Cascade Rescue Cable Glider User manual

July, 2016 Cascade Rescue Company Confidential 1
Cascade Rescue Cable and Hang Glider
ALL PERSONS USING THE CASCADE RESCUE
COMPANY CABLE GLIDER OR HANG GLIDER
MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND THE
FOLLOWING.

July, 2016 Cascade Rescue Company Confidential 2
Cascade Rescue Glider
The Cable Glider and Hang Glider are very sophisticated devices, precision manufactured for
the intent of assisting with the rescue of persons from gondolas, trams, chair lifts and zip lines.
As with any activity involving “work at height” or technical rescue, all safety and local protocols
must be followed.
Only trained and experienced personnel of high incline and rope rescue techniques are
considered qualified and can properly use these devices. Failure to follow these rules may
result in severe injury, including death to the user and/or rescue subjects. As such, a few
simple procedures must be followed with regard to operations of the Glider.
The Glider is designed to accommodate cables with diameters ranging from 20mm up to 58mm
- KNOW your cable size! Each Glider may come with several Actuator Bars. Each bar is labeled
with the size range corresponding to cable size. For example, if you have a 38mm cable, you
should choose the Actuator Bar that includes 38mm within the range stamped on the side of
the Actuator Bar.
1. The Glider should always be attached to the rescuer.
2. The Cable Glider has a full “Down Tube” assembly that includes a seat, handle/gear
loop, belay point and telescoping foot rest. This allows the rescuer to attach the Glider
to the cable and then, through the use of appropriate safety and fall arrest devices
"step" onto the Glider. It is perfectly acceptable to step from the tower to the Handle
Ring, Seat and then the Footrest. When using the Cable Glider, it is often easier to
extend the foot rest before mounting the Glider on the cable. When extending the foot
rest, it is essential to ensure that the foot rest is fully extended and in the locked
position so that it does not turn or swivel under load.
The Hang Glider does not have a "Down Tube" assembly and is designed to allow a
rescuer to “hang” below the Glider in a full body harness. As with the Cable Glider,
appropriate fall protection and work at height equipment must be utilized.
3. To attach the Glider to the cable, release the Brake Safety Cord and push forward on the
Glider Brake Release Lever. This will open the Glider brake mechanism and allow
sufficient room between the brake and the trolley system to place it over the cable.

July, 2016 Cascade Rescue Company Confidential 3
Ensure that the cable is seated onto the center of the trolley rollers as it rests on top of
the cable and that the brake pad is centered below the cable.
4. After the Glider is seated on the cable, pull the Brake Release Lever back and lock into
place using the Cam-Cleat and Brake Safety Cord. This step is extremely important and
secures the Glider from rolling down or detaching from the cable until the Glider is fully
loaded with the weight of the Rescuer. After the brake is locked, the rescuer should
attempt to push the Glider down the cable. If the Glider moves at all, the brake should
be tightened and the Brake Safety Cord re-tensioned.
5. After ensuring that the brake is locked, the Rescuer may then transfer their weight to
the Glider. When they have transferred all their weight and they have ensured that the
Glider is resting properly on the cable and that there are no obstructions to the
movement of the Glider or any of its components, the Brake Safety Cord can be
disengaged and the Glider will remain stationary on the cable.
NEVER mount the Glider without first ensuring that the Brake is locked, that one
lanyard (fall protection) is attached to the cable and one to the tower and the Glider is
attached to you. A video is available at Cascade-rescue.com that demonstrates this
practice.
6. After the rescuer has fully mounted or transferred all their weight to the Glider, and
observed all precautions described above, the rescuer may release the Brake Safety
Cord from the cam-cleat. When releasing the Brake Safety Cord, always keep one hand
on the Brake Release Lever. The Glider should remain stationary on the cable. A safety
check is required at this stage. While still attached to the tower, the rescuer will gently
and with even pressure move the Brake Release Lever forward. The rescuer should
allow the glider to move 6-12 inches down the cable and then release pressure on the
Brake Release Lever. The Glider should stop with no rescuer assistance. If it does not,
the rescuer should return to the tower and ensure the Glider has the appropriate Brake
Actuator Bar or that there are no other mechanical issues preventing the brake from
engaging properly. Once this safety check has been successfully completed, the rescuer
may remove the second lanyard from the tower and place it next to the first lanyard
behind the Glider. The lanyards will then follow the Glider as it moves down the cable.
If at any time the rescuer “un-weights” the Glider in any way, all safety checks and
inspections must be repeated.
To move forward down the cable, gently ease the Brake Release Lever straight forward
using the hand that is on the side of the Brake Release Lever (Push Forward to Move
Forward). When the lever is released, the Glider will stop. You will find that you are
able to “feather” your rate of descent based upon how much forward pressure you
place on the handle. Farther forward equals less braking pressure and faster travel. At
no time should enough force be applied such that the brake pad is not in contact with
the cable.

