Accompanied descent rescue
In the event of a work emergency, a rapid evacuation solution for a single victim is an accompanied descent carried out by a co-worker.
Warnings
- Carefully read the Instructions for Use used in this technical advice before consulting the advice itself. You must have already read and understood the information in the Instructions for Use to be able to understand this supplementary information.
- Mastering these techniques requires specific training. Work with a professional to confirm your ability to perform these techniques safely and independently before attempting them unsupervised.
- We provide examples of techniques related to your activity. There may be others that we do not describe here.
The I’D S can be used to control a two-person descent, up to a maximum load of 200 kg.
The recommended descent speed must not exceed 0.5 m/s.
To improve control, using an extra-friction solution is essential.
Above 200 kg, tests have shown that descent control becomes very difficult, and unforgiving of any operator error or incident during the operation.
- If practicing a short descent on a dry rope, descent control remains manageable.
- For a longer descent on a wet or dirty rope, with the stress of a real victim, the risk of losing control of the descent is significant.
Consequently, if the workers at a job site weigh more than 100 kg, the rescue plan should not include evacuation by accompanied descent with the I’D.
Another rescue strategy should be developed, such as installation of the ropes on releasable anchors.
Exceptional situation:
If you need additional descent control or if, despite all precautions taken, an exceptional and unforeseen emergency requires you to perform an accompanied descent on your I’D S with a 200 kg - 250 kg load:
- Further increase braking using one of the solutions presented here.
- Descend at very low speed, even if you think you have control of the descent. Beware of being overconfident: any uncontrolled acceleration will exceed the braking capability of the I’D and expert reflexes will be required to regain control.
