In this episode, Rich talks with his guest, long-time friend, Shannon Long. Shannon is a captain with the Henderson Nevada Fire Department, a paramedic and a pro guide with Canyon Guides International.
Shannon goes far beyond what is commonly referred to as a “buddy check”, preferring the term “systematic safety check” to emphasize the need to check the entire SYSTEM and that checks should be SYSTEMATIC. Ideally a systems check should start at one end of the “life chain” (Shannon prefers starting at the anchor end) and work toward the human end.
Every link in the life chain must be checked because we all know that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
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70% Passing Score ??
In this podcast episode a reference is made to a leader/guide assessment that included a station where candidates were required to perform a systematic safety check. Only one of the candidates passed. Others complained that a passing score for most tests is 70%. That is not the case with a safety check. The 30% you miss — or even if you only miss 5% — the portion that you miss might include a critical element that costs someone their life.
Systems Safety Checklist
Anchor End of the Chain
Start at the anchor end and examine every link you encounter as you progress toward the human end.
- ANCHOR – tree, rock formation, bolts. Is the anchor solid?
- ANCHOR CONNECTION MATERIAL – webbing, rope, chain, cable.
- KNOTS, CHAIN LINKS, CABLE CLAMPS/SWAGES
- RIGGING, CARABINERS
- IF BACKUPS ARE BEING USED ARE THEY SET UP CORRECTLY
Human End of the Chain
Follow the rope from the anchor end toward the human end. Check for possible abrasion points.
- RAPPEL/BELAY DEVICE
- CARABINER(S)
- HARNESS FITTED AND WORN PROPERLY
- HARNESS BUCKLES LOCKED
- HELMET FITTED AND WORN PROPERLY, CHINSTRAP FASTENED
- LOOSE HAIR TIED BACK SECURELY
- SECURE DANGLING THINGS THAT COULD GET CAUGHT IN RIGGING
Never assume the person you are checking is infallible, regardless of their experience or reputation.
Conduct every safety check with the attitude that something probably is wrong and it is your job to find it.
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