Hauling & lowering rescues

By using a combination of pulleys, descenders, ascenders, belay devices and carabiners, it is possible to set up elaborate hauling and lowering systems — employing the same double rope security — allowing the speedy evacuation of an injured operative from the most difficult of locations.

Typically 2:1, 3:1, 6:1 and 9:1 mechanical advantages (theoretical) and counterweight systems are used during the hauling element, and subsequently disengaged to allow the casualty to be lowered to a new position.

A suitable method of paying out the back-up rope should be adopted — with special consideration given to the effects following failure of the main lowering rope.

When to rig for rescue

Where operatives are required to operate in a confined space, give consideration to 'Rigging for Rescue'.

A suitable self-locking descender device pre-attached to the working rope allows for easy and quick implementation of a rescue hauling system in the unlikely event of a rescue situation developing. The same Rigging for Rescue system should be implemented wherever there is a need for the casualty to be hauled up to a safe location.