ISC RP280 User manual

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
climb.work.rescue.
RP280 Rope Wrench
Solutions in Metal

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
2
Serial number.:
Date of manufacture:
RP280 series: Issue A - May 2015
SPECIAL ROPE WRENCH WARNINGS
RP280 Rope Wrench
Never use as life support. Failure to use proper life support
will lead to serious injury or death.
For use only by arborists who are experienced in SRT. Using
the Rope Wrench without proper training and experience with
SRT can lead to serious injury or death.
Practice using device “low and slow” before using at heights.
Improper orientation of installation will cause the device not
to function.
Read and follow all of these instructions before using the
device.

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
Nomenclature & Markings
Intent and purpose
Basic Operation
Equipment Checklist
Equipment Requirements
Standard set-up instructions
Rope Wrench Set-Up Instructions
Climbing using the Rope Wrench System
Basic Operation of the Rope Wrench
Ascending
Descending
Limb-Walking with the Rope Wrench
Equipment Maintenance and Inspections
Dynamic Inspections
Post-Climb Inspections
General Maintenance
SRT and DdRT
Standards
Testing
Product Record
4
5
5
6
7
10
11
13
13
14
14
15
16
17
18
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18
19
To view a translated copy of
this manual scan this QR code
or visit iscwales.com

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
Nomenclature
UP
0120
EN12278-07
24kN
12kN 12kN
3
5
1
2
10
11
8
9
4
67
12
[1] Slic Pin
[2] Product Logo
[3] Tether Attachment Point
[4] MBS - Minimum Breaking Strength
[5] Wheel
[6] CE Logo Followed By Notied Body
Number Responsible For Article 11B
[7] European Standard
[8] Serial Number
[9] Pictoram Informing User To Read Instructions
[10] Manufacturers Identication
[11] Part Number
[12] Maximum Rope Diameter
UP
RP280
Rope
Wrench
YY/BBBBB/XX
Manufactured
in
the
UK
by
ø
<
13MM

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
4
13
2
RT270B1 Single Leg Tether
RT270C1 Double Leg Tether
[1] Karabiner attachment eye
[2] Stitching
[3] Shrink tube
[4] Rubber Grommet
climb. work. rescue.
MMMYY
Serial #
XXXX
Inspect Daily Use As Designed Store Properly
MBS: 5,400lbs complies with ANSI Z133.3
RT270XX
Tether Combinations
RP280XX + RT270B1RP280XX + RT270C1 RP280XX
Tether Nomenclature
Tether Label

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
The Rope Wrench is meant to be used by arborists servicing, accessing, or maintaining trees in conjunction
with a Single Rope Technique (SRT) conguration. The Rope Wrench is a friction control device that allows
a climber to ascend and descend a single rope without changing equipment. When used as part of a
secure hitch based climbing system, it allows the climber to smoothly control the rate of descent by
adding friction to the climbing system.
The Rope Wrench is NOT:
•a life support device. It is, however, a load- bearing device that may
bear more than 50% of the climbers weight during the climb;
•for use without a life supporting friction hitch or similar device
that will immediately stop descent in an emergency situation;
•for use by persons novice to SRT techniques;
•an SRT training device.
The Rope Wrench has two gears, neutral and engaged, as shown below.
Neutral Gear
(Fig 1a) The climbing rope can pass freely through the Rope Wrench.
Engaged Gear
(Fig 1b) Due to downward loading on the tether attachment point, the climbing rope is bent into an S
shape by the Wheel and the Slic Pin. The climbing rope may still pass through the Rope Wrench, but the
Slic Pin and Wheel apply friction that slows it down.
Intent and Purpose
Basic Operation
Fig 1a
Neutral Gear
Fig 1b
Engaged Gear

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
Note: Attach harness to end of karabiner. If desired, Ascenders could attach to the climbing rope above
or below the system.
•Rope Wrench
•Climbing Rope
•Friction Hitch
•Tether
•Karabiner
•Harness
•Helmet, Boots and Safety Glasses
•Back-up descent device such as a karabiner for a munter hitch.
Optional Equipment
•Slack-Tending Pulley
•Other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
•Ascender(s).
Fig 2
Fully Assembled Rope Wrench System
Equipment Checklist
(Equipment needed to safely climb using the Rope Wrench System)
RT270C1
Rope Wrench Tether
Tether
Grommet
The Grommet on the
Tether stops the Rope
Wrench from slipping
into the neutral position.
Rope
Wrench
Harness
Attachment
Point Climbing rope
Climbing rope
Pulley
Friction Hitch
Karabiner

