on the day is playing with your hair; this indicates that you are drawn in to him. , if it is in your hands to intend your day than you ought to understand his interests so that you may intend an enjoyable date for the two of you.. Hopefully both of you selected the really initial date along with comparable rate of interests. Now you are preparing for your very first day with that you anticipate is Mr.. Possibly your Eastern guy intended to surprise you on your extremely initial date. Dress appropriately for the day. Although you are on your date, ensure you ask your day a lot of concerns. If he likes to prepare you might intend a day at a dining establishment or location that permits individuals to cook their food. The both of you’ll have some spirited fun in the kitchen area, enjoy every other’s culinary abilities and also appreciate gorgeous asian babes your food when you are completed. Do not forget about flowers, toys, or unique food.

  12. cvv-pro

    311726 651857I want to start a blog written by a fictitious character commenting on politics, current events, news etc..How?. 158087

  103. porn

    Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you, However I am going through troubles with your RSS. I don’t understand why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody else having similar RSS issues? Anyone who knows the answer can you kindly respond? Thanx!

  110. Recommended Reading

    I truly love your site.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did you build this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my very own blog and would like to find out where you got this from or what the theme is named. Kudos!

Comments are closed.

Helpful Links

Courses