Knot Passing During Lowering - Piggyback & CMC Harken Clutch

Knot Passing During Lowering – Piggyback & CMC Harken Clutch

Written By: Lance Piatt

The Lowering Piggyback Method is a refined technique used in technical rope rescue to manage knots effectively while maintaining continuous control over the descent. This method is particularly useful when using descent control devices such as the Clutch, MPD, or Maestro and requires a secondary descent control device and rope. The following steps outline how to implement the Lowering Piggyback Method, ensuring safety and efficiency during operations.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Lowering Piggyback Method

Step 1: Setup and Initial Lowering

Begin by lowering the load until the knot is positioned just above the Clutch. Then, rotate the Clutch handle to ‘Stop’ to secure the rope temporarily.
Attach a secondary descent control system, referred to as the piggyback system, to a strong anchor point. Use a Prusik hitch to connect this system to the main line. Carefully remove as much slack from this connection as possible to prepare for the load transfer.

Step 2: Transfer the Load to the Piggyback System

Release the rope from the main line Clutch, which allows the load to be transferred to the piggyback system. This system will now temporarily bear the full weight of the load.
Reposition the knot to situate it below the main line Clutch. Once done, rotate the Clutch handle back to ‘Stop’ to secure the main line without tension.

Step 3: Transfer the Load Back to the Main Line

With the knot properly positioned and the secondary system in place, use the piggyback system to carefully lower the load. This action gradually transfers the tension back to the main line Clutch.
Ensure that this transition is smooth and controlled to maintain stability and prevent any sudden jerks or slips.

Step 4: Dismantle the Piggyback System

Once the main line Clutch has securely retaken the load, gently pull some rope through the piggyback system to create slack.
Remove the piggyback system from the main line completely, ensuring that all components of the secondary system are disconnected without impacting the primary descent control setup.
Resume lowering the load using the main line Clutch, now that the rope is free of knots and the system is returned to its standard configuration.

Advantages of the Lowering Piggyback Method

Efficiency in Handling Knots: This method provides a seamless way to manage knots during lowering operations, ensuring that they do not interfere with the operation of the Clutch or other descent control devices.
Safety and Control: By employing a secondary system, this method allows for greater control over the load, especially in critical phases of knot transfer.
Flexibility: Suitable for various types of descent control devices, the Lowering Piggyback Method adds a layer of flexibility to rescue operations, adapting to different equipment and scenarios.

This method is instrumental in complex rope rescues where precise control over the rope system is necessary. By mastering the Lowering Piggyback Method, rescue teams can enhance their operational safety and efficiency, ensuring smoother and more controlled descents in challenging rescue situations.

Peace on your Days

Lance

About The Author:

Lance Piatt

Beginning his career in the rescue and rigging world as a “blue collar” SAR member with Deschutes and Jefferson County teams. Lance Piatt owns and operates Red Ibex Solutions, a sales and marketing wheelhouse blending rope rigging education and exquisite imagery with equipment knowledge and understanding; housing Rigging Lab Academy and Rescue Response Gear… Lance is producing high-end video education, working with several experts and instructors to produce unique series of “how to videos” and courses for rope rigging: Such as; the first ever full-length rescue training DVD, 'Tower Rescue', released in fall of 2005. As well as a series of scenario-based rescues ranging from cave rescue to cliff rescue.