Fall Safety Archives

Rooftop Rescue Rope Systems for Firefighters

Lance Piatt / Blog, Equipment, Fall Safety, General Rigging, Mainline Systems and Operations

Navigating Rescue Rope Selection for Firefighters: From Rooftops to General Operations Introduction Firefighting is a profession where every decision can impact lives, including the tools and equipment chosen for critical operations. Among these, rescue ropes are vital, serving as lifelines in rooftop rescues, fall protection, and general fireground tasks. Selecting the right rope isn’t just […]

Rooftop Rescue Rope Systems for Firefighters Read More »

TIBLOC for Taut Rope Progression

Lance Piatt / Ascend - Descend, Belaying, Blog, Fall Safety

Understanding Progression with a Taut Rope Progression with a taut rope involves partners climbing simultaneously, connected by a rope under tension. While this method can save time in “easy” terrain, it comes with inherent dangers, including the potential for one climber’s fall to affect the other. The TIBLOC serves as an auxiliary tool to limit

TIBLOC for Taut Rope Progression Read More »

tower rescue for rope rescue technicians

Tower Rescue in the Rope Rescue Industry

Lance Piatt / Blog, Fall Safety, Tom Wood

Tower rescue is a specialized discipline within the rope rescue industry, focusing on safely evacuating individuals from tall structures such as communication towers, wind turbines, and other elevated platforms. This type of rescue demands advanced skills, specific equipment, and a thorough understanding of various rescue techniques due to the unique challenges posed by these structures.

Tower Rescue in the Rope Rescue Industry Read More »

Unlocking Rope Edge Safety

Lance Piatt / Blog, Designing Your Processes, Fall Safety, General Rigging, Leadership, Safe Practices

In the dynamic environments of the fire service and search and rescue operations, ensuring the safety of our responders is paramount. Among the critical considerations in these high-risk scenarios is the protection of the rope edge – the lifeline that connects our technicians to safety and facilitates successful rescues. Rope rescue edge protections encompass a

Unlocking Rope Edge Safety Read More »

Highlines in Rope Rescue and Life

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

Highlines in Rope Rescue and Life: Finding Balance and Mastery Highline systems in rope rescue offer a unique and powerful metaphor for the challenges we face in life. These systems, carefully designed to bridge daunting gaps and navigate treacherous terrain, parallel the trials we encounter daily, requiring precision, courage, and balance. Highlines as a

Highlines in Rope Rescue and Life Read More »

ASAP Lock Vertical Lifeline

Lance Piatt / Blog, Fall Safety, How-To Concepts, Industry

How to Use the ASAP Lock on a Vertical Lifeline in a Sloped Roof Application Working on sloped roofs—whether for solar panel installations, roof inspections, or snow removal—requires specialized safety equipment and proper technique. The Petzl ASAP Lock Vertical Lifeline System is a reliable fall arrest solution, designed to provide both safety and efficiency. This

ASAP Lock Vertical Lifeline Read More »

Learn How to Use ASAP Mobile Fall Arresters

Lance Piatt / Blog, Fall Safety, Horizontal Rigging, Industry, Petzl / 53 Comments

Learn How to Use the ASAP Mobile Fall Arresters Mobile fall arresters, such as the ASAP and ASAP LOCK, are essential safety tools for professionals working at height. Installed on a safety rope, these devices automatically follow the user on vertical or inclined surfaces. In the event of a sudden acceleration or shock load, they

Learn How to Use ASAP Mobile Fall Arresters Read More »

Securing the PETZL MAESTRO with an ASAP for training.

Lance Piatt / Belaying, Blog, Fall Safety / 7 Comments

Securing the Petzl MAESTRO with an ASAP for Training In certain training or educational situations, managing excessive descent speed or loss of control is crucial for safety. The Petzl MAESTRO provides excellent control, but improper use or excessive pull on its handle can result in loss of control, especially in high-tension systems. To mitigate this,

Securing the PETZL MAESTRO with an ASAP for training. Read More »

Understanding ANSI Z459.1 and Twin Tensioned Systems

Lance Piatt / Blog, Fall Safety, General Rigging, Rope Access and Working At Height, Safe Practices / 34 Comments

ANSI Z459.1 and Twin Tensioned Systems: Clarifying Misconceptions The ANSI Z459.1 standard, introduced as part of the ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Code, aims to provide clear guidance on rope access systems. However, misconceptions have arisen regarding the standard’s interpretation, particularly concerning the use of two descenders on a single connection point. This article aims to

Understanding ANSI Z459.1 and Twin Tensioned Systems Read More »

Aerial Work Platforms

Lance Piatt / Blog, Equipment, Fall Safety, Petzl / 26 Comments

Aerial Work Platforms: Expanding Access at Heights Aerial work platforms (AWPs) have revolutionized how we approach challenging work at heights, enabling access to otherwise unreachable areas. While rope techniques remain essential for many industries, platforms like telescopic boom lifts and portable cranes are transforming work efficiency and safety. This blog explores insights from Loc’Nacelle, a

Aerial Work Platforms Read More »

Fall Safety