Embedded Files
Releasable Top Belay
Releasable Top Belay
The Guide established a fall protection self-belay system before setting abseiling anchors and deploying ropes.
All Abseiling anchors installed as a multiple anchor (minimum of 2 anchor points), equalised system with a top belay rope and a releasable abseiling line.
Additional traverse lines or intermediate belays may be installed, where appropriate
The area around the top of the abseil, the abseil descent and the landing area is clear of any hazards; including loose rocks, tree debris or other objects.
Access tracks within the site are identified appropriately
Rope protection is used for all cliff edges
Check abseil location pages for site specific rigging information.
Common Rescue Examples
Common Rescue Examples
When performing a non-emergency rescue there are generally three stages of escalation:
Verbally coaching the client through a self rescue
Assist from above. For example, taking up the weight on the top belay and using the releasable system to transfer weight off the device if needed
Rescue using your top belay/releasable system as needed. This may mean creating a haul system to bring the client back up off the cliff or lowering to the ground.
Pluck off/ Tandem Abseil Rescue. Final option once all other recuse options have been exhausted. Used only when absolutely necessary.
Below we have 3 example videos demonstrating different examples of these stages.
Stage 1 - Verbal Coaching
Stage 1 - Verbal Coaching
Example: Client Inversion
In this example video the guide demonstrates verbally coaching and assisting a client on an abseil who has inverted.
Verbally coaching the client through a self rescue - The guide talks the client through a self rescue. The weight is held in the top belay and the client is given some assistance with the final stand up.
Client Inversion.movStage 2 - Assist from above
Stage 2 - Assist from above
Example: Clothing Caught in Device
In this example video the guide demonstrates both verbal coaching and assisting from above.
Verbal Coaching: The guide instructs the client to stop abseiling and explains that they will take up the weight on the top belay
Assist From Above: The guide locks off the top belay and uses the munter mule to release the abseil line.
Verbal Coaching: The guide instructs the client to see if they can unjam the device themselves. If not possible, the guide can move to stage 3
Stage 3 - Rescue using top belay/ releaseable system
Stage 3 - Rescue using top belay/ releaseable system
Example: Frozen or panicked client
In this example video the guide demonstrates verbal coaching. assist from above and finally using the top belay system to haul the client back up over the ledge.
Verbal Coaching: The guide having exhausted all options otherwise tells the client that they will be safely hauled back up the cliff. The other option, if on a small abseil and not starting a multi-pitch day would be to lower the client to the bottom of the abseil.
Rescue using top belay/ releasable: The guide creates a haul system using the top belay to retrieve the client from the cliff. Verbal Coaching and reassuring continues through this stage.
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