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
Rope Wrench
Always use the original Rope Wrench manufactured by ISC. Do not attempt to use a “home-made” Rope
Wrench.
Climbing Rope
It is recommended that a 11mm to 13mm diameter, 16 or 24 strand rope made of nylon, polyester,
polypropylene or kernmantle and that is approved for arboriculture be used with the Rope Wrench
system. Ultra static climbing ropes are not recommended. The rope should have just enough “give” or
“bounce” to be comfortable.
Friction Hitch
It is advised that a heat resistant rope of a different material than the climbing rope be used for the
friction hitch.
It is the responsibility of the climber to select a suitable friction hitch.
(Note 1) The above recommendations for the selection of ropes are general guidelines only. There are
many factors that go into selecting suitable ropes for climbing. A professional arborist should carefully
consider all the factors present before making a decision regarding the ropes to be used.
(Note 2) It is recommended that each rope used in the Rope Wrench system be a different colour or
pattern for clarity of distinction.
Tether
It is required that a stiffened tether be used in conjunction with the Rope Wrench. Stiffened tethers
designed specically for use with the Rope Wrench are commercially available. Do not use tethers made
of a brittle material such as acrylic or wood.
It is the responsibility of the climber to select a suitable tether.
Equipment Requirements
Fig 3
DANGER: FREE FALL HAZARD
Do not use a loose or supple tether with the Rope
Wrench. It may become entangled in the Rope
Wrench and cause it to be locked in neutral and
release the grip of the friction hitch. This will lead
to free fall resulting in serious injuries or death.
Dangerous result of using a loose or supple tether:
Rope Wrench is stuck in neutral position and could
release the grip of the friction hitch below it.
Fig 3
A suitable tether allows 8cm (3") of room between the hitch and the Rope Wrench in an engaged and
fully equalised set up

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
It is always recommended that the climber wear a helmet, boots,
and safety glasses at have been commercially manufactured for
arboriculture.
Karabiner
Helmet, Boots and glasses
Harness
The harness selected for use with the Rope Wrench system must
be adjusted to best t the climber’s body. Suspended work
positioning harnesses are recommended for use with the Rope
Wrench system. Harnesses with a chest attachment point may be
used with the Rope Wrench and should be attached to the Tether
Attachment Point or to the tether itself. A chest attachment point
should not be load bearing and is only meant to keep the system
upright and to keep the slack out of the system. (See section titled
Setting Up the Rope Wrench System).
The karabiner selected must be designed for use in arboriculture;
be self-closing;
be self-locking;
take three consecutive and deliberate motions to unlock (triple
locking).
Be large enough to ensure that when congured, no loading or
interference with the gate occurs.
Be secured such that no loading or interference with the gate will
occur.
(The ISC HMS Karabiner is an example of an acceptable Karabiner).

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
Optional Equipment Recommendations
WARNING: USE OF A FRICTION HITCH
Always remember that the Rope Wrench is not a life support device and even a
system using ascenders in conjunction with the Rope Wrench requires a
properly tied and functioning friction hitch. Failure to do so can result in serious
injuries or death.
Other PPE
Each climb will have its own unique set of obstacles and hazards
that should be well understood before climbing begins. Use of other
PPE such as ear, face, hand, leg and respiratory protection will
depend on the level of exposure of the climber to these hazards.
Slack-Tending Pulley
A pulley is not required, but is recommended to assist in keeping
slack out of the system and moving the friction hitch up the
climbing rope during ascent. Use a pulley designed for climbing
systems, such as the ISC Micro Pulley.
Ascenders
Mechanical ascent devices such as foot or hand ascenders are
compatible with the Rope Wrench. Any time more gear is added to
any rope system it increases the complexity and likelihood of
disorder and entanglement. Extra care must be taken to maintain a
clean and tidy system when using ascenders as becoming entangled
in gear can lead to catastrophe especially when panicked.
Back-up Descent Device
During a particulary long descent, the life of the friction hitch can
be prolonged by incorporating the use of a back-up descent device.
A munter hitch or a gure eight may be used above or below the
friction hitch in place of or in conjunction with the Rope Wrench. A
back-up descent device can also be used if the Rope Wrench
becomes incapacitated during the course of the climb. (e.g., if the
climber loses the Slic Pin).

