CONTACT DETAILS
National Tel : 0861040506
International Tel : +27117925226
Cellular : 0832514312 / +27832514312
info@liftlash.co.za
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FALL ARREST - PETZL complete catalogue
In the realm of work at height, especially in areas related to progression on rope, performance and ergonomics are major issues.
At Petzl, we maintain a constant contact with professionals, which allows us to create solutions to meet these needs. For 2019,
we have focused our efforts on multiple product families. With the advent of the new VERTEX and STRATO helmets, Petzl introduces
a new line available in different configurations (VENT, HI-VIZ...) with an extensive selection of accessories (visors, nametag holder,
nape protector...). Also of note for rope access, the new I'D descenders with AUTO-LOCK function and the international versions
of the AVAO and ASTRO harnesses. For tree care, the line received a major overhaul: new SEQUOIA harnesses with accessories,
two versions of the ZIGZAG mechanical Prusik. Safety is a necessity for lighting as well, which is why we developed the PIXA Z1 headlamp for hazardous areas.
Happy reading.
Access the inaccessible.
Expertise and dedication to quality 6
VERTICALITY
General principles of work at height 12
Rope access and confined space 14
Tree care 20
Energy and networks 24
Framing and roofing 28
General rescue principles 32
Self-rescue 34
On-site rescue 36
Technical rescue 40
Ski lift evacuation 44
Harnesses 48
Helmets 68
Lanyards and energy absorbers 80
LIGHTING
A line for every activity 154
The Petzl difference 155
Petzl quality 156
Brightness and burn time 157
Environments and standards 158
Headlamp specifications 161
Performance headlamps 164
Compact, durable headlamps 170
Ultra-compact headlamps 176
Product index 182
From the Deep: The Petzl Adventure 184
Key new products for 2019
Helmets
New lines of VERTEX and STRATO helmets, accompanied by a range of entirely modular accessories that meet the varied needs of professionals.
Descenders
Self-braking I’D descenders now have an AUTO-LOCK function. New ZIGZAG mechanical Prusiks come with a range o f accessories that allow even greater efficiency when moving through trees.
Harnesses
New SEQUOIA tree care harnesses offer improved comfort and great mobility. AVAO BOD / AVAO BOD FAST and ASTRO BOD FAST harnesses are now available in international versions.
Connector
New Bm’D carabiner for connection to equipment such as descenders or positioning lanyards
Headlamp
Compact, durable PIXA Z1headlamp for use in ATEX hazardous areas, suitable for proximity lighting, movement and long-range vision
Access the inaccessible.
Petzl’s mission is to create innovative tools and services that allow men and women to progress, position, and protect themselves in vertical environments, as well as to light their way in the dark. We continually look for the best solutions for user needs in terms of performance, ergonomics, comfort, and reliability. The demands and the commitment of users are what guide our approach to supporting them in their pursuit of the inaccessible. We have stood by their side for over 40 years.
Paul Petzl
Petzl: a family's passion
Access the inaccessible.
The Petzl signature on a product has always represented the commitment of the Petzl family to produce the best tools for its users. The adventure began with Fernand Petzl's passion for caving, a passion to which he dedicated his talents as a craftsman. Petzl expertise began to grow with the design and crafting of solutions for ascending, descending, belaying and moving about in the dark. In 1970, the first "Fernand Petzl" brand products were produced in a workshop in Saint-Nazaire-Les Eymes, Isère, France. The Petzl company was created in 1975 and has grown into an international company that now employs over 800 people. Since its beginnings, it has preserved its family legacy and values: remaining independent and in control of its own decisions, developing a long-term vision, prioritizing people above all, and embracing its commitment to quality. Today, a family council, with Paul Petzl as president, ensures the continuity of the company.
A pioneering business
To attain the inaccessible, you need to know how to reinvent yourself. Since the development of the first rope ascenders and descenders, which laid the foundation for rope progression, Petzl has been at the forefront of change and the emergence of new techniques. Headlamp lighting, belaying, rescue, ice climbing, glacier travel... In these and other fields, Petzl's innovations have allowed equipment to evolve and practices to be reinvented. As proof of this dynamic activity, 700 patents have been
registered since 1970.