July, 2016 Cascade Rescue Company Confidential 4
If this is the first time the rescuer has ridden a Cable or Hang Glider, we strongly
recommend that the Rescuer riding the Glider is tied to a belay point on the tower and
the rope is managed by another Rescuer. The belay line must be managed so that the
line is parallel to the cable, first attached to the back belay point of the Glider and
then to the Rescuer. This allows the rider to gain experience with the use of the Glider
and its braking and travel characteristics and maximizes safety and security and will
build confidence in use of the Glider. Using this technique, the rider can make short
descents in a controlled environment and be retrieved by their partner above. This
process can be repeated as many times as necessary to ensure proper operation and
rider comfort. Only when the rider is comfortable making a solo descent should the
belay be removed. The user accepts any and all liability if this recommendation is
ignored.
7. Do not “over-throw” or push the brake handle as far forward as it will go. A slight
amount of pressure will release the brake. There is significant leverage available on the
Brake Release Lever. Pushing forward excessively can cause the front wheel to leave
the cable and potentially derail the device. DO NOT allow the Glider to travel down the
cable at excessive speeds.
8. As you move closer to the subject (gondola, tram, chairlift or rider), begin to slow your
descent by gently reducing forward pressure on the Brake Release Lever. When the
subject is reached, gently release all pressure on the Brake Release Lever to stop.
9. Before dismounting the Glider, ensure that the Brake is SECURELY LOCKED by securing
the Brake Safety Cord into the Cam-Cleat and that one lanyard is on the cable and one
lanyard is attached to the Gondola, Tram or Chairlift, (Subject) and the Glider is attached
to you or otherwise anchored via tether to the Subject. Only then is it safe to dismount
and begin rescue or repair operations.
10. To traverse around the point where the Grip (gondola/tram/chair) is attached to the
cable, remove the lanyard attached to the cable behind the Glider and reattach it to the
cable on the other side of where the Grip is attached to the cable. At this point, one
lanyard is attached to the downhill side of the Grip, one lanyard is attached to the Grip
and the Glider is attached to the rescuer. The Glider may then be moved around the
Grip attachment point and locked into place on the downhill side. Once the Glider is
reattached and fully locked, the rescuer may remount the Glider and follow the same
procedures outlined above, beginning at Step 3.
11. Tower dismounts are accomplished in basically the same way. Stop at the tower, Lock
the Glider Brake, attach one lanyard to the tower, dismount the Glider, unlock the
Glider Brake and remove it from the cable and set it aside on the tower platform or
Sheave Train. Only then is it safe to remove the last lanyard from the cable and attach it
to the tower.