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
Step 1. Choosing a Time And Place
Every climbing location has an unlimited number of potential obstacles and hazards. Even with a perfectly
rigged system and all the proper PPE, some conditions can still pose a threat to a climber’s safety.
Consider the following when choosing a time and location for climbing.
Environmental Conditions
•Rain or moisture can lead to slipping.
•Wind can affect stability and send debris toward the climber.
•Lightning can often strike trees.
•Humidity can affect the function of equipment, particularly the friction hitch.
•Temperature can affect the function of equipment, and affect the performance of the climber.
Tree-Specic Hazards
•Insect and animal habitations that can become agitated.
•Dead, rotten, or weakened branches can break especially when used for anchoring.
•Nearby power lines.
•Anything sharp, such as nearby fences or encroaching structures.
Step 2. Anchoring
1. Tie a weighted object to one end of the climbing rope.
2. Throw the weighted object over a limb or crotch that will support several times the weight of the
climber.
3. Tie the climbing rope to the tree using a trunk- secured basal approach or a limb-secured canopy
approach.
Note: The climber is responsible for having sufcient knowledge and experience with tying secure
anchors. If there is any uncertainty in tying an anchor, consult with a professional arborist.
Standard Set-up Instructions
NOTICE: REGARDING SUBSTITUTIONS
The following set-up instructions are based on the equipment recommended in the previous
section. Substitutes to any of the equipment or methods described herein are made at the sole risk
of the climber. Make sure the function and limitations of any substitutions are well understood
before deviating from these instructions.
DANGER: FREE FALL HAZARD
Failure to properly anchor any rope climbing system will lead to free fall resulting in
serious injuries or death.
WARNING: USE EXCESSIVE ROPE
Leave excessive rope at the working end so that the climber can always reach the
ground and will not unintentionally come off the rope. This is particularly important
if the climber intends to move from branch to branch within the tree. Failure to
supply sufcient rope can result in serious injuries or death.

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
Step 3. Tie Friction Hitch
Tie a secure friction hitch to the climbing rope. Examples of appropriate friction hitch styles include
Valdotain, Michoacán, Distel, Schwabisch, Cooper’s, XT, and Knut. Mechanical friction hitches may also be
acceptable (check with the manufacturer that the mechanical device is rated for SRT.) The friction hitch
chosen must be well understood before use.
Note: It is imperative that the climber knows how to properly tie a friction hitch. There are many variables
to be considered when tying a friction hitch, such as temperature, humidity, level of expertise, desired
ascent and descent speeds, etc. There is no substitute for experience and hands-on training – consult with
a professional arborist if you are not properly experienced or trained.
Step 4. Attach Elements to Karabiner
Attach the ends of the tied friction hitch and one end of the tether to the karabiner. If using a micro pulley,
slide it onto the rope and attach it to the karabiner as well. Attach all elements so as to maintain
symmetry on the karabiner, e.g., attach the ends of the friction hitch on either side of the tether.
Test:
Apply as much downward force on the karabiner as possible to ensure the friction hitch is gripping the
rope properly. This should be done multiple times. Ensure that the friction hitch catches when the climbing
rope is both weighted and unweighted before the Rope Wrench is installed on the line.
Step 5. Attach System to Harness
Attach the end of the karabiner to your harness at the harness’s designated attachment point. If the
harness has a chest attachment point, attach it to the Tether Attachment Point or to the tether itself.
Step 6. Bounce Test
1. Slide the friction hitch and Rope Wrench up the climbing rope as far as possible.
2. Lean back or crouch down so that the friction hitch grips the rope. Proceed to the next step only if this
is successful.
3. Take a small jump and swing the legs forward, such that the entire body weight is put onto the system
and the climber bounces on the rope.
4. Look and listen for cracking or creaking from the supporting branches and trunk. Do not climb on the
system if cracking or creaking is observed.
5. Be sure there is no excessive give in the branches.
6. Perform all relevant inspections listed in the section titled “Pre-Climb inspections”.
This test ensures the system will maintain its integrity should a fall occur.
WARNING: USE PROPER HITCH
The friction hitch is a climber’s ultimate life support and failure to properly tie and
operate a friction hitch can lead to serious injury or death.
Step 1. Attach Tether To Rope Wrench
1. Unscrew and remove the Tether Attachment Point bolt.
2. Place the free end of the tether between the Side Plates at the Tether Attachment Point.
3. It is recommended that a reversible thread-locking uid be applied to the bolt to prevent loosening.
4. Reinsert the bolt.
5. Make sure the bolt is screwed in all the way.
Rope Wrench Set-Up Instructions

