Blog

Two Rope System Cross Pollination: A Tale of Two Industries

Almost all rope rescue systems used could be considered a “two rope system”.  Traditional mainline / slack belay systems and twin tension rope systems (TTRS) both use two (2) ropes.  However, the similarities stop there.  I won’t get into the biopsy of the mainline-belay line system because, well… they have been around forever.  The “relatively” …

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Why Cave Rescue (Small Party Assisted) and Single Rope Pickoffs Applies to All Rope Rescue Teams

So what is Small Party Assisted Rescue? Well, it’s essentially a 2-4 “person” (cavers, climbers, mountain SAR, etc.) assisting an injured member of their team or party without the reliance or assistance from outside resources or teams. I am going to share with you a very small but important part of cave rescue that applies …

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Anchors

Anchors: The Underpinning of Everything That Has a System Attached to It

Building an anchor system requires much practice and experience. When dealing with structures, chose anchor points which are part of the inherent structure of the building. This includes columns, beams, anchors for window cleaning equipment, and elevator housings. Avoid corroded metal, weathered stonework, and deteriorated mortar. Avoid using vents, flashing, gutters, and chimneys. When using …

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Richard Delaney RopeLab

Mechanical Advantage: 2:1 or 3:1? – RLA Partner Richard Delaney of RopeLab

I thought this was a super quick illustration to show how observation and proximity make a difference.  The question, here is  what is the mechanical advantage difference between a “ground hauler” or that of the “load hauler”.  The significance is found in the frame of reference… the applied force to the input is what defines …

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Using the Fast Fours for Confined Space Rescue and Fallen Worker Rescue/Recovery

What has happened… a worker has fallen from his working platform. The worker condition is good enough where he is able to assist in his own recovery and rescue. This video was developed over a span of time where Rich took to heart, the process of confined space rescue, fallen worker rescue and simply using …

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A Quick Look at a Tower Rescue Tracking Skate Block (Hybrid) System

Earlier in 2018, we had a great time hanging out with the Elevated Safety crew to learn more about (and film) Tower Rescue and what Technicians need to understand.  The result is an amazing course focused primarily on Offset techniques.  This is an excerpt from that course… Tower Rescue Technician. A quick look at a …

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Go 0 to 60 In Your Understanding of Mechanical Advantage

Determining mechanical advantage using the T-Method is really the guiding method to determine the “ideal mechanical advantage” or IMA.  However, note… this method doesn’t take into consideration the friction problems or coefficient of rope bending or turning on metal. So what is mechanical advantage? Mechanical Advantage Definition 1 “A force created through mechanical means including, …

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Confined Space Rescue Tight Line Skate Block System

Skate blocks are aerial track systems that are considered by many to be simpler to rig than a traditional highline system… and often much more effective. Enjoy this training video There are numerous variations to the “skate block” Often a skate block only requires one rescuer to climb the structure and anchor the change of …

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