CMC MPD… A belay device or a pulley system? The MPD from CMC is designed to be used as a belay device to arrest a falling load should the main line fail. A very common question we field is regarding the “shared tension systems”. Shared tension systems are essentially two lowering systems in place of …
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 …
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 …
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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 …
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