Question for SRT climbing

Zacchaeus

Zacchaeus

New member
Location
Jasper
I climb on moving DRT system. I'm also the only capable climber on our crew 90% of the time, so in the event of an accident an aerial rescue is out. I've been thinking of switching to SRT due to what most guys say about how it's easier to be rescued from the ground in the event of an accident.
My question is this: if most accidents happen when cutting a branch or top or pole etc., and you really should have your lanyard installed as 2nd attachment point when making a saw cut, how, oh how can someone lower you down with your lanyard secured around the tree?
 
Zacchaeus said:
I climb on moving DRT system. I'm also the only capable climber on our crew 90% of the time, so in the event of an accident an aerial rescue is out. I've been thinking of switching to SRT due to what most guys say about how it's easier to be rescued from the ground in the event of an accident.
My question is this: if most accidents happen when cutting a branch or top or pole etc., and you really should have your lanyard installed as 2nd attachment point when making a saw cut, how, oh how can someone lower you down with your lanyard secured around the tree?
Click to expand...
Can't.
 
haha
that's my point… so… do people cut without a lanyard? are they expecting accidents to happen while climbing and not cutting? am I missing something?
Is the main benefit then of SRT the distance moved when climbing versus half distance moved on DRT?
 
It would make it easier to access the injured climber on their existing SRT system if it was deemed safe as opposed to ddrt. having the lowering device previously installed would save time in setting up rescue rigging.
 
is there an easy/inexpensive way to try SRT without investing hundreds of dollars in gear like rope wrench, belay device, etc. so that I can try it out? (tree bark is hard on ropes with ddrt, and putting in a friction saver is not always practical due to need for often TIP changes…)
 
Zacchaeus said:
I climb on moving DRT system. I'm also the only capable climber on our crew 90% of the time, so in the event of an accident an aerial rescue is out. I've been thinking of switching to SRT due to what most guys say about how it's easier to be rescued from the ground in the event of an accident.
My question is this: if most accidents happen when cutting a branch or top or pole etc., and you really should have your lanyard installed as 2nd attachment point when making a saw cut, how, oh how can someone lower you down with your lanyard secured around the tree?
Click to expand...

Maybe this has already been covered in a previous post or yoyoman's video, but I'll risk repeating it.

If you want to try to make it possible to be ground lowerable, you could use two separate SRT systems, and no lanyard. Then you would always be tied in twice while cutting, and if you used basal anchors for both setups, with separate lowering devices for each system, it might be possible to get you down without climbing. It would be nice if the rescue team also had some kind of mechanical advantage device available to raise the climber a bit, if he got hung up on branches a bit. (Maybe @SingleJack 's CMI Ropejack invention would do nicely?)

So, this would be DSRT, and like you imply, it might be a bit pricey to set up right initially, but it would be a sweet setup that would provide great work positioning advantages.

As far as a cheap SRT setup is concerned, the Rope Wrench seems like it's about the cheapest option out there, just guessing. That plus one knee ascender might be enough. Those are all of my thoughts on this subject, currently.

Tim
 
Last edited:
Was just going to say "DSRT". Good one, Tim.

This does not wake away from the importance for aerial rescue, and the training within the crew. While prevention is the cure, it's still best to be prepared for as many scenarios that may apply to your type of work environment.

DSRT can definitely be a way successfully lower a climber, while adhering to the idea of 2 points of attachment. On some DSRT climbs I've done, it's really funny to think back and remember I was tied in twice whether moving or not, and often 3 times when working. Rad!

EDIT: Nevermind that DSRT can be really productive in so many cases when you think about the time it takes to deploy and stow a lanyard when in a tree with a monumental amount of hand saw work (Pin Oak anywhere that SOD exists!). You can really make up some serious time if the system is dialed in. Doing the practice to get there can really be worth it!
 
Not debating the benefits of DSRT and all good points, still, "can't" is my answer to the question.
There is one consideration, again I'm not trying to be negitive, a lanyard on your D's is a huge thing for stabilization/positions when running your saw. Also IMO I'm not sure I would consider even a double bridge as a second independent connection, a swipe of the saw with them so close together may take them both out.
 
Last edited:
I haven't been climbing for awhile now, but your post raises some good points, yoyoman. It has me wondering if it might be possible to get good enough, practiced enough, to have SRT redirects work as an adequate substitute for a lanyard.

Next time I climb the use of this technique will be one of the many things I will want to try to explore.

Tim
 
As Yoyoman mentioned, the lanyard is key for optimal positioning so it's more than a second tie-in. Also, climbers are often implementing static redirects so lowering isn't an option in many cases, DSRT or SRT. The rescuer can operate their multicender to bring them down of course. So many variables, I don't believe that a purely ground lowerable rescue is going to be possible or advisable in the majority of SRT/DSRT accident scenarios.
-AJ
 
thank you very much gentlemen. it's nice to get some feedback from users in the field, other than people wanting to sell gear. Although new to climbing, ~4 yrs, i was taught old school by my boss in his 60's. I really like the ddrt, i currently use a hitch climber pulley setup with a VT or Knut or distel, my friction hitch depends on the day and the friction on tree if not using a friction saver, although the VT is the most consistent i've found. Being in my 30's, i'm always on the lookout for ways to help me climb easier so my body can last, but at the same time I don't want a ton of gear to store and take time away from production.
 
It's important to remember that not all scenarios that may require rescue involve cutting equipment and a second tie in. Heat exhaustion, insect stings, or a bad swing may all occur without a lanyard involved. If a basal anchor is employed than its the safest quickest way to rescue the climber. It can't hurt to set one up.

Reed Wortley
CTSP #01739
ISA CA #SO-6953A
 
Last edited:
The lanyard is a powerful tool, there I no doubt. No other means of positioning can put a climber as close to the work with as much stability. This is when a lanyard is used in a DdRT configuration from hip to hip or Bridge Plate to Bridge Plate, or cinching SRT configuration. Neither config will allow for lowering. No debate.

In my opinion, when well positioned, the lanyard is generally more exposed to being cut than any other part of a climbing system because it's right there in front of you, holding you to your work. Two climbing systems holding from above is a much different means of positioning that actually can reduce exposure to tools and still provide lower ability.

But I think you could still ask the question of what are you doing in that 90% that could be done another way. I'm not writing to say the DSRT is the answer to all things, I'm saying it's a means of achieving achieving lower ability in some cases that could not be achieved with a lanyard.

Is it worth a reduction of the 90%? Maybe of maybe not. This is also why I stated in the previous post that prevention is the best reduction of that 90%, followed by considering in what situations does that exposure exist.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Kask Stihl NORTHEASTERN Arborists Wesspur TreeStuff.com Teufelberger Westminster X-Rigging Teufelberger
Back
Top Bottom