What is the inspection process of PPE? In addition to the inspection before each use, an in-depth inspection of your PPE must be carried out by a competent inspector. The frequency of the in-depth inspection must be governed by applicable legislation, and the type and intensity of use. Petzl recommends an inspection at least …
What is PPE? PPE is Personal Protective Equipment, equipment worn or carried by the user. PPE is classified in three categories: Category 1: minor hazards, light mechanical impacts, solar radiation (e.g. glasses, gloves) Category 2 : serious hazards (e.g. ventilated helmets, crampons) Category 3 : major or deadly hazards (e.g. harnesses, carabiners, ice axes)) PPE helps protect a …
What is Fall Factor? Fall Factors are something that every rescuer and climber should understand. Fall factor is only applicable in situation where a climber/rescuer has climbed above their last anchor point. Understanding fall factor will help a climber/rescuer determine when and how often to place anchor points. Because it is impossible to fall …
What are the main differences between an industrial fall protection harness, and a rescue harness? A fall protection harness, in general, will not have an attachment point at the waist, and will normally not have work positioning attachments. Usually, the only attachment point on a fall protection harness will be the dorsal, or upper back …
How do industrial products for self-rescue from heights differ from traditional rescue gear? Most self-rescue from heights equipment secures to an anchor while a rope end secures to the worker. When the worker steps off the structure, they have no further hands on interaction with the device.
What is an easy way to determine if the “interior, field, or critical” angle of 90 degrees is being exceeded? Form the capital letter L using your thumb and index finger, in most people this will be 90 degrees, then hold your hand next to the angle you are questioning.
What does the term “two rope system” mean to you? Our current definition for a two rope system is independent, redundant, and discretely separate, ropes and systems, one for the mainline and the other for the belay. Our current definition for a mainline is the load bearing rope system. Our current definition for a belay …
What does the term “two rope system” mean to you? Read More »
How is technology and new age specialty equipment changing rope access or rescue? There are several devices on the market that allow for multiple applications, or needs, to be addressed with one piece of gear. Two devices that I will briefly address are the Petzl I’d and the CMC MPD. The Petzl I’d has been …
How is technology and new age specialty equipment changing rope access or rescue? Read More »
What are the options for access to “tall things”? When we talk about “tall things”, it could be an industrial structure like a wind turbine, water tower, or communications tower. Or, it could be a tree. In very general terms, the options are; traditional lead climbing, alternating lanyard climbing, or use of installed fall protection …
What are the options for access to “tall things”? Read More »
Why do you suggest eliminating, as much as possible, the use of knots, hitches, and bends for industry or plant based rescue teams? Some industrial or plant based rescue response teams have limited opportunity to practice their skills. This is because they have a primary job at that plant, their rescue responsibility is less of …
