HIGH ANGLE ENVIRONMENT This is the last environments that mankind has conquered. The environment is unforgiving and the kind of lapse that might go unnoticed on level ground could result in severe injury or death. Man has been able to devise the means to temporarily overcome it and in some cases use it to his advantage

Things to consider GRAVITY is the great adversary FEAR of heights is natural and a degree of it is necessary for survival Unless a person feels at ease, his discomfort will prevent him from being effective in any HA activity To be accustomed and effective, PRACTICE A person without any fear or respect for the hazards involved is a DANGER TO HIMSELF AND OTHERS

Do it Safely! Attention to Detail Choose and use the RIGHT equipment Ensure adequate and generous margin or factor of safety BACK IT UP. Use redundant systems Check and double check. Use the touch system Everyone checks EVERYONE else Back Up OTHERS Everyone wears a HELMET PROPER CARE for the equipment

Personal Equipment & Protection Clothing Footwear Headgear Gloves Seat Harness

Clothing Is shelter close to the body, intended to help maintain the delicate balance of the body’s internal temperature by creating a thin insulating later of warm air next ot the skin Layering system is the wearing of clothing in a system of layers to easily adapt to the fluctuating external temperatures by adding or removing layers as necessary

Footwear Boots should provide comfort, protection, and adhesion. Usually made of leather and has ample water proofness Socks should also provide warmth, comfort and inhibit injuries such as blisters

Headgear Protects from falling objects and reduces the severity of brain injury in case of a fall Shell is commonly made of glass-reinforced polyamide or fiberglass composite for impact absorption A 3-point suspension system holds the shell away from the head to prevent direct transmittal of blows and provide air circulation Brim prevents rain water or spray from dripping into the face but narrow enough to provide a good field of vision No extended rear brim “A few extra bucks for a helmet with good suspension and impact absorption is cheap compared to a good bang in your brain”

Gloves Gloves are worn to protect the hands against the weather and burns or abrasions from a running rope. Gloves should allow the hands retain a sense of feeling (dexterity or handiness) so that fingers can manipulate equipment and endure better rope handling and control

Seat Harness Webbing are wide and with padding for added comfort at critical points such as the waist and thighs Stitching are sewn securely and evenly, and of contrasting color to easily detect abrasions and wear Metal or reinforced tie-in point is designed to maintain a correct center of gravity and withstand severe stress Easy to put on and adjust Allow freedom of movement of both when hanging in it and when wearing it on the ground Must not allow the user to fall out when hanging upside down Adequate gear loops for securing hardware and other items

Tied Emergency Seat Harness The Diaper Harness The Mountaineer Harness The Quick-Don Harness (Swiss Seat)

Chest Harness A chest harness helps maintain the body in an upright position It should easily be put on, take off, adjust and connect to a seat harness A chest harness must not be used alone for high angle activities, but always in combination with seat harness

Light Sources Light sources should be reliable and allow hands-free operation The lamp should have an adjustable beam and a secure switch Spare bulbs and batteries should be made available at all times

Knives & Cutting Tools Knives and cutting tools in the high angle environment are a threat to life because: oToT hey present a real danger of personal injury oToT hey destroy life-supporting equipment with ease Cutting tools must not have naked blades