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Rope systems

Frictionless Advantage Enhancing Arborist Safety and Efficiency

The Frictionless Advantage Enhancing Arborist Safety and Efficiency

/ Arborist, Blog

For the arborist, moving through a tree’s canopy is a highly skilled craft. It requires an understanding of physics, a trusting relationship with your gear, and a strategic eye for the tree’s natural shape. Traditional climbing methods, while effective, often use hardware that creates significant friction. This friction can make every adjustment a struggle, slowing […]

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dual mirror arborist system

Dual and Mirrored Rope Systems in Arborist Work Techniques

/ Anchors, Arborist, Blog

Dual and Mirrored Rope Systems in Arborist Work Techniques In arborist work, safety and efficiency depend on the reliability of the systems used to position and secure the climber. Dual and mirrored rope systems have emerged as a preferred approach in both work positioning and aerial rescue, offering redundancy, balanced load sharing, and enhanced mobility

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arbor rope access

Rope Access Techniques in Arbor Work

/ Arborist, Blog, Rope Access and Working At Height, Twin Tension Rope System, Two Rope Offsets

What Is Rope Access? Rope access is a method of working at height using ropes, harnesses, and friction devices. In arbor work, it allows arborists to move vertically and position themselves securely within a tree canopy. These systems rely on safe anchors and friction-managed descent tools to control movement. Instead of climbing with ladders or

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rappelling with the clutch

Rappelling with the CLUTCH Device for Technical Rescue

/ Blog, Rappel Systems

Rappelling with the CLUTCH Device for Technical Rescue The CLUTCH, co-engineered by CMC and Harken Industrial, has rapidly become a trusted standard in rope rescue and tactical descent systems. Designed for precise control and operational versatility, the CLUTCH serves as a multi-role mechanical device capable of rappelling, belaying, lowering, and hauling—all in one compact form.

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tactical rappel

Tactical Rappel Techniques for Rapid Descent and Urban Rescue

/ Blog, Rappel Systems

Tactical Rappel Techniques for Rapid Descent and Urban Operations The tactical rappel is a high-speed descent technique used in military, law enforcement, and technical rescue missions. Unlike traditional recreational rappelling, tactical rappels prioritize speed, stealth, and precision. These techniques are used to rapidly insert personnel into hostile environments, evacuate victims, or gain vertical access in

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Retrievable Rope Rappel Techniques

Retrievable Rope Rappel Techniques

/ Blog, Rappel Systems

Retrievable Rope Rappel Techniques Retrievable rope systems have become a cornerstone of efficient, environmentally conscious rope work—especially in canyoneering, alpine climbing, and technical rope rescue. These systems allow a climber or technician to descend terrain and then recover their rope without leaving gear behind. When used correctly, retrievable rappel techniques conserve equipment, reduce environmental impact,

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Rope Access Pick-Off Rescue for Tower Workers - antenna tower and caged ladder rescue

High Angle Heroes Navigating the Complexities of Antenna Tower and Caged Ladder Rescue

/ Blog, Confined Space Rescue, Elevated Anchor Systems, Ladder Rescue Operations, Vertical Rescue Solutions

High Angle Heroes Navigating the Complexities of Antenna Tower and Caged Ladder Rescue The modern skyline is dotted with structures that reach hundreds—sometimes thousands—of feet into the air: antenna towers, wind turbines, power transmission poles, and industrial caged ladders. As critical as they are to communications and infrastructure, they present one of the most formidable

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Fundamentals of Rigging in Rescue Operations -English and Reverse Reeve Systems for Highline Rescue

English and Reverse Reeve Systems for Highline Rescue

/ Blog, Mainline Systems and Operations, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage, Two Rope Offsets, Two Tensioned Rope Rescue Systems

Highline Rescue Requires Precision In rope rescue operations, moving a load across horizontal or diagonal spans—whether suspended from high directionals or tensioned lines—demands a system that’s not only stable and redundant, but also dynamically adjustable under load. This is where English Reeve and Reverse Reeve systems shine. Both reeving systems offer unique advantages depending on

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Twin Tension Rope Systems and Gin Pole Setup

