Attaching footlock prussik to dorsal attachment

I have only ever footlocked this way while training and on belay, it is not somthing I would practice at work as there is no pressure to do your best time on th job site.
Attaching the figure 8 is difficult whilst hanging from the dorsal attachment but it can be done.
Mark, I agree with all the possible hazards you mentioned, I will put it to the officials when we meet before the comp and see what they have to say.
 
There is another angle on this, in keeping with an accident discussed in the awakenings thread, during the ETCC:

If the competitions are to represent/encourage work place best practice, then this method of attachment should not be encouraged.

If the competitions have evolved into an extreme sport, then I suppose safety during the event is all that matters. Rescue would still be a prime consideration (If self rescue, I wouldn't encourage the technique. If the footlock line is belayed, its not so important).

Like you say Cody, time pressure isn't such a big issue in the work place (if accidents are to be avoided). Which begs the questions - why is it so important in the comps? And - why are certain comp techniques and equipment encouraged into the work place, when they are based on 'one shot' speed, not long term security and health?

Innovation through competition needs to be tempered for the work place, if the comps don't reflect best working practice. Demonstrating innovation without explaining limitation can be very dangerous for work site safety.
 
I think the biggest reason for a retrievable belay from the ground meaning the acutal ascent line plus the acual belay line is incorporated into the competition is because there is no pre-qulifier or pre requset to competing. I have personaly seen competiters grab there prusik for what ever reason. Maybe they do not footlock on a regular basis or maybe they may not know the limitation of a static ascent. Either way they had a rapid fall to the ground, luckily know serious injuries. The leaders of the comp must make it as realisticlly safe as possiable.
 
Norm, the outfit who makes the harnesses I've highlighted has a new product which attaches to any harness. It consists of two pouches containing, well, follow the link and see...

Good idea, I think.
 
This is one of the belts that we use , also we go over the suspension trauma safety monthly training.. This is one of the guys in our crew, the lucky one!!
 

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Re: Attaching footlock prussik to dorsal attachmen

[ QUOTE ]
Dang, that's a great idea. Simple too.

[/ QUOTE ]

That is a great idea!

Too bad it only works if the victim is conscience.

It's worth noting that any of us that found ourselves in that situation could put a loop in our rope tail and take some weight off of our saddles. It's something we may not think about at the time.
 
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