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
Do not
•repeatedly remove and attach tethers.
•force the bolt into the socket.
•use the device if the bolt will not fully screw in.
•use the device if the bolt is loose.
Step 2. Attach Rope Wrench
1. Press the spring-loaded tab on the Slic Pin inward and pull the Slic Pin out of the rst side plate. There
is a small recess on the inside of the other side plate that seats the spring-loaded tab, allowing the
climbing rope to be inserted without removing the tab completely.
2. Place the climbing rope along the Wheel.
3. Push the Slic Pin back in such that the climbing rope is secured between the Slic Pin and the Wheel.
Fig 5.
Do not install the Rope Wrench upside-down (see below for proper installation orientation).
It will not function at all if upside-down and may interfere with the friction hitch.
Note: When installed correctly and pulled down, the Rope Wrench should bend the climbing
rope into an S-shape.
CAUTION: SECURE SLIC PIN
The Slic Pin relies on the actuation of a small spring to become secured. Before use, ensure that
the Slic Pin is fully inserted, constrained, and unhibited by any rope bres, and that the metal tab
clicks outward. Failure to do so will cause the Rope Wrench to come off of the climbing rope and
render the Rope Wrench useless.
WARNING: INSTALLATION ORIENTATION
Do not install the Rope Wrench upside down. Failure to do so could interfere
with the function of the friction hitch and can lead to serious injury or death.
Fig 5
CAUTION: TIGHTEN TETHER BOLT
The bolt at the Tether Attachment Point may come unscrewed during climbing if not properly
tightened. This will cause the tether to detach and the render the Rope Wrench useless.
Step 3. Repeat Bounce Test.
With the Rope Wrench installed, repeat the test described in Step 6 of the previous section.

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
Climbing using the Rope Wrench System
NOTICE: PRACTICE “LOW AND SLOW”
Practice all of the instructions in this section “low and slow” before ever
attempting anything at height, regardless of experience or skill level.
Ascending
Descending
WARNING: DO NOT USE AS ASCENDER
Do not attempt to hang on the Rope Wrench as you would an ascender as this
may inadvertently release the friction hitch and can lead to serious injury or
death.
WARNING: UNDERSTAND SRT
The Rope Wrench must only be used by arborists who have received training
and have practical experience with climbing using the Single Rope Technique
(SRT). Using the Rope Wrench without proper training and experience with SRT
can lead to serious injury or death.
DANGER: NOT FOR LIFE SUPPORT
The Rope Wrench is designed to act as a friction control device. It is not a life
support device. The climber must always rely on the friction hitch as primary
life support. If the friction hitch does not engage, it cannot be expected that the
Rope Wrench will slow the climber’s fall. Using the Rope Wrench as life support
will lead to serious injury or death.
Before Descending.
Ensure that the Rope Wrench has begun to engage (refer to Figure 1b.) To do this, move the Rope Wrench
as far up the climbing rope as possible, and while holding it there, gently release the grip of the friction
hitch so that the body weight can be partially shifted from the climbing rope to the tether, which should
then begin to engage the Rope Wrench.
Descent.
To descend, simply pull down gently on the top of the friction hitch to release its grip on the climbing rope.
The friction from the engaged Rope Wrench and partially engaged friction hitch will allow the climber to
descend at a smooth, controlled rate. At no point during descent does the Rope Wrench need to be
touched.
The Rope Wrench is NOT an ascender and plays no part in ascending. It must, however, be pulled up along
with the rest of the system as the climber ascends, in order to keep the system clean and tidy. This can
be facilitated by attaching a harness with a chest attachment point to the Tether Attachment Point of the
Rope Wrench or to the tether itself. This will help keep slack out of the system as the climber ascends.
Ascend using any desired SRT method. Hand ascenders, foot ascenders, foot loops, and the footlocking
method are all acceptable means of engaging the rope. The sit-stand method helps keep slack out of the
system.