July, 2016 Cascade Rescue Company Confidential 5
12. Virtually all lifts are different and every rescue situation may be different as well. A
variety of rope rescue equipment may be needed for any given scenario. A minimum
suggested list of equipment is listed below.
1. A fall rated full body harness that is comfortable to wear for extended periods of
time, even in a hanging position. Suspension Trauma is always a real threat.
2. Climbing helmet.
3. Rope rescue gloves
4. Two lanyards with shock absorbing devices and large safety (ladder) hooks. The
Petzl MGO is a good choice.
5. Webbing or other equipment such as a “cow tail” to attach the Rescuer to the
Glider.
6. For the Hang Glider a system such as the Rock Exotica or Petzl Grillon is used to
attach the Rescuer to the attachment point on the Glider. This will allow them
to adjust their position relative to the Glider or subject.
7. At least one 5 step etrier or adjustable foot loop.
8. Appropriate rope, patient lowering device (Cascade Evacuation Seat or
Triangular Harness), Belay Device such as a Grillion, ID’s, or similar device for
lowering the patient or self rescue.
13. The above listed gear is not all-inclusive. Rescue scenarios are highly dynamic.
Additional rope, prussik’s, pulleys, carabiners, webbing, etc. may be needed and should
be easily available to the rescuer so that they may improvise as necessary.
14. Regardless of your experience level and comfort with working at height, your first
experience using the Glider may seem awkward. As with the use of any new piece of
rescue equipment, this feeling will rapidly diminish with training and practice. Rope
rescue often requires the maintenance or "tending" of many different components in
the rescue system. Always know where all of your gear is in the system and what its
function is at all times.
15. Never attempt any maneuver while working at height if you are uncomfortable with the
situation. Mounting, dismounting and traversing gondolas, trams, chairlift and towers
can be challenging for the uninitiated. Don’t exceed your capabilities or level of
training.
I have read and understand the contents of this document, the proper operations of the Cable and Hang
Glider evacuation devices and am a competent rope rescue technician.
Name:__________________________ Signature:_______________________________
Date:___________________________

July, 2016 Cascade Rescue Company Confidential 6
WARNINGS, INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Read and keep these instructions. Adhere strictly to the following requirements and
recommendations:
1. This equipment should be used only by trained and competent persons or the user
should be under the direct supervision of a trained and competent person.
2. The activity for which this product may be used is inherently dangerous. The
consequences of incorrect selection, improper use or maintenance of equipment could
result in damage, serious injury or death.
3. It is the user's responsibility to ensure that he/she understand the correct and safe
use of any equipment supplied by or through Cascade Rescue Company, uses it only for
the purposes for which it is designed and practices all proper safety procedures.
4. The manufacturer or supplier will not accept any responsibility for damage, injury or
death resulting from misuse, neglect or improperly or inadequately trained persons.
5. Your life depends on your equipment and on its history (use, storage, inspection, etc).
Record and keep with these instructions: serial number, place and date of purchase,
date when first used and checks, dates and duration of use, user's name and comments.
7. The user must be medically capable to control his own security and any possible
emergency situations.
8. Before using the equipment, take all necessary steps to familiarize yourself and
others with rescue and self-rescue techniques should an emergency occur.
Use:
The product should only be used as instructed and no alterations to it should be made.
It may be used in conjunction with any appropriate equipment of suitable specification
with due consideration to the limitations of each individual piece. Where possible this
product should be treated as personal protective equipment.
Falls:
Be aware that any product in the safety system can be damaged in a fall and
consequently should always be examined for defects before re-use. The examination
must be carried out by a competent person, with written confirmation that it is

July, 2016 Cascade Rescue Company Confidential 7
acceptable for re-use. If the product or any of the component parts in the system
exhibits sign of wear or defect, or if there is any doubt, replace it.
Inspections:
Immediately before use, the user should make a visual inspection of the equipment to
ensure that it is in a serviceable condition. If any part of the equipment appears to be
suffering from any defects, wear corrosion or contamination by chemicals, it should be
withdrawn from service. If the brake pad has worn 75 to 80% of its total thickness it
should be replaced. This can be completed by returning it to the manufacturer or can
be replaced by the user with a replacement part provided by the manufacturer.
Chemicals:
Avoid all contact with chemical reagents which could impact the performance of the
product.
Cleaning:
Wash in warm water of domestic supply quality maximum temperature 100º F. Rinse
and dry naturally in a warm room away from direct heat.
Lubrication:
Lubricate the cam mechanisms with a silicone or lithium based lubricant. This should be
carried out after cleaning.
Maintenance/Servicing :
In addition to the normal inspection required before use, this item of equipment should
be periodically thoroughly examined by a competent person. Any item showing any
defect should be withdrawn from service immediately. During the examination, pay
particular attention to: metal parts: general wear, corrosion, gate malfunction,
mechanical deformation / distortion.
Storage:
Store unpacked in a cool, dry, dark place away from excessive heat or heat sources, high
humidity, sharp edges, corrosives or other possible causes of damage. Do not store wet.
Service and Recertification:
It is difficult to provide an obsolescence date, however the unit must be regularly
inspected and if any signs of abnormal wear or damage are present the manufacturer
should be contacted to determine appropriate action.