As often as possible, IRATA recommends that you work with a rigged-for-rescue system as opposed to making intervention rescues part of your safety method statement. There are many advantages to a rigged-for-rescue system, but overall they are definitely the faster and safer option. So use them whenever possible.

In a rig-for-rescue system, you may lower, haul, or cross haul your casualty to safety.

When would you use a hauling system?

You would use a hauling system if the only way to evacuate the casualty was to lift them back onto the structure or platform that they’d descended from. This would be the case if there were obstructions preventing a clear descent to the ground.

You will need some additional equipment for a hauling rescue. If this style of rescue has been identified as an option in the safety method statement, then the necessary equipment should be set aside for quick deployment. When it comes to any rescue operation, the quicker the wheels can be set in motion, the better (suspension intolerance is a big part of that).

Depending on the situation, there are 3 types of hauling systems you may use:

• A lowering system, plus extra equipment.
• A complete system used throughout to lower, suspend, and lift the rope tech.
• A system that can be added to existing rigged ropes using a third rope and extra equipment.

During your IRATA Assessment, all levels will be asked to demonstrate awareness of how to use all three of these hauling systems for rescue.

L2 and L3 certifying techs will be asked to demonstrate competence rigging all three types of hauling systems, and then operating them to bring the casualty back to safety on a platform or stance (on assessment day, you’ll only need to demonstrate one of the three – which one, will be up to your assessor).

Your IRATA assessor will specifically be watching to ensure that all levels understand the potential difficulties that could be encountered with a lowering system. You should also understand the systems mechanical advantages, and how loads on equipment could result in equipment failure if the weight exceeds the manufacturers instructions.

In addition, your IRATA assessor will be watching to ensure that L2 and L3 techs:

• implement the system correctly and efficiently.
• Use the equipment correctly, including using and maintaining a suitable back-up system.
• Adequately address all teamwork, rescue management, communication and safety issues.

In a hauling rescue, you may need to move your casualty over a safety barrier before bringing them to rest on the platform. Casualty care and the possibility of suspension intolerance should always be taken into account. We’ll go over this maneuver during your training week. We’ll also go over the use of taglines, and the additional precautions to avoid accidental movement that should be put in place.

And one more quick note:
You might also use a hauling system to lift tools or materials, but before using your equipment this way be aware that this could increase wear and tear and may require you to retire certain items earlier than would have been necessary. When used in this form, it’s referred to as a pulley system. We’ll go into further detail on this during your training week as well.

Additional resources to check out:

TACS 6.5.3 for the source material for this blog.

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This is part of an ongoing series, where we’re breaking down IRATA’s syllabus and clarifying exactly what ‘demonstrating competence’ and ‘demonstrating awareness’ means, and what will be expected of you on assessment day. To access the IRATA study guides, click below: