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When it comes to controlled descents, selecting the right descent device is paramount to ensure safety and efficiency. Whether you are a professional in at-height work environments, or involved in search and rescue operations, understanding the critical features to consider when choosing a descent device is essential. In this article, we will explore the key factors that should be carefully evaluated during the selection process. By examining these critical features, you will be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision and find the descent device that best suits your specific needs and requirements.
What to Look for in a Descent Device
Descent devices need to be tailored to the situation where they're being used. When choosing a rope descent system, you need to consider the details of your workplace. This will affect how your workers will need to use their devices to stop falls, conduct rescues after a fall, or evacuate in another emergency situation. As with any safety device, It’s the duty of owners and safety managers to make sure that you have OSHA compliant fall protection in place for their workers.
Weight Capacity
Always review OSHA and local regulations to be sure you're choosing an OSHA compliant fall protection system. OSHA sets specific weight capacity or tensile load standards for specific parts of a rope descent system.
Other than meeting safety standards, the major factor to consider regarding weight capacity is whether the system is designed to hold one person or two people. Devices that can only carry one worker at a time may be appropriate for some settings. However, two-person carrying capacities can be essential in others. For example, in cases of injuries or rescue situations, the person descending may need to be able to attach the person to the descent device, and then return both people to ground level. Or if multiple employees are working at the top of a silo and need to evacuate the work site quickly, two-person devices allow the evacuation to proceed faster.
Speed
Workers often need to use a reliable rescue system after an injury. Because of this, safety managers should choose systems that allow workers to control their descent speed in order to prevent further injuries. Look for a descent device that sets and maintains a constant descent speed. In many cases, the fact that the speed is fixed is more important than how fast the device allows workers to descend. However, if your team could require quick evacuations from their worksite, you may need to look for a faster descent speed.
Size
The different elements of a decent device each come in a variety of sizes, the choice of which will depend on your needs and their application. For example: safety harnesses are an integral part of any descent device. Ensuring that each employee has a safety harness that fits correctly is essential.
When it comes to the descent device itself, make sure to think about rope diameter and height.
Consider how large the worksite is and how high up the workers need to operate. Check the specific building measurements to ensure that you're using the correct length. If your employees work at the top of a tower, you'll need a longer descent capacity than if they work at the top of a ladder. Devices that allow for up to 1300 ft are good options for most settings. If you need a rope descent system that carries two people, it's important to remember that most systems will offer half the descent distance for two people as they would for one person. For example, a 1300 ft limit for one person would allow for 650 ft of descent if carrying two people.
Rope size is another important factor. A thicker rope is stronger, but it's also heavier. If your team needs to carry the device a significant distance to where it's needed, weight can have a major impact on how fast a rescue can take place. For example, if a search and rescue team needs a descent device to get to a hiker on a cliff, the team may not be able to carry a system with a heavier rope while searching. Going back for the system could extend the rescue timeline by hours. On top of this, most descent devices generally work with a specific rope size. Many pair with lightweight 3/8 in. or 9.5 mm rope, but some use thicker ropes.
Control
When discussing control, it is important to note that automatic descent devices can control the rate of speed, while manual control descent devices are manually controlled by the rescuer. A system that allows for both automatic and manual control lets you and your team choose the best approach for each situation.
Some descent devices include a wheel that allows them to be used as a lifting device as well. In many rescue situations, like in the event of an injury in a confined space underground, a worker will need to lift their injured coworker slightly before bringing them both back to the ground. If this type of scenario could happen in your workplace, look for a descent device that includes this feature.
Choosing the Right System
There are several factors to consider when choosing a reliable fall protection system. As with any safety equipment, make sure to check OSHA regulations to ensure that the equipment is compliant. Tractel offers a wide range of descent devices and fall protection systems. Whether you know exactly what you're looking for or need guidance in designing the right system for your workplace, we have the equipment and expertise to help. Contact us so we can assist in choosing the right descent device system for your team.