Topic / Subject ABSEILING

Time frame = ______mins

Contact statement (gain student attention and create a readiness to learn)

A novel way of introducing this lesson is to demonstrate the original method of wrapping the rope around the body to create friction – aka the ‘Dulfersitz’. In some rare cases, the technique is still used today. In modern applications, special equipment is used to make abseiling easy, low risk and fun.

Overview (key points)

• Purpose To provide a simple means of access using lightweight / portable equipment.

• Definition Abseil is a German word: Ab = To go down Seil = Rope

Rappel is a French word which literally means ‘to retrieve’ – a classic rappelling situation would be descending into a canyon and retrieving the ropes after each ‘’ or stage of the descent.

• Applications

Abseiling is used in many different applications/contexts. Some examples include:

-Vertical rescue (eg Mine rescue, SES, Police, etc) -AS 4488 industrial rope access (eg high rise window cleaning) -As a means of getting down from a climb or retreating from a climb if things go wrong -Team building / facilitating personal development -Access into canyons -Access into caves -Descent from helicopters

In rescue applications, slow and deliberate inwards facing descents are standard procedure. High speed descents create undue risk and can potentially result in loss of control or dislodgement of debris (which could harm the patient!).

In applications, abseiling is regarded only as a tool – that is – a means of getting down from the top of a climb or as a means of retreat when things don’t go according to plan. High speed or forward facing descents are frowned upon by the climbing community. Since climbers would normally be making an abseil descent with their dynamic ropes, they exercise great care and diligence to avoid building up too much heat. Pendulum or swinging motions are also avoided.

Lesson template – Abseiling © Copyright PACI Page 1 of 2

Mine rescue AS 4488 Industrial roping

• Descent styles

-traditional (inwards – ie facing the cliff) -forward facing (aka ‘Rap jumping’) – mainly used in tourism, backpacker markets -high speed – eg in military or stunt applications -improvised (eg the ‘Dulfersitz’, or the )

The style of ascent is determined by the application. For example, the military would obviously have need of rapid descent on a battlefield. In rescue situations, its no good facing the wrong way!

• Equipment

The type of equipment used by abseilers depends on application and context. Generally, all abseil methods use the following types of equipment:

Have some examples on hand…

-rope (normally 11mm diameter low stretch ‘static’ rope) -harness - (metal links) -descending device (a friction device) – we’ll discuss various devices in the next lesson -helmet -gloves (prevents friction burns from heat build up) – not everyone wears gloves! -edge protectors (to protect the rope from sharp edges) -anchorage – the are numerous methods of anchoring your rope – we’ll discuss systems in another lesson

• Training

Although abseiling is relatively easy, there are certain inherent risks which must be controlled. Training is the preferred method of acquiring the proper knowledge and skill to undertake abseiling activities. Important abseiling skills include: -knots and anchor systems -safety backup systems -rope selection, care and maintenance -descending techniques -selecting a descent point -safety checks (eg ABCDE method)

It is generally accepted that learning from a book is no substitute for training with an experienced and qualified instructor.

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