CMC Podcast

Topics: 0:20 Are bowlines safe enough for rope rescue? 4:00 What makes a rescue knot a good knot? 7:30 What testing has been done and how strong are bowlines? 12:35 How do you define a bowline? 14:30 Is there a standard test for knots for cyclic loading? 16:40 Difference between a climbing knot and a rope rescue knot? 17:15 Anecdotal story of a bowline on a coil slipping without a safety knot. 19:...

Topics: What is the Belay Competency Drop Test? Brief history of past papers and arguments discussing the topic. How do you have a good test to test something where you have to let go of it to make it work? Is there a way to account for the human element? Is there a better test? If one line fails, is it still controllable? Where do you want your best guy? What is the safest belay system? When was...

Topics Should aerial ladders be used as artificial high directionals for rope rescue? Examples of when you might use an aerial ladder as an artificial high directional. Minimize the load, maximize the degree of aerial elevation, minimize aerial extension, keep the ropes distinct resultant and distinct with crane theory What other rope rescue scenario is a go, no go by a 300lb margin? Attendant or...

Topics Discussed What is rope access? Who governs RA? SPRAT https://sprat.org/ Does rope access belong in the fire service? Competence and particular skill sets vs full SPRAT certification. RAD ascent vs traditional ascent. Advantages of understanding what is happening in the world at large. Is it ok to teach someone to repel without teaching them to ascend? Do you cover work positioning and fall...

Topics Discussed: 1) Determining 'defined competencies' 2) Top Down Rescue Rescue vs team based operations Fire service vs industrial brigade 3) Maintaining proficiency for rescue vs team based competencies 4) Bottom Up Rescue (Tower type rescues) Maintaining the concept of fall arrest and work positioning Training for hazards in your area Should rope access techniques be incorporated training? In...