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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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