These advances always result from a dialogue with the user, in order to understand his/her expectations and to provide the elements s/he needs. Petzl has always remained true to this method. Petzl's philosophy for design and production is also based on accelerating change, transforming, and innovating in order to provide sports enthusiasts and professionals with the quality products they demand. Testing tower, experimentation center, individual inspections, LEAN manufacturing process - Petzl was a pioneer in all of these innovations.
Education, communication
From the beginning, we have sought to provide technical answers to our users' needs. The answers come in the form of product design, but also in the sharing of our experience with verticality. This experience can be found in the technical notices for products, and in the technical advice in our catalogs and at Petzl.com
The Petzl Solutions department is dedicated to education, through the sharing of our technical expertise. Petzl Solutions provides technical education modules and makes them available through a network of Petzl
Technical Institutes around the world.
In order to share our values, we collaborate with top athletes in different disciplines. Mountaineers, climbers, trail runners, cavers... they are the ambassadors of our company and of the passion for the inaccessible. Many are involved with the fine-tuning of our products. See them at Petzl events and through their stories on Petzl.com and on our social media platforms.
1936: Fernand Petzl starts exploring the Dent de Crolles, France, and invents the tools he requires
1968: Our first rope ascenders and descenders (BASIC, SIMPLE) under the name Produits Fernand Petzl (Fernand Petzl Products)
1973: First Petzl mountaineering headlamp is developed
1983: First Petzl harnesses
1991: GRIGRI®, first belay device with assisted braking
1998: TIBLOC®, ultra-compact rope clamp
2001: First TIKKA LED headlamp®
2004: ASAP® mobile fall arrester
2005: Petzl professional helmets
2006: EXO® personal escape system for New York City firefighters
2012: NAO® headlamp with REACTIVE LIGHTING technology
2013: SIROCCO helmet and ZIGZAG® mechanical Prusik for tree care
2015: SITTA harness for climbing and technical mountaineering
2017: GRIGRI® + belay device
2018: New DUO headlamps with FACE2FACE anti-glare technology
For over 40 years, Petzl has built on its expertise in the design and manufacture of products for verticality and lighting. Today, Petzl designs, produces and distributes millions of products around the world. Building a Petzl product requires expertise in a wide range of materials - textiles, metals, plastics - as well as in specific technologies: plastics processing, sewing, injection molding, forging, LEDs, electronics... This expertise allows us to design equipment that meets both the needs of users and the technical requirements for its use: resistance to impacts, abrasion, extreme temperatures...
Expertise and dedication to quality
Design
The Petzl research department in Crolles, France, integrates all the fields related to product design: mechanical, textile,
electronic, optical, computing and prototyping. Starting at the design and prototype phases, the reliability of the product and user safety are continually evaluated with a strong focus on risks to the user.
Testing
In Crolles, Petzl has labs dedicated to testing verticality products and headlamps. These tests often go above and beyond the required standards to help validate product reliability and user safety. Examples of tests: dynamic fall tests, impact resistance, cyclic testing, performance, headlamp beam quality and burn times. They are complemented by testing in the field for ergonomics and reliability.
SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES PTY LTD.
Tel National: 0861040506
Tel International: +27117925226
Cell: +27832514312
Unit 21, Acacia Industrial Park
17 Arbeid Avenue, Strydom Park.
South Africa.
Production and
inspection
Petzl's production sites are based in Crolles, Eybens, and Rotherens, France, and in Rawang, Malaysia. This production infrastructure is complemented by longterm partnerships with key suppliers in Europe and Asia. Our purchasing and quality control teams work closely with suppliers to guarantee a standard of product reliability and quality that meets our strict requirements. During the manufacturing phase, quality control is present at every step of the production chain. It combines automated and human inspections.
Serving our communities
Providing solutions for users
Petzl serves communities of users committed to their activities. Our goals:
to assist them with products they can rely on, and to offer them our expertise.
Petzl is active in the following fields:
• outdoor activities: climbing, mountaineering, ski mountaineering, trail running, via ferrata, canyoning...
• work at height: rope access, tree care, energy and networks, framing and roofing...
• rescue: technical rescue, self-rescue, evacuation on mechanical lifts
• personal lighting for professionals,
for maintenance, for industrial worksites
• equipment for tactical operations units
• equipment for adventure parks
The Petzl Foundation
Finding new directions
In the depths of the Masaya volcano
In 2015, a lake of lava appeared in the Masaya volcano in Nicaragua. The proximity of a vast expanse of lava offered researchers the chance to study the gases emitted by the volcano, from their generation to their dissipation in the environment.
