Twin Tension Systems in Horizontal Tracks for Rope Rescue When a litter is moved across a horizontal track line, rescuers are managing one of the most demanding rigging challenges in rope rescue. Forces on anchors are amplified by sag angle, span length, and live load movement. Traditional single-line tracks rely on one rope for the […]
Twin Tension Systems in Horizontal Tracks for Rope Rescue Read More »
Slack Anchors Slack anchor systems are commonly used in rope access, though they appear in other rescue environments as well. Their appeal lies in simplicity—and in many rope access situations, where dynamic loading or sudden failure is rare, slack anchors are entirely appropriate. However, simplicity doesn’t mean simplicity of thought. These anchors require purposeful alignment,
Anchor Selection in Rope Rescue Anchor selection is one of the most critical elements in rope rescue. It’s also one of the most nuanced. Choosing the right anchor is not just a matter of strength—it’s about judgment, environment, time constraints, and purpose. Most anchors are never truly tested under full operational load. If they were,
Anchor Selection in Rope Rescue Read More »
Contingency Anchor Systems In rope rescue, contingency anchor systems serve as critical backups. These systems are designed to take over if the primary anchors fail or become compromised. They provide a safety net—ensuring operations can continue without hesitation, even when the unexpected happens. Prepared in advance and built with redundancy in mind, contingency anchors reflect
Contingency Anchor Systems Read More »
Pre-Tensioned Anchors In rope rescue and rigging, pre-tensioned anchors refer to anchor points or systems that are intentionally loaded with tension before the main force is applied. The purpose is to remove slack, increase stability, and reduce unwanted movement when the load engages. By preloading the system, rescuers can improve efficiency and prevent sudden shifts
Pre-Tensioned Anchors in Rope Rescue Read More »
Two-Point Load-Distributing System In rope rescue and rigging, the two-point load-distributing system is a core strategy for building safety and stability into anchor setups. When only two viable anchor points are available, this system allows for even force distribution—reducing the strain on each point and protecting against sudden failure. The system is simple in concept
Two-Point Load-Distributing System Read More »
Understanding Load-Sharing Anchor Systems In technical rigging and rope rescue, a load-sharing anchor system is a go-to solution when safety and redundancy are non-negotiable. These systems are designed to distribute force across multiple anchor points, ensuring that no single point bears the entire load. This balanced approach not only improves stability but also prepares the
Understanding Load-Sharing Anchor Systems Read More »
Transferring from an Anchor to an Anchor System When a single anchor point isn’t strong enough to support the system, you must connect multiple anchor points. This creates an anchor system. The system must be configured so that if one anchor fails, the entire system doesn’t collapse. This kind of redundancy is not optional. It
Transferring from an Anchor to an Anchor System Read More »
Spanned Anchors in Rope Rescue Spanned anchors play a critical role in rope rescue operations, especially when anchor points must be established across gaps, uneven terrain, or large horizontal distances. Unlike traditional anchors that rely on fixed points, spanned anchors offer flexibility in positioning and load distribution. But with this versatility comes added complexity, and
Spanned Anchors in Rope Rescue Read More »
Can I Lash the Legs (AHD) to a Handrail? Understanding Rigging Safety and Best Practices When setting up a rigging system, questions often arise about the suitability of using existing structures, such as handrails, as anchor points. While it may seem convenient to lash tripod legs or other rigging equipment to a handrail, this practice
Can I Lash the Legs (AHD) to a Handrail? Read More »
Understanding Anchor Forces In technical rigging and rescue operations, anchors form the backbone of every system. However, the strength of an anchor setup depends not only on individual components but also on the angles and forces exerted within multi-point systems. By understanding strength ratings, force vectors, and the impact of angles, riggers can ensure safe
Understanding Anchor Forces Read More »
Metacognition, Knowledge, and Perception in Rigging and Rescue Operations Trigger Warning! – This course (to some) reads like the Tao Te Ching or Ancient Proverbs. Leadership is not solely achieved through age, promotions, or certifications – although these elements may be part of the leadership journey. True leaders will see authority in the lowliest of
Metacognition in Rigging and Rescue Operations Read More »
Rope Rescue and Rigging: Safety, Standards, and Systematic Approaches In rope rescue and rigging, safety is paramount. Understanding the intricacies of safety standards, system dynamics, and equipment functionality ensures effective and secure operations. While training scenarios may allow for slightly lower safety standards due to controlled environments, they must still adhere to rigorous protocols to
Rope Rescue Safety Essentials Read More »
The Four Burners Theory in Rope Rescue and Rigging The Four Burners Theory, a metaphor often used to represent the balancing act between personal and professional priorities, has valuable implications in rope rescue and rigging. Just as in life, achieving optimal performance in rigging operations requires strategic focus, resource allocation, and disciplined decision-making. By applying
The Four Burners Theory in Rope Rescue Read More »
Understanding Vectors, Scalars, and Unitless Values in Rope Rescue Systems In rope rescue and haul systems, mastering the concepts of vectors, scalars, and unitless values is essential for calculating mechanical advantage and ensuring safe operations. Each plays a unique role in analyzing and optimizing rescue setups, helping rescuers balance efficiency, safety, and system design. Vectors
Vectors Scalars and Mechanical Advantage Read More »
The Benefits and Considerations of Staggering Rigging Anchors Staggering rigging anchors is a highly effective technique for distributing the mechanical advantage system across a wider area, improving efficiency, and minimizing resets. However, while this method has clear benefits, it also comes with challenges that must be addressed to ensure safety and functionality in rigging operations.
Staggering Rigging Anchors for Efficiency Read More »
A Mechanical Advantage Overview In the world of technical rescue and rigging, mechanical advantage (MA) is a fundamental principle that transforms raw effort into efficient, effective power. Whether you’re hauling a stretcher up a vertical cliff face or lowering equipment into a confined space, understanding mechanical advantage is crucial to creating systems that perform reliably
A Mechanical Advantage Overview Read More »
Visualizing Resultants and Maintaining Stability in Rigging Systems Excerpt from “A Guide to Artificial High Directionals & Two-Tension Rope Systems” Rigging stability is both an art and a science. Ensuring your system remains stable requires careful consideration of forces, resultants, and the tools available to manage them. Whether you’re deploying artificial high directionals (AHDs) like
Visualizing Resultants in Rigging Read More »
Tools vs. Knowledge: Which Matters More in Rigging and Rescue? In technical rescue and rigging, the debate over the importance of tools versus knowledge is a frequent topic of discussion. While tools—such as carabiners, pulleys, and ropes—are essential for the work, they are inanimate objects that require the wisdom, understanding, and experience of the user
Tools vs Knowledge Read More »
How to Size Up Your Scene: Key Steps for Safe and Effective Rigging Before the first anchor is set or any rope technician approaches the edge, the most critical step in any rigging job must be taken: the scene size-up, often referred to as a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). This foundational process identifies potential hazards,
How to Size Up Your Scene Read More »
