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Which Tripod Rescue System Is Best?

Which tripod rescue system is bestWhen shopping for a confined space entry rescue tripod system, it doesn't take long to realize just how varied the choices are. These differences make it difficult to determine which tripod system is best suited to your application and budget. Below are a few things to consider that will improve your chances of making the best decision.

KNOW YOUR CONFINED SPACE ENTRY TRIPOD  REQUIREMENTS

A tripod rescue system is intended to help comply with OSHA confined space (1910.146) and fall protection (1910.132) standards (States may have their own standards as well).

Specifically, a properly equipped tripod system will help you meet requirements for - (1) lowering/raising; (2) fall protection; (3) rescue/retrieval. Think of each one as a single leg on a "requirements stool". If the stool is missing one leg, it falls over - it doesn't meet the requirements.

KNOW YOUR CONFINED SPACE RESCUE TRIPOD COMPONENTS

There are a number of tripod components available to safely comply with these requirements - to build the "requirements stool". It is here that the differences between systems should begin to make sense to you.

A confined space tripod system can consist of a mixture of the following components - (1) the rescue/retrieval winch; (2) the combination rescue winch/self retracting lifeline; (3) a self retracting lifeline.

When looking at the components keep in mind this simple axiom - no one component can be all three legs on the stool.

 

Rescue/Retrieval Winch

The basic rescue/retrieval winch is manually operated by hand. It comes in varying lengths and cable materials. The norm is usually a galvanized cable ranging from 50' to 65'.

Of the 3 requirements cited above (the "requirements stool") - lowering/raising, fall protection, rescue/retrieval - which ones will the basic winch fulfill? It serves as the raising/lowering and rescue/retrieval. This means that the fall protection requirement is missing. It can be met by the use of a ladder, self retracting lifeline or a combination winch/lifeline.

 

Combination Rescue Winch/Self Retracting Lifeline

The combination unit combines both the rescue capacity of the basic winch and the convenience of a self retracting lifeline in one unit. With the handle engaged, one cranks the worker up or down if needed. With the handle disengaged, no cranking is required - the cable extends and retracts automatically with the worker. It comes in varying lengths and cable materials. The norm is usually a galvanized cable of 50'.

Of the 3 requirements cited above (the "requirements stool") - lowering/raising, fall protection, rescue/retrieval - which ones will the combination winch/lifeline fulfill? It serves as fall protection and rescue/retrieval when used with a ladder. It serves as fall protection when used with a basic winch. It serves as rescue/retrieval when used with a stand alone self retracting lifeline and a ladder.

What about the raising/lowering requirement? It depends - some manufacturers do not approve their combination units for routine raising/lowering. So you would still need a ladder or basic winch to fulfill the raising/lower requirement.

So what is the benefit of this component? It provides rescue redundancy when used with a basic winch, and is a convenience when a ladder is present. Because the cable can extend and retract automatically with the worker, the attendant does not have to crank the worker up or down the ladder like he would with the basic winch.

Are there any drawbacks? (1) They are expensive and are the reason some tripod systems are so much more expensive than others. (2) And in an emergency situation the user has to remember how to engage the handle for rescue. This could be a problem for some workers.

 

Self Retracting Lifeline

The self retracting lifeline extends and retracts automatically with the worker. It is hung from the top of the tripod by means of a carabiner attached to an eyebolt. It comes in varying lengths and cable materials. The norm is usually a galvanized cable of 30' - 50'.

Of the 3 requirements cited above (the "requirements stool") - lowering/raising, fall protection, rescue/retrieval - which ones will the combination winch fulfill? The self retracting lifeline is always fall protection.

 

Our Most Popular Systems

Tripods with Basic Winch:

FrenchCreek Basic Winch Tripod System (also comes with SRL)

Tripods with Combination Winch/Lifeline:

 FrenchCreek 3-Way Winch Tripod System

To view all of our systems, please Click Here. We have a huge variety--systems with all rope for energized entries, systems with 9 foot tripods, and plenty more. Please call if you need help in making a selection.

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