In July 2017, the International Volcano Monitoring Fund and the GeoArc Foundation association, experts in difficult-access scientific expeditions, assembled a multidisciplinary team of researchers and technicians who are skilled in work at height. Together, they designed and installed an aerial system to deploy sensors into the depths of the Masaya volcano's crater. 1.2 km of rope was required to set up an aerial tram spanning the 500-meter-wide crater in order to take samples at a depth of 400 meters. Using this device, sensors were positioned in the acid plume above the lava lake. Additional sensors, below the vent and around the sides of the volcano, yielded a profile that precisely evaluates the concentrations of toxic gases. This profile will provide a better measurement of the gases' impact on the surrounding villages and a large part of Nicaragua.
Supported partners: International Volcano Monitoring Fund and the GeoArc Foundation
Location: Nicaragua
Support: 20,300 € in 2017
Read about all Petzl Foundation projects at www.fondation-petzl.org
Climbing towards a summit or progressing in the vertical world gives rise to lasting passions that help women and men grow, thrive and dream. For over 10 years, the Petzl Foundation's mission has been to support or initiate projects of public interest through its activities in the mountain and vertical spheres, projects that help bring balance to humankind's place in its natural, cultural, and economic environments.
The Petzl Foundation:
- encouraging learning and risk management to avoid accidents
- promoting the preservation of hard-to-access ecosystems
- contributing to a better understanding of current practices and their environments
Petzl's expertise in vertical terrain is expressed by its line of products specifically designed for work at height and rescue professionals. These products address all of the issues faced by professionals every day: repeated and intensive use of equipment, weather, diverse terrain... They maximize usability, simplicity and ease of use, while meeting the highest quality standard.
Equipment inspection and individual
identification code
To ensure that your equipment is in good condition throughout its useful lifetime, it is necessary to inspect it regularly. Depending on the product's date of manufacture, the individual identification code can be structured in two ways, with 11 or 13 characters.
For more information, please see www.petzl.com
Special products in black
Certain products are also available in black; they are designed for professions where stealth is essential
Product customization and adaptation
The Petzl Customization service is for professionals who have specific needs,outside of the standard product offering:
product marking and adaptation...
For more information: contact us
VERTICALITY
General principles for work at height
Warning
• You must have understood and retained the information from your products' Instructions for Use to be able to apply the techniques presented in this document
• Learning appropriate techniques and methods of protection is your own responsibility. Petzl solutions are given for information only, with no guarantee of their effectiveness in your specific working situation. The relevance of these solutions varies by context, so always do your own risk analysis in the field
• Mastering the techniques presented here requires specific training and practice; consult a specialized organization for all training activities
General information on falls
The risk of falling is a key concept to master when working at height. The severity of a fall depends on independent factors:
• The weight of the user, including equipment:
The greater the weight, the more energy to be dissipated during the fall.
• The length of the fall:
The longer the fall, the more energy to be dissipated during the fall. The risk of hitting an obstacle is also greater.
• The position relative to the anchor:
When the worker moves above his/her anchor, the severity of the potential fall increases. The fall factor concept is sometimes used to describe the worker's position relative to the anchor and the severity of the fall. This concept applies to climbing, restraint, or work positioning situations, when a dynamic rope lanyard is used.
Precautions for the type of system used:
The Instructions for Use specify the limitations for use of equipment, particularly in terms of fall distance and the worker's position relative to the anchor.
Restraint
A restraint system limits the work zone, keeping the worker from entering an area that may present a risk of falling. This system is not designed to arrest a fall from height.
Fall arrest
The fall arrest system is a belay system that is independent of the means of progression or work positioning. The fall arrest system prevents the user from falling to the ground in case of a fall. Its role is to arrest the fall while limiting the impact force experienced by the user. It must therefore be used with enough clearance to allow for a free fall.
Work positioning
A work positioning system supports the user and allows him/her to be precisely positioned with weight on his/her feet. This system is not designed to arrest a fall; the user must keep his/her body weight on the positioning system. The work positioning system must be supplemented with a fall arrest system.
Suspension
The user is working in suspension when s/he no longer has weight on his/her feet,
but is supported primarily by the harness.
The load is thus shared between the waistbelt and the leg loops/seat
Impact force
A fall arrest system allows the impact force experienced by the user to be limited.
