Primary Uses of the PETZL RIG

Written By: Lance Piatt

Primary uses of the RIG

The RIG is a self-braking belay / rappel device that can be used on either the harness or the anchor.

WARNINGS

Read the technical notice before viewing the following techniques.
It is important to fully understand the information provided in the technical notice before using this complementary information
Mastering these techniques requires training.
Consult a professional before attempting to perform these techniques on your own.

Differentiating between RIG models
Rope access descender.
Lowering with RIG attached to an anchor
Belaying with RIG attached to an anchor
Belaying a climber using lead climbing technique

Differentiating between RIG models

Rope access descender.

The RIG may be used by one person of up to 150 kg, or by two persons in a rescue context, up to 200 kg with extra friction.

RIG: rope access descender, information table.

The brake-side rope can run over either the reinforced brake plate or the friction groove, depending on rope diameter, user preference, the position of the braking carabiner and the hand…

In any case, the user must never let go of the brake-side rope when operating the handle. WARNING: if new or small-diameter ropes are used, or with heavy loads, the user must be especially cautious.

WORK POSITIONING, HANDS-FREE POSITION

The AUTO-LOCK system on the 2018 RIG automatically locks the load and returns the handle to the stop position. Before letting go of the rope, the user must ensure that the handle has properly returned to the stop position.

RIG < 2018On the < 2018 RIG, the return of the handle must be done manually. The user must not let go of the brake-side rope if the handle has not been turned to position B (work positioning).

OCCASIONAL ROPE CLIMBING

Two methods allow rapid rope ascent to precisely position yourself at the work station.

RIG 2018On the 2018 RIG, the rope can be taken up without operating the handle.

RIG < 2018On the < 2018 RIG, the handle must be in position C (belay).

Simple take-up, if the user has support for the feet and can reduce the tension in the rope:

Ascent with redirect point (and ROLLCLIP) when the user is suspended on rope:

Lowering with RIG attached to an anchor

With the RIG on the anchor, a person can be lowered to a work station, or an injured person may be evacuated. The rope must pass through a redirect at the anchor.

The user must never let go of the brake-side rope when operating the handle. (On the 2018 RIG, the user can let go of the rope after making sure the handle has automatically returned to the stop position. On the pre-2018 RIG, the user must not let go of the rope until after turning the handle to position B (work positioning)

During long descents and/or with heavy loads, speed must be reduced to avoid overheating the device.

Lowering with RIG attached to an anchor.

Lowering with RIG attached to an anchor, table.

Belaying with RIG attached to an anchor

The RIG on the anchor allows for belaying a person who is using another progression system.

The user must never let go of the brake-side rope. The user must always make sure to keep slack out of the rope between the RIG and the anchor, to reduce the risk of a fall.

WARNING: if new or small-diameter ropes are used, or with heavy loads, the user must be especially cautious. In any case, the user must never let go of the brake-side rope when operating the handle.

Giving slack on descent

Stopping a fall

Taking up slack on ascent

Belaying a climber using lead climbing technique

For access from the bottom, the RIG allows belaying a lead climber, who clips the rope through intermediate anchor points as he/she climbs.

RIG: belaying a climber using lead climbing technique, table.

RIG 2018: belaying a climber using lead climbing technique.

The cam has a small thumb rest that allows the rope to be unlocked for giving slack. The user must never let go of the brake-side rope.

The belayer can control the climber’s descent by operating the handle, without letting go of the brake-side rope.

About The Author:

Lance Piatt

Beginning his career in the rescue and rigging world as a “blue collar” SAR member with Deschutes and Jefferson County teams. Lance Piatt owns and operates Red Ibex Solutions, a sales and marketing wheelhouse blending rope rigging education and exquisite imagery with equipment knowledge and understanding; housing Rigging Lab Academy and Rescue Response Gear… Lance is producing high-end video education, working with several experts and instructors to produce unique series of “how to videos” and courses for rope rigging: Such as; the first ever full-length rescue training DVD, 'Tower Rescue', released in fall of 2005. As well as a series of scenario-based rescues ranging from cave rescue to cliff rescue.