Back-up Device
Overview
Back-up devices are attached to an anchor line independent from the working line, and their primary function is to arrest a user’s fall and minimise the impact force placed on the user and anchor system, should a working line failure occur. It is critical that a suitable back-up system is in place in any circumstance where the result of a single element of the system failing would result in a fall or injury to the user.
There are two main categories of back-up devices; fixed and towable. Fixed back-up devices must be managed separately to the working system whereas towable devices can “follow” users up or down the back-up line*.
Important Considerations
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Device is suitable for the task and compatible with other equipment used
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Device is subject to a pre-use check
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Device is correctly attached to the back-up line and is function checked
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Efforts should be made to minimise the potential of dropping the device
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Clearance distance is calculated
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Back-up devices should generally be kept as high as possible, however acceptable fall distances and safe working loads must be taken into account
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Mishandling – particularly of fixed back-up devices – must be avoided
- it should be noted that although self lifelining back-up devices (such as the Petzl ASAP) can follow a user up or down lines, care should be taken when ascending as factors such as; tangles of rope, device position, little weight of rope below the device can all affect the “following” of the device and users can end up with catastrophic fall distances.