It is typically composed of an energy absorber that tears in order to limit the forces over a specific stopping distance.
A dynamic rope lanyard has a low capacity for energy absorption. Its use requires great precautions: reducing the potential fall distance and staying in a work position below the anchor.
A webbing lanyard or a cable, with no capacity for energy absorption, can not be used to arrest a fall.
Clearance
Clearance is the minimum amount of clear space below the user that prevents the user from hitting an obstacle in case of a fall.
Clearance takes into account:
- the user's weight
- the length of the fall
- the tearing length of the energy absorber
- the average height of the user
- a safety margin of 1 meter
Clearance value
The tearing length of the energy absorber, depending on the the fall, can only be known based on the manufacturer's information; this is why a clearance estimate is suggested in the Instructions for use for each fall arrest device.
Anticipating the means of rapid evacuation
• Limiting the effects of inert suspension:
In case of a fall where the worker loses consciousness or is incapacitated, inert suspension in the harness presents a mortal danger requiring an urgent response. Work teams must be equipped and trained to quickly evacuate an injured team member.
• Evacuating a victim without assistance:
Procedures for evacuating workers should be determined whenever a new worksite is established.
Releasable systems can be created during installation of working ropes
to allow evacuation from below.
Working alone must be prohibited: a worker may find him/herself alone at height, but at least one person trained in evacuations should be present and equipped on site.
Rope access and confined space
Rope access work situations often involve environments at significant height. They can be inside or outside, even confined, and are not suited for the use of collective protection. Work done in confined spaces carries additional difficulties related to
the lack of space, and to the lack of means of autonomous progression.
Examples of operations:
• placement of rockfall or stabilization nets over a road
• structural inspection (bridge pilings...)
• exterior window cleaning on skyscrapers
• inspection of tanks
Technical specifics:
• the work area is accessed with ropes by specialized workers trained in rope access techniques
• access from above is preferred as it is safer and simpler to set up
I'D S and Open auxiliary brake
The self-braking I’D S descender is designed for work at height and rope access work. It has an ergonomic handle that allows convenient descent control. The integrated anti-panic function and anti-error catch limit the risk of an accident due to user error. The AUTO-LOCK system allows users to easily position themselves at the work station without having to manipulate the handle or tie off the device. The open auxiliary brake may be used to increase braking friction, depending on the load and on the rope diameter.
Rope access
Installing ropes
Load-sharing anchors with the rope.
Installing a lifeline with the ASAP mobile fall arrester.
Rope access
Gated ventral attachment point on ASTRO harnesses
The ventral attachment point on ASTRO harnesses is gated for optimal integration of equipment
Serving our communities
1. Combined lowering/raising system
• Advantage: quick transitions between modes (lowering/raising)
• Disadvantage: rope length is four times the travel distance
2. Independent lowering/raising systems
• Advantage: the length of the rope equals the travel distance
• Disadvantage: rigging is required to transition between lowering and raising
ZIGZAG PLUS and CHICANE
Serving our communities
Not all tree work can be done using exterior means such as elevated platforms or ladders. In this case, to move and work, the arborist uses rope progression techniques.
Examples of operations:
• ornamental tree trimming, to adapt the tree to its environment or to change
its overall aesthetic
• maintenance trimming to remove dead wood and dying branches
• tree removal (progressive cutting of the trunk from the top) if diseased or presenting a hazard...
Technical specifics:
• access from the base of the tree generally starts by throwing a weighted bag with line attached. This line is used to install the access rope on an anchor up in the tree
• while moving about on the branches, the arborist keeps his/her weight on the work rope, for greater stability and to reduce the potential fall distance
• when using any cutting tool (hand saw, chainsaw), the arborist must use two independent belay systems
The ZIGZAG PLUS mechanical Prusik allows the user to move around efficiently in a tree. The friction chain provides precision and fluidity when moving around. The pulley allows the slack to be taken up easily. Can be used on either doubled ropes or a single rope, providing great versatility. The lower attachment hole with high-efficiency swivel ensures stable and correct positioning of the mechanical Prusik and optimal rope glide through the device. The CHICANE auxiliary braking device allows ZIGZAG and ZIGZAG PLUS mechanical Prusiks to be used on single ropes. It provides continuous additional friction on descents.
