Triggering the anti-panic handle
Warnings
- Read the technical notice before viewing the following techniques.
- It is important to fully understand the information provided in the technical notice before using this complementary information
- Mastering these techniques requires training.
- Consult a professional before attempting to perform these techniques on your own.
Working principle
The GRIGRI + has an anti-panic handle that is especially useful in learning how to control a lower.
If the belayer pulls too hard on the handle, the anti-panic mechanism triggers and stops the descent.
To continue the descent, the belayer releases the handle completely, then resumes lowering normally.
Note:
As with all belaying maneuvers, the belayer must always hold the brake side of the rope.
Resuming the descent:
Explanatory drawings:
Inconvenient triggering of the anti-panic handle
In certain cases, the anti-panic mechanism can trigger inconveniently (if there is rope drag, with a lightweight climber, on reaching the ground...).
To unblock the rope and complete the lower, you can pull the handle completely back. This overriding of the anti-panic function is for exceptional use only.
Explanatory drawings:
Particular case:
Warning: in certain configurations (lightweight climber and/or belayer, rope drag, small diameter rope, new rope...), the triggering of the anti-panic handle may be too subtle for the belayer to notice. Even with the anti-panic handle, you must always hold the brake side of the rope to stop the descent.
Remember: novice belayers are advised to avoid using a rope that is too thin.