Twin lines vs. one line used twice and testing anchors.

[Richard Mumford-yoyoman]

Normally I do a video and post it for discussion. This time I think I'll post the script and thoughts, video outline and see how the discussion goes, then do the video.
This is basically how I've been climbing for a year or two.

The basic script:

Disclaimer: These are my opinions and how I choose to climb and protect myself. Use them at your own risk. Comply with your own required rules and guidelines.



Anytime we try to mix the disciplines of rock climbing and industrial access with tree climbing, safety will not be optimized. There is a lot to be learned from knowing and practicing these other disciplines but I would caution against mandating their equipment or practices in the different environment of tree climbing.

Tree climbers are not working from known and tested anchors but may implement techniques and workarounds to create a safe environment from which to climb. I recognize this issue is not only about anchors.

Setting and checking your anchor​

• Set an anchor that is near the stem and major structural component of the trees architecture. Likely at a branch union with the trunk and not in the upper reaches of the trees. Trees with multiple co-dominant stems or structures without a central load-bearing trunk will create environments that may require testing.
• As I have demonstrated in previous videos some anchors should be tested prior to ascent. This is not done with a bounce test but a sustained and observable double loaded force. See my video on testing anchors.
• After setting your initial anchor at an unquestionable location or one that has been tested. Plan on advancing that anchor once the tree has been accessed and as needed. My preferred technique is with the single end of my line in a cinched configuration with a detachable retrieval cord. It can be easily advanced up the trunk or stem of the tree or to a suitable branch union above.

Establish a secondary anchor​

• As you work the tree or move about in its outer structures use a secondary backup anchor.
• Use the other end of your climbing line and lanyard as needed.
• Consider cinched RAT or mCAT configurations. Make them retrievable as needed. See my video on the three pillars of rope access.
• Avoid leaving a trail of redirects by moving your secondary anchors as needed and using clean up as you go redirects like the OnBight or DragonTail.
• I use sewn terminations on each end of my line to facilitate moving anchors.
• Use a light weight retrieval cord as needed.
• Avoid a cinched secondary anchor on a part of the tree that could take you with it or is difficult to release if failed. (cinched RAT vs. mCAT)
• Depending on your activity, have or plan your escape route and your procedures to use it. What I mean by this is that the need will be different if you’re one handing your chainsaw and cut the other one off, as opposed to dropping your smartphone and needing to descend and get it. This may mean being secured with your lanyard and taking that secondary anchor and attaching it to your harness and knowing the line is long enough for the purpose. I.e. escaping bees or getting to the ground for an an ambulance.

Video Demo…overview:

1. Setting anchor with a loop.
2. Choice of knots.
3. Using and attaching the retrieval line.
4. Second system attached or taken with the climber…

Setting an anchor to short for a loop:

1. Retrieval line.
2. Second system on harness or…
3. Connecting ends…

Choice of hardware and knots:

1. Running AB or midline AB
2. Quicklink or Quickie
3. Daisy chain knot, for advance not retrieval.
4. mCAT configuration and RAT configurations.

Other considerations:

1. Length of climbing and retrieval line.
2. Use of a versatile Multiscender.
3. Retrieval considerations, hardware or knots and which ones.
4. Retrieving multiple anchors or multiple lines.
5. Adaptions for rescue.

Using the SAKA-mini-MAX makes you live longer (Just kidding but I would be happy to sell you one )

 

[Richard Mumford-yoyoman]

Looks like you have most bases covered. How about load sharing anchors? Maybe you covered that in other videos?

Off to view your testing anchors video I somehow missed years ago...

I think because I'm focused on avoiding the normal type of redirects we've talked about before and sharing the load, this is more about using that other end of the line to share those loads and cleaning up the redirects as you go or relocating the anchor.
Thanks for the feedback, I do want to try to cover most of the bases and it's easy to forget something.

 

[Steve Connally]

RAT mCAT?

 

[Richard Mumford-yoyoman]

RAT mCAT?

That's a long story and I did a video on that as well but it's my kickback on what I consider over-simplification of the way we use rope, especially ignoring how we anchor them, in their classifications but now referred to as moving or not moving rope system.

 

[Steve Connally]

That's a long story and I did a video on that as well but it's my kickback on what I consider over-simplification of the way we use rope, especially ignoring how we anchor them, in their classifications but now referred to as moving or not moving rope system.

I do remember that video about a year ago but I don't recall those acronyms