Tree access
Tree care
Doubled rope ascent technique
The arborist ascends the access rope (purple). In case of a hornet attack (or other problem) s/he can self-evacuate with the work rope (blue). A mule knot, or releasable knot, secures the ZIGZAG. This versatile ascent technique is adaptable to many situations and allows an access rope to be available during work.
Single rope ascent technique
The access rope is attached to the base of the tree and runs through an appropriate anchor in the tree. It will also be used for work. On single rope,
the ZIGZAG must only be used with the CHICANE. This technique allows for rapid rescue and efficient climbing with the KNEE ASCENT knee ascender.
Movement within the tree
Movement on doubled rope
The work rope is set up doubled through a false crotch,
on a suitable anchor near the top of the tree. This technique allows for easy travel in any direction and provides the arborist with good support when limb walking
Movement on single rope
The rope setup does not change between access and work; if the top anchor is reliable and verified, the arborist does not necessarily need to
climb to the top and can go directly to the work station. The rope does not run during movement, the arborist can thus move anywhere in the tree
with no loss of efficiency.
VERTEX VENT HI-VIZ and VIZIR
Energy and networks
These fields are characterized by structures such as towers, antennas and windmills. The modes of progression are varied, and directly related to the structure itself.
Examples of operations:
• work on high tension lines
• tower construction
• maintenance operations in wind farms...
Technical specifics:
• the user generally progresses using lifeline, cable or rail type permanent fall arrest systems
• lacking these, the user must ensure his/her own safety using personal protective equipment:
energy-absorbing lanyard or mobile fall arrester on rope
The VERTEX VENT HI-VIZ helmet is very comfortable, thanks to its six-point textile suspension and ENTERFIT and FLIP&FIT systems, which guarantee that the helmet fits securely on the head. It has ventilation holes with sliding shutters to allow airflow through the helmet. The high visibility version features a fluorescent outer shell with phosphorescent clips and reflective bands, for optimal visibility of the worker, day or night. The VIZIR eye shield protects the eyes against projectile hazards. It is easy to install with the EASYCLIP attachment system.
Energy and networks
Backed-up ascent using a double lanyard with integrated energy absorber
Ascent protected by a fall arrest trolley attached to a rail
The trolley is fixed to the harness's ventral fall arrest attachment point (LADDER CLIMB), distributing the load on the waistbelt and ensuring optimal comfort during progression. In case of a fall, this attachment point moves upward to a sternal position to ensure a vertical post-fall body position.
Backed-up progression using a double lanyard with integrated energy absorber
To reduce the risk of a fall, the two arms of the energy- absorbing lanyard are attached on both sides of the user.
Belaying with the ASAP LOCK for tower access
Belaying the climber's ascent
AVAO BOD FAST international version
Framing and roofing
In this type of work situation, the risk of slipping and falling is higher. A safety device must be installed to guard against these hazards.
Examples of operations:
• framing a building under construction
• roof repair or waterproofing
• roof inspection on industrial sites...
Technical specifics:
• when the situation allows, accessing the work area is done using an elevated work platform.
The worker secures him/herself with an energy-absorbing lanyard
• lacking collective protection, the worker is required to use a fall arrest system
• fall arrest systems are also required when installing collective
protection
The AVAO BOD FAST fall arrest, work positioning and suspension harness is designed for greater comfort in all situations. Wide, semi-rigid waistbelt and leg loops give excellent support. The lightweight, breathable construction maximizes air flow. The shoulder straps have a system for stowing the fall arrest lanyard connectors and keeping them within reach. The harness has a fall indicator on the dorsal attachment point.
Framing and roofing
1. Roof access
Installing a rope with releasable
anchor; backed up ascent with
the ASAP.
2. Long-term use
With individual positioning system and collective protection.
3. Occasional use
With individual fall arrest system
General rescue principles
Inert suspension in a harness, even for a short time, can cause
serious physiological harm. In case of an accident, it is important
to respond quickly with the appropriate technique.
Self-rescue
On sites where the main access could be cut off by fire, people must be ready to quickly evacuate the building. They have evacuation kits. These kits are either portable or installed permanently on the structure. Where there is no identified anchor possibility, a hook-based system can be used. In both cases, teams must be regularly trained so as not to panic in case of a fire.
On-site rescue
When a worksite is being set up, the company must establish a risk prevention plan (inventory of risk situations):
1. It must protect the personnel from falls from height.
The solutions chosen, whether collective or individual, must protect the team members while they work.