TTRS and Gin Pole Setup for Technical Rope Work

/ Blog, Twin Tension Rope System Clutch, Two (Twin) Tension Rope Systems, Two Rope Offsets, Two Tensioned Rope Rescue Systems

Technical rope professionals often need fast clarity on specific systems. Whether you are refining a Twin Tension Rope System (TTRS) or setting up a gin pole, efficiency, safety, and precision come from understanding how the system works—not just owning the gear. Twin Tension Rope Systems (TTRS) TTRS distributes the load between two tensioned lines, with

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litter patient package

Low Angle Litter Handling and Management

/ Blog, Litter Operations, Patient Packaging

Low Angle Litter Handling and Management Introduction Low-angle litter handling involves techniques for safely transporting patients across less severe terrain. While the challenges may be less technical than high-angle rescues, they require precise teamwork, equipment mastery, and an understanding of terrain management. This unit focuses on Class 1–3 terrain, covering essential techniques, roles within the

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mechanical advantage system - piggy back knot passing

Mechanical Advantage Piggyback Method

/ Blog, General Rigging, Knot Passing, Mechanical Advantage

The Mechanical Advantage Piggyback Method is a groundbreaking rigging technique in rope rescue operations, designed to navigate knots effectively while maintaining system stability and load control. This advanced method shines in scenarios involving mechanical devices such as the Clutch or MPD, utilizing a secondary mechanical advantage system like the AZTEK to ensure seamless and efficient

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Metacognition and GAP in Rope Rescue

Metacognition and GAP in Rope Rescue

/ Blog, Designing Your Processes, Leadership, Safe Practices, Team Competencies

Metacognition and GAP in Rope Rescue Rope rescue and rigging are inherently complex, requiring not only technical skills but also strategic thinking and adaptability. By integrating metacognition with the principles of GAP and GAIN, teams can create a framework that fosters continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence. Metacognition in Rope Rescue Metacognition, or “thinking about

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Petzl Pulleys for Rescue Teams

Petzl Pulleys for Rescue Teams

/ Blog, Equipment, Petzl, Pulleys & Mechanical Advantage

Essential Knowledge About New Petzl Pulleys for Rescue Teams Petzl, a renowned leader in climbing and rescue equipment, has launched a series of advanced pulleys that elevate safety, efficiency, and versatility in rescue operations. These innovative designs cater to the complex demands of technical rescues, providing professionals with reliable and easy-to-use solutions. Below is a

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Team Rescue Techniques Petzl Maestro Static and dynamic tests

Static and Dynamic Tests on Petzl MAESTRO

/ Belaying, Blog, General Rigging / 13 Comments

The Petzl MAESTRO descender has undergone rigorous static and dynamic testing to ensure its reliability in technical rescue operations. These evaluations were conducted in controlled laboratory settings using new devices and ropes certified to current standards. It’s important to note that results may vary with equipment that has experienced wear or when using different rope

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A Mechanical Advantage Overview

A Mechanical Advantage Overview

/ Blog, Mechanical Advantage / 12 Comments

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

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CMC Harken Clutch 11mm Loading and Testing

CMC Harken Clutch 11mm Loading and Testing

/ Blog, CMC Clutch by Harken Industrial, CMC Rescue, Equipment, RRG Gear Review / 6 Comments

CMC Harken Clutch 11mm Loading and Testing The CMC Harken Clutch 11mm continues to set the benchmark for rope rescue and technical operations. This robust device, engineered for reliability, offers a comprehensive solution for hauling, lowering, and tensioning systems. In this post, we’ll explore the critical aspects of loading and testing the Clutch, emphasizing its

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Releasable Anchors with the Petzl I'D

Releasable Anchors with the Petzl I’D

/ Anchoring, Belaying, Blog, Petzl

Releasable Anchors with the Petzl I’D Releasable anchors provide an efficient and safe solution for lowering a worker in case of an emergency, eliminating the need for rescuers to access the victim directly. This setup is particularly valuable for work-at-height scenarios, allowing a single operator to monitor multiple workers efficiently. The Petzl I’D stands out

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