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
DANGER: RAPID DESCENT HAZARD
Do not use the Rope Wrench to release the grip of the friction hitch. This will
cause very rapid descent resulting in serious injury or death.
CAUTION: DO NOT DESCEND TOO QUICKLY
Although the Rope Wrench is designed to act as a heat sink during descent, the climber
should not descend too quickly, as doing so can still damage the friction hitch.
Your rope must be tied to a secure anchor point. From this Tie in Point (TIP), the rope may pass through
redirects as the climber works the tree. Unlike DdRT, using the Rope Wrench allows consistent friction
regardless of the number of redirects the climber uses. Redirects help the climber to prevent dangerous
swings or bad rope angles. It is crucial that the climber never climb above his last redirect or be exposed
to an uncontrolled swing. Dynamic falls and uncontrolled swings can cause serious injury or death.
Limb Walking with the Rope Wrench
Halting Descent. To stop descending, simply let go of the friction hitch.
It is important to not allow slack in the system at any time and
always be aware of tripping hazards and stubs that can impale
during the course of a fall or swing.
To limit the exposure to dangerous swings, take advantage of
natural redirects in the tree. Select redirects with caution and
care. Being able to judge the health and strength of trees as
well as understanding the physics of fundamental tree rigging
are imperative to being a safe climber.
Understand that forces can be
multiplied on redirects depending on
the angle of the rope. Understand
that a redirect that is strong in one
direction may be weak when pulled
from another angle. Constantly
inspect the tree for spots of decay
and test the redirect before trusting
you full weight to it. TREES ARE NOT
RATED. Only good judgment can
prevent a climber from over
stressing a limb or tree.
If the climber clips the tail of their
climbing line through a pulley xed
to the working part of the line, the
system can be converted from a 1:1
climbing system to a 3:1 climbing
system.

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
Standard Equipment Inspections
Ropes & Ropes Accessories
Consult the Rope Manufacturers instructions.
Each rope (particularly the climbing rope, friction hitch, and tether) should be inspected for anything that
makes the rope appear non-uniform, including:
• Carry out a visual and tactile check.
• Check out the condition of the sheath over the whole length of the
rope looking for signs of cuts, wear, contamination, furring, sheath
slippage, burns bulges, at spots, stiffness and dirt/grit etc.
• Run the rope through hands, Make a loop, creating a constant
curve in the rope. The rope should maintain a regular curve along its
entire length.
• Check the condition of the protective parts covering stitches or
splices. For stitched terminations slide off the protective sleeve and
check that the stitching is not cut, torn, worn or stretched.
• Where appropriate untie knots to check ends of rope for wear and
distortion.
• Be sure all ropes were stored in a clean, dry, non-corrosive
environment
(or acceptable environment per the manufacturer’s specications).
Leaving a rope in adverse environment for longer than the time
required to perform the necessary tree work could cause it to be
invisbly weakened and should not be used.
Regarding Aerial Rescue
The Rope Wrench may be used as a tool both by rescuers as well as by victims of accidents at height.
When used by a rescuer: The rope wrench provides additional friction to the system and allows a friction
hitch to work. It is not designed for heavy loads or high speeds. If the rescuer is performing a pickoff
while on a single line then additional friction besides a rope wrench should be employed. If the Rescuer
is using double rope technique, then a rope wrench can be added to the system to provide additional
friction to the system.
*If the Victim is using a wrench, the cause of the accident must rst be understood. Depending on the
scenario, different options are available. If the climber has been using a basal anchor, he may be lowered
to the ground by using the climber’s rope. The lowering system should be well thought out and secure.
Use backups so that if the belayer loses their grip on their rope there will be a backup.
It may not be possible to lower the climber using a basal anchor so he must be lowered using Ariel
Rescue techniques. Depending on the incident, the climbers system may not function. If there has been
a large fall, the hitch may be tight to the line and the hitch cord may even be damaged by the fall. In
this case, lifting the injured climber and transferring him to an alternate system may be the best course.
If through inspection, the climbers system is still intact,- then the injured climber may be lowered using
his/her own system.
Pre - Climb Inspection
Before each and every use of the Rope Wrench System, all components should be inspected for damage,
wear, and compatibility with the present situation. Never use any piece of equipment that does not pass
all inspections listed below.
Equipment Maintenance and Inspections

