Belaying loads with the I’D S, I’D L, and I’D EVAC - Petzl USA
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Tech tips Tech tips by activity Technical rescue Belaying loads with the I’D S, I’D L, and I’D EVAC

Belaying loads with the I’D S, I’D L, and I’D EVAC

The belay rope must hold the falling load in the event of primary system failure.

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.

When manipulating the device to give slack, the operator must not risk compromising the ability of the device to lock the rope if needed. For example, s/he must not hold the handle with their whole hand, because in the event the primary rope breaks, the most likely reflex would be to clench the handle, delaying the locking of the belay rope.

The energy developed in a fall increases considerably as the load increases. Above 100 kg and up to 250 kg, the user must be experienced and trained.

Precautions:

- The user must always hold the brake side of the rope.

- The belay rope should always be taut to minimize impact force if the work rope breaks.

- The greater the mass, the higher degree of vigilance required of the operator; above 100 kg, any fall represents a significant amount of energy that must not be taken lightly.

Be mindful of the clearance; if the work rope breaks, the load will drop to a lower level due to stretch of the belay rope. Warning: the greater the mass, the greater the clearance.

Belaying loads with the I’D S, I’D L, and I’D EVAC
Belaying loads with the I’D S, I’D L, and I’D EVAC, recommendation tables
Belaying loads with the I’D S, I’D L, and I’D EVAC, recommendation tables

Belay technique for raising

The user must always hold the brake side of the rope.

Belay technique for raising with the I’D S, I’D L, and I’D EVAC - 1/5
Belay technique for raising with the I’D S, I’D L, and I’D EVAC - 2/5
Belay technique for raising with the I’D S, I’D L, and I’D EVAC - 3/5
Belay technique for raising with the I’D S, I’D L, and I’D EVAC - 4/5
Belay technique for raising with the I’D S, I’D L, and I’D EVAC - 5/5

Belay technique for lowering

The user must always hold the brake side of the rope.

The cam of the pre-2019 I’D S, I’D L and I’D EVAC is equipped with a support zone, allowing locking to be temporarily disengaged when the rope is not loaded.

Belay technique for lowering with the I’D S, I’D L, and I’D EVAC.
Belay technique for lowering with the I’D S, I’D L, and I’D EVAC.

On the pre-2019 I’D S and L, tilting the device can help rope glide.

Belay technique for lowering, specificity of the pre-2019 I’D S and pre-2019 I’D L - 1/3
Belay technique for lowering, specificity of the pre-2019 I’D S and pre-2019 I’D L - 1/3
Belay technique for lowering, specificity of the pre-2019 I’D S and pre-2019 I’D L - 2/3
Belay technique for lowering, specificity of the pre-2019 I’D S and pre-2019 I’D L - 3/3

Included in this article

I’D® EVAC Self-braking descender with anti-panic function for lowering from an anchor I’D® L Self-braking descender with anti-panic function for rescue I’D® S Self-braking descender with anti-panic function for work at height and rope access work

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