Professional Standards

RLA’s 3 Tips For Better Online Learning ~ Experience and Behavior

There are thousands upon thousands of riggers within the fire service and other emergency services such as Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and all of them at one point or some point will need or have already turned to online training.  Regardless of what has transpired over the last 6 months, online training has been increasing …

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Technical Rescue: The Importance of 15:1

(This article was originally run in Firehouse October 1, 2019) Russell McCullar clarifies whether 15:1 is still relevant and says that fire departments should select gear and load limits that meet their needs. All Photos by Russell McCullar Not long ago, I was explaining to one of my students that our training agency was undergoing …

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PPE Inspection – Carabiners

This week on Tech Pick of the Week we focus on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) specifically carabiners. It is always good practice to inspect your gear on the regular. Our tech expert Luke Bryan breaks down a few key elements to look into while inspecting your carabiner cache. Before beginning inspection on your carabiner make …

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Is the Avao Bod Harness Really That Good?

Is the Avao Bod Harness really that good? The Avao Bod represents a leap forward in comfort, design and practicality in work and rescue harnesses. Featuring an X-shaped dorsal construction system, a reconfigured waist belt and padding system, the Avao line offers increased support and comfort for ascent, descent and work positioning. Professional riggers and …

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The Confusing World of ANSI Standards Just Got Easier

INTRODUCTION TO ANSI STANDARDS An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope and provisions. An American National Standard is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the consumer, and the general public. The existence of an American National Standard does not in any respect preclude anyone, whether they …

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Rigging Lab Academy Just Got Even Better!

So we want to give y’all a look into the future of rigging.  Well, isn’t so much about “rigging” as much as it is about the process of learning rigging.  Saving, securing, building, fixing, repairing and of course rescuing… are all part of what you guys do.  It doesn’t take many seconds to find movies …

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Rescue Rope-Based Rigging Concepts: A book review

Rescue Rope-Based Rigging Concepts… A new book by Steve Crandall.  At first glance I see Images, Content and a Warning sign!  A warning sign? Because books are not intended to be used in place of active proficient practice. Steve’s insight on the subject of rope rescue, rigging and intellectual concepts of physics, breathes life into the …

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Moving Beyond 10:1 Static System Safety Factor

Moving Beyond 10:1 Static System Saftey Factor Moving Beyond 10:1 SSSF Introducing Force Limiting Systems and Managing the Right Risk at the Right Time ITRS 2014 By: Kirk Mauthner, British Columbia, Canada, kirk.mauthner@gmail.com Abstract: Most rope rescuers are aware or familiar with the concept of applying a safety factor – such as 10:1 – to …

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Break-bar Rack, Figure 8 or Petzl I’d? Which do I buy?

I get this question asked in a lot of ways.  All though in many ways, this is really a no-brainer.  In other ways, it becomes complicated. The no-brainer is answering the question from a logical standpoint.  Ease of use. Does it have more than one use?  Cost per use over time (amortization).   The complicated …

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Sterling Rope’s SuperStatic2 Rope: Gear Video Vault by Rescue Response Gear

Sterling SuperStatic2 Nylon Rope 7/16 Inch Diameter A multipurpose rescue/rappel rope, the 7/16″ is the top choice for military operations, mountain rescue and rope access. 1/2 Inch Diameter A 1/2″ technical rescue and high angle multi-use rescue rope that is perfect for mainline rescue and belay line systems. 5/8 Inch Diameter With its large diameter …

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