Equipment Archives | Rigging Lab Academy

Peaks and Valleys: A Guide to Navigating High and Low-Angle Rope Rescues

By Lance Piatt / Artificial High Directional AHD, Blog, Designing Your Processes, Equipment, General Rigging, Mainline Systems and Operations, Principles of Learning, Safe Practices, Team Competencies

High-angle rescue stands as a beacon of hope and technical prowess in the face of nature’s most daunting terrains. These operations, essential for saving lives where the ground falls away into steep declines, demand a blend of courage, skill, and knowledge. Today, we delve into the world of high-angle versus low-angle rescues, unraveling the complexities …

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Unraveling Ascenders and Rope Grabs: Understanding Their Differences and Applications

By Lance Piatt / Blog, Equipment, FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the differences between ascenders and rope grabs? Ascenders and rope grabs, though often categorized interchangeably, serve distinct functions and require different handling protocols. Primarily intended for vertical work positioning and tensioned rope tasks, both devices are unsuitable for shock-loaded scenarios unless explicitly authorized by the manufacturer. Ascenders, while generally more efficient and …

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Exploring the Functionality and Types of Rope Grabs Inside Rope Rescue

By Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Equipment, Leadership

Rope grabs are pivotal in rope access and rescue operations, providing a means to secure and adjust positions on a rope. These devices come in two primary forms: soft rope grabs, made from cordage for adaptability and ease of use, and hard rope grabs, crafted from metal with teeth or gears for a firm grip. …

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Rope Rescue Essentials: FAQs on Selection, Use, and Maintenance of Rescue Ropes

By Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Equipment, FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions

In rescue operations, selecting the right type of rope is paramount for ensuring safety and efficiency. Kernmantle ropes, characterized by their nylon core and protective sheath, vary in composition to suit different environments, including those requiring resistance to high heat or sharp edges. Understanding the distinctions between static, low-stretch, and dynamic ropes is crucial, as …

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Understanding the Essentials: A Guide to Choosing the Right Safety Harness for Rescue and Fall Protection

By Lance Piatt / Blog, Equipment

This FAQ section tackles important questions about harnesses used in safety and rescue situations. It covers the differences between fall arrest and rescue harnesses, including their specific uses, design features like attachment points, and suitability for various rescue operations. We also discuss the classifications of harnesses according to NFPA 1983 standards and their applications, from …

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Mastering the Art of Edge Protection: Elevating Your Rope Rescue Goals

By Lance Piatt / Blog, Coaching, Designing Your Processes, Equipment, General Rigging, Organizing, RRG Gear Review

Rope rescue operations are dependent on the integrity of ropes and rigging systems. Ensuring the safety of both rescuers and victims involves a comprehensive approach that includes protecting the rope, safeguarding the rescue environment, reducing friction, and maintaining the cleanliness of the ropes. In this chapter, we delve into these essential aspects of rope safety …

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Revolutionizing Rope Rigging: Introducing the SQUID System for Enhanced Safety and Efficiency

By Lance Piatt / Blog, CMC Clutch by Harken Industrial, Designing Your Processes, Equipment, General Rigging, Mainline Systems and Operations

Welcome to the cutting-edge of rope rigging technology! In this post, we’re diving into the groundbreaking SQUID system, a game-changer for anyone involved in twin tension rope systems (TTRS). Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, understanding the innovative features and benefits of SQUID will redefine your approach to rigging, offering unparalleled …

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Building Highline in Popular Climbing Areas: What Fire Services and Search and Rescue Teams Need to Know

By Lance Piatt / Blog, Equipment, Mainline Systems and Operations, Offset Track Line, Search and Rescue Training, Vertical Rescue Solutions

Climbing is a great recreational activity for outdoor enthusiasts. However, accidents and emergencies can happen, especially in popular climbing areas where crowds are high. As emergency responders, fire services, and search and rescue teams should not only have the skills and equipment to rescue climbers when accidents occur. Still, they also need to have a …

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Unlocking Efficiency and Safety: The CAPTO and CLUTCH Mechanical Advantage System

By Lance Piatt / Blog, CMC Clutch by Harken Industrial, CMC Rescue, Designing Your Processes, Equipment, Harken Industrial, Highline Rigging, Mainline Systems and Operations, Mechanical Advantage, Pulley Systems, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage

Welcome to a new era in rope access and rescue operations, where innovation meets simplicity. In the world of technical rope work, the challenges of complexity, safety concerns, and limited versatility have met their match. Introducing CAPTO and CLUTCH – a dynamic duo designed to transform the way technicians approach their work. The following is …

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Balancing Act: Navigating Highlines in Rope Rescue and Life

By Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Equipment, Fall Safety, General Rigging, Safe Practices, Team Competencies, Technical Learning

I love the parallels between highline systems in rope rescue and the challenges of everyday life. “In the world of rope rescue, the concept of ‘highlines’ holds a profound parallel to the challenges we encounter in life. Picture this: a highline system, suspended across a perilous gap, serving as a lifeline for those in need. …

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