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RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
Karabiners, Pulleys, and Ascenders.
Each of these devices will be slightly different depending on the choices of the climber. As such, they will
all have their own set of inspections to be made. Follow these general guidelines
1. Always begin by consulting the instructions or owner’s
manual for that particular device.
2. Operate the device several times to verify proper operation
(for example, for the Karabiner, unlock, open, and let it close).
3. Check for burrs or sharp edges.
Harness.
Each harness will be different depending on the choice of the
climber. Consult the harness’s instructions or owner’s manual
for directions regarding pre-climb inspections.
Rope Wrench Specic Inspections
1. Inspect the entire device for burrs or sharp edges that may
have developed through use or during storage.
2. Visually check the Slic Pin to ensure the spring- loaded tab
is sticking out and keeping the Slic Pin from moving.
3. Attempt to pull the Slic Pin out to ensure the spring- loaded
tab will not allow it to come out.
4. Ensure the wear on the Slic Pin is not excessive. The Slic Pin
is prone to wear due to friction between itself and the climbing
rope.
5. Check the Side Plates for damage. The Side Plates are
designed to be slightly bent but symmetrical.
6. Rotate the Wheel to ensure it moves freely and is not
obstructed by rope bers or anything else.
7. Ensure the Tether Attachment Point bolt is tight and that
there are no gaps between the bolt heads and the outsides of
the Side Plates.
Dynamic Inspections
Throughout the course of a climb, the climber, as an expert, must constantly monitor the system and
surroundings for changes that may present a hazard. For example, a friction hitch may begin to loosen
and respond differently after a very long ascent. Memorize the “TREES” method described below for
maintaining safety while climbing.
[ T ]ight friction hitch. Always be sure the friction hitch is tight and will engage in the event of a fall at all
times. Even if a friction hitch was very tight when rst tied, it can become loose over the course of a climb.
[ R ]ope must be securely attached to a solid anchor point and remain free of damage or wear at any
point it is repeatedly contacting anything (branches, pulleys, rope wrench, etc.)
[ E ]xcess rope at the end of the climbing rope. This is DESIRED so that the climber does not come off
the rope.
[ E ]xcessive slack in the system. This is NOT DESIRED and should be avoided.
[ S ]harp objects. Burrs and sharp edges in the system or in the tree can damage the rope and must be
avoided.
[ TREES ] Inspect all parts of the tree supporting any part of the body weight to ensure they are not
cracking, creaking, or overly bent.

18
RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
The inspections performed after a climb should be the same as the inspections performed pre-climb.
Particular attention should be given to the post-climb inspections when any of the following occurred
during a climb:
1. A fall from height. If the reason for the fall is due to failure of any of the equipment, discard it
immediately.
2. Any intermittent fall. This will likely cause damage to the rope wrench, friction hitch, and climbing rope.
3. Very long climbs, especially those involving many descents and ascents.
Post Climb Inspections
General Maintenance
Tether Inspection
Inspect tether for damage to Shrink Tube, Stitching and attachment eyes.
The Rope Wrench should also be inspected for damage and function
Never leave the Rope Wrench or any other components out in the elements. Even if exposure to the
elements does not damage the equipment, it can still alter the functionality.
The Rope Wrench should be cleaned after each use with a mild detergent and allowed to dry naturally.
The moving parts of the Rope Wrench may be oiled if desired. Wipe away any excess oil before use.
Ensure the oil type will not degrade any rope used in the Rope Wrench System.