2. In the case of an incident, the company must be prepared with rescue systems for accessing, releasing and evacuating the victim.
These solutions are established with:
- ready-to-use rescue kits, adaptable to many situations and simple to use
- personal equipment for the worker at height (solution requiring experienced and well-trained teams)
In both cases, the teams undergo regular training so they can respond quickly in case of an accident.
Technical rescue
Technical rescue teams must be able to respond quickly in any
situation. They must choose the quickest, most effective way to access the victim.
- When access is easy or possible by motorized means, they can easily transport the rescue equipment
- In more difficult access situations, they may use rope access
techniques, from above or below. They thus have lightweight,
versatile equipment
- Finally, the helicopter can be a means that is used when victim
access is complicated and/or remote, for example in the mountains
Ski lift evacuation
Ski lift evacuation operations follow an evacuation plan. Rescue
kits are put together to meet the specific needs of each ski
center.
1. Accessing the victim
Accessing the victim can sometimes be complicated. Rope access techniques are used in such a case. When access is possible from above, rescuers use rope descent techniques. If an access rope is in place, rescuers can ascend the rope using ventral rope clamp techniques. In other situations, rescuers are obliged to use climbing techniques to reach the victim.
2. Releasing the victim Raising
This involves using a mechanical advantage pulley system in order to easily raise the victim. A rescuer working alone uses a mechanical advantage system to reduce effort. The disadvantage is that a long rope is required. If there are enough rescuers, a lower mechanical advantage is used to speed up the operation.
Counterbalance technique
This is a counterweight system. The rescuer is on one side, the victim on the other. The rescuer unweights the rope on the victim's side by pulling upward. The victim ascends and the rescuer descends. The advantage of this system is that it is easy to do with little equipment. Engaging the counterweight is the step
that demands the most energy. After that, it is important to be careful to keep the system under control. Be careful when there is a significant weight difference between the rescuer and the victim.
3. Evacuating the victim
Downward, the evacuation is done with a descender. This is the easiest technique currently in use. When downward evacuation is impossible, the victim is evacuated upward or horizontally. Upward, rescuers use either a counterweight or hauling technique. Horizontally, one or more ropes are tensioned. One rope is used for carriage, another is used as a back-up belay, and another to move the litter.
EXO AP HOOK
Self-rescue
The typical scenario is of a firefighter trapped inside a burning
structure. S/he needs to be able to ensure his/her own rescue and thus must have the appropriate
equipment.
Technical specifics:
• in this situation, the firefighter must be able to take advantage of any available anchor point inside the building, or as a last resort, a window sill
• the exit generally takes place in an extremely hot, smoke-filled, and hostile environment, adding to the limitations
• the maneuvers must be as simple as possible, for quick action even under intense duress
EXO AP HOOK is a personal escape system with anchor hook
adapted for locations where the possibility of finding an anchor point is uncertain. It has a self-braking system with anti-panic function for quickly moving horizontally, climbing through a window and controlling and stopping a descent. If the user pulls too hard on the handle, the anti-panic function brakes and stops the descent automatically.
JAG RESCUE KIT
The ready-to-use reversible JAG RESCUE KIT is designed to easily unhook and lower a victim. It contains a JAG SYSTEM haul kit, a RING OPEN gated ring, an I’D EVAC descender, a CONNEXION FIXE 150 cm anchor strap, a BUCKET bag and an AXIS 11 mm rope with two sewn terminations.
On-site rescue
If a victim is not able to self-rescue, the on-site work team has to respond immediately and move him/her to safety.
Examples of operations:
• a team member accesses the victim, unhooks him/her, then lowers the victim unaccompanied
• a team member accesses the victim, unhooks him/her, then rappels down with the victim
• the victim is suspended on a pre-installed evacuation system that does not require a team member to access him/her directly
Technical specifics:
• unaccompanied evacuation can generally be done using a ready to- use rescue kit
• accompanied descent requires proper training, as it implies a mastery of advanced rope access techniques
• in all cases, the rescue method should be as rapid as possible, in order to reduce the risk of suspension trauma, especially when the victim is unconscious
Release and rescue using a reversible rescue kit
• Unaccompanied evacuation (when victim doesn't require monitoring or for a free-hanging evacuation):
1. Victim suspended by a lanyard, with the energy absorber torn by the fall.
2. Hauling (allows the victim to be released).
3. Lowering the victim.
STRATO VENT HI-VIZ
Technical rescue
Technical rescue teams respond when the situation is especially difficult and requires significant
resources to be deployed.