19
RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
Standards Testing
SRT and DdRT
Single Rope Technique (SRT) and Doubled Rope Techniques (DdRT) are somewhat subjective terms that
can mean slightly different things to different people and different organizations. Other names for Single
Rope Technique are Static Rope Technique or Dynamic Rope Technique. SRT as referenced in these
instructions simply refers to any means or methods of ascending and descending a tree on a single leg of
rope that does not move with the climber.
For more information on the meanings of these terms, refer to the following resources:
International Society of Arboriculture: www.isa-arbor.com
Tree Care Industry Association: www.tcia.org
On Rope, by Bruce Smith and Allen Padgett (ISBN: 978-1-879961-05-0)
Best Practices for SRT in Arboriculture, by Donald Coffey and Tchukki Andersen
(TCIA publication)
Single Rope Technique, by Joe Harris (The Victorian Tree Industry Association)
http://vtio.org.au/Content/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Single-Rope-Technique-i.pdf
The Rope Wrench system is not CE marked even though the individual components are but this is
entirely outside of our control for the following reason. There is a clear ruling from the VG11 Group
(group of european notied bodies responsible for standards relating to protection of falls from height)
‘Recommendation for Use (RfU) CNB/P/11.088 dated 12/10/11 states that ‘a system that relies on
knots being tied by the end user are not suitable to be certied, as they rely on techniques’.
However following our recent discussions with the UK CE Test House they were prepared to test the
system in accordance with EN353-2 (Guided type fall arresters including a exible anchor line) and
provide an independent Test Report to conrm that the system is fully compliant with the relevant EN
Standard.
ISC are aware that the industry uses a huge variety of hitch combinations, and it is the hitch that
dictates the effectiveness of the whole system. The Rope Wrench itself is not a fall arrest device, it is
a friction management device. Since hitches are not within ISC's eld of specialism and, at least in
theory, cannot be CE marked according to their manner of use, the user should satisfy themselves (in
conjunction with the hitch cord manufacturer, their industry association and industry best practice) that
the hitch they prefer to use is an effective means of fall arrest (with or without the Rope Wrench). The
testing we have carried out on the various congurations is a good way to do that.
Throughout 2017 we had further discussions with the German ‘Insurance’ Organisation SVLFG
(Sozialversicherung für Landwirtschaft, Forsten und Gartenbau) who had raised a concern about system
compliance. Eventually we agreed that if by suitable testing it could be proven that the system in
certain congurations was compliant with the EN Standards then that would be sufcient to prove that
the system was ‘t for purpose’.
We provided evidence that, in 2014, in conjunction with the ISA Technical Advisory Committee (TAC),
the system was extensively tested in accordance with the relevant European Standards and meets or
exceeds the performance criteria of the standards and therefore was deemed safe/ t for purpose and
so it was decided to expand upon that but with a greater number of congurations. However SVLFG
required that, for credibility, the testing should be done by a recognised CE Test House.
In order for the system to be submitted for testing in accordance with the relevant standards, ISC have
to submit a complete system. ISC has worked closely with leading rope manufacturers to establish
combinations that will provide best performance under the various test parameters.
The following 3 commonly-available congurations were tested and conrmed as fully compliant:
1. Yale Kernmaster 11mm & Yale Beeline Blue 10mm, 65cm tied in a 4 wrap/ 2 braid VT
2. Stein Acuda & Stein ATOL TEC 10mm, 65cm tied in a 4 wrap/ 2 braid VT
3. Courant Kanopa Pro & Courant Phoenix 10mm, 65cm tied in a 4 wrap/ 2 braid VT
If a signicant dynamic event on the system should occur, the hitch will slip and limit the peak force
to the user at under 6kN. It is likely that there will be a large amount of heat build-up during such an
event which might result in heavy glazing of both the rope and the hitch cord. After such a dynamic
event, the rope and hitch cord should be inspected for signs of damage and retired if necessary.

20
RP280 series: Issue B - March 2018
Page
reserved for
a copy of
the SATRA
test report