Examples of rescues:
• following a vehicle roll-over into a ravine, the victims are rescued via motorized means
• evacuation of an injured worker from a location that is difficult to access
• helicopter rescue operations in mountainous terrain...
Technical specifics:
• technical rescue teams operate in any terrain. They have complete mastery of all progression and belay techniques on rope
• when the terrain allows, downward evacuation is preferred because of the gravity-assist
• upward evacuation is a team effort that requires perfect coordination by everyone involved. It demands techniques which are sometimes particularly complex: raising systems, creating a hauling system using lightweight pulleys, counterweight techniques...
The STRATO VENT HI-VIZ helmet is very lightweight and comfortable, thanks to its CENTERFIT and FLIP&FIT systems,
which guarantee that the helmet fits securely on the head.
It has ventilation holes that allow airflow through the helmet.
The high visibility version features a fluorescent outer shell with phosphorescent clips and reflective bands, for optimal visibility of the worker, day or night.
Technical rescue
Upward and horizontal evacuation in a confined space
1. Raising the NEST litter by a rescuer in counterbalance on rope clamps. A rescuer controls the raise. A third person gives a back-up belay with a second rope.
2. The rescuer below gives slack with a descender. The back-up belayer hauls the NEST litter, allowing it to tilt to a horizontal position with the help of the STEF tilting device.
3. Recovery of the NEST by team members.
Upward and horizontal evacuation by simultaneous traction on two lines
The ropes are used as both work and safety rope.
AUTO LOCK
The AUTO-LOCK system locks the load automatically and returns the handle to the stop position.
Once locked, the rope can be taken up without having to manipulate the handle.
I’D EVAC
Ski lift evacuation
If ski lift equipment fails, the person in charge must evacuate passengers according to the evacuation plan. This evacuation must be done within a predefined time frame, and is generally conducted by the operations staff.
Technical specifics:
• accessing the passengers is done by moving along the cable, from the towers
• these operations are managed
simultaneously by multiple autonomous teams, generally
composed of:
- a person suspended on the cable who evacuates passengers and whose movements are protected by a team member on the tower
- a person on the ground who receives passengers and guides
the movement of the team member on the cable
• the success of these operations
hinges largely on the instruction,
training and practice of the
operations staff (at least once
a year)
The I’D EVAC self-braking descender is designed for lowering from an anchor. The ergonomic handle is specifically oriented for managing a load from the anchor and offers comfortable descent control. The integrated anti-panic unction and anti-error catch limit the risk of an accident due to user error. The AUTO-LOCK system allows the rope to be automatically locked without having to manipulate the handle or tie off the device. The closed auxiliary brake increases the friction as required for the load weight and the rope diameter and provides a constant redirect of the rope.
Ski lift evacuation
Ski lift evacuation with rescuer on cable
Techniques for evacuation from a ski lift differ significantly from one situation to another. A technique is chosen based on the slope of the cable, the clearance above, the distances between pylons, the number of passengers to evacuate, the recovery zone...
To be completed properly and on time, this operation requires training.
1. Rescuer accessing the chair
Back-up belay may be done from the pylon. This allows for a mutual verification of the system before the rescuer moves onto the cable. The rescuer is suspended on the ROLLCAB, and the GRILLON lanyard is slightly slack to allow descent along the cable.
Detail of products making up the rescue kit:
- BERMUDE
- I’D EVAC
- CONNEXION VARIO
- ROLLCAB
- SWIVEL OPEN
- PAW S
- JANE
- GRILLON
- MGO OPEN
- GO x 4
- Am’D x 4
- CAPTIV x 3
- AXIS 11 mm with sewn termination
2. Evacuating the passenger
The rescuer descends on the GRILLON lanyard to the chair. S/he installs the BERMUDE rescue triangle on the victim, then evacuates the victim with an I’D EVAC descender.
Self-locking buckles
These buckles do not require re-threading to be locked: they adjust easily in seconds.
Harnesses
To give each user the best possible fit, Petzl harnesses are adjustable at the waist, shoulders and leg loops. They are equipped with different types of buckles:
Automatic buckles
Automatic buckles open and close simply and quickly, even when wearing gloves, without loss of adjustment.
