ASSESSMENT OF FORESEEABLE MISUSE IN RELATION TO THE USE OF THE PETZL SHUNT AS DEMANDED BY IRATA ICOP 2.7.7.5
Manufacturer
Type of Equipment
Model & Code
Prepared by
Date
Petzl
Ascender (widely used as back-up Shunt B03
A. Forrest
24/08/2010
device within the rope access
industry)
Background:
1. The most widely used IRATA rope access back-up device, in use since the beginning of IRATA.
2. Relatively light, inexpensive, easy to inspect and maintain.
3. Unlike certain other types of back-up device the Shunt passively grips the rope at all times which is comforting for many users.
4. On the negative side are worries about panic-grabbing, failure to release tail cord and 2 person rescue loads resulting in failure of the device in highimpact falls – those where the device is being trailed in too low a position (no significant incidence of these concerns reported in over 20-years and
millions of man-hours).
5. It lacks a relevant standard – it carries EN567 (ascender): EN12841-A, or EN353-2 are probably more relevant now. However, the Shunt is still extremely
popular amongst the majority of large established IRATA operating companies and their technicians.
6. The issue of back-up is polarised within the industry at present and is unlikely to be resolved until an alternate device, which is acceptable to users, is
developed. The Shunt remains the trusted tool of choice for the majority of experienced professional technicians despite the introduction of the Petzl
ASAP in 2004 (this device is covered separately).
7. Training companies have a responsibility to train that equipment which the trainees are most likely to encounter in the field, whether or not they have
alternative personal preferences - this will vary between regions, companies and industry sectors.
8. Petzl have issued a statement that uniquely recognises the way in which IRATA uses of the device, subject to various disclaimers.
General: In addition to specific control measures listed below it is essential that all technicians engaged in professional rope access are subject to
adequate levels of Training, Assessment and Supervision - the cornerstone of all safe rope access operations. Technicians should also be
properly trained in fault detection in relation to their personal equipment. All devices are safe in the correct hands. Otherwise, the use of all
specialist devices, and working at height in general, is potentially deadly.
In all cases, with any back-up device, ensure security and integrity of main line rigging – you don’t ever want to use your back-up…
Foreseeable Misuse
Consequences
Control measures
Incorrect installation of device
Will not function upside down.
 After installation perform a sharp test-tug, then push high.
Will not function without lever
 Be disciplined about “buddy checking”.
passing through the main body.
Panic-grabbing device in event of main line failure
Free-fall until the device is
 Training to emphasise the need to keep hands away from
released.
equipment in the event of main line failure.
 Device to be kept as high as possible when working and not
moving.
Failure to release towing cord in the event of freeFree-fall until the cord is
 No loops to be tied in towing cord
fall, or uncontrolled descent
released, OR
 Thin cord (~4mm) is best as harder to keep hold of in fall.
Uncontrolled descent until the
cord is released.


Option 1 – Short cord (~40mm) with no knot.
Option 2 – Longer cord (~100mm) with small overhand knot.
Best not to mix the above as the temptation with a longer cord with no knot may lead
the user to wrap the otherwise slippery cord around a finger.



Option 3 – Tear-away cord (don’t exist commercially).
Option 4 – No cord (awkward).
Option 5 – Alternately operate Shunt and Descender
(impractically slow)
Depending on type gloves may, or may not, aid rapid release, also applies to panicgrabbing.
Excessive impact forces - single user
Excessive slippage of device
after high fall factor




Never operate the device below shoulder height.
Never climb above the device.
Keep device as high as possible when working and not moving.
Do not use excessive cow’s tail and lanyard lengths - preference
and task may vary choice. Recommended length about 0.7m
rising to an absolute maximum of 1m.
 For use as back-up to ladder climbing minimise or remove
lanyard / cow’s tail connection altogether. (This use is not
recommended, however, it is included as it is commonly done).
Excessive impact forces – rescue loads
Excessive slippage / failure of
In addition to the above:
device after high fall factor
 Firstly consider “rigging for rescue”, thus avoiding on-rope, oneto-one rescues in the first place.
 Use a high-towing technique when descending with a casualty.
 Consider using a completely independent third system, thirdperson operated back-up system when dealing with rescue loads.
 Consider using an alternative device for rescue, e.g. Petzl ASAP
in rescue bag.
 Above all ensure that planning and risk assessment are
performed thoroughly in order to avoid this type of rescue
situation occurring in the first place.
Dropping device
Danger to others.
 Use the established handling procedure when installing and
Increased risk to operator – no
removing the device. Refer to Petzl user instructions and IRATA
back-up.
safety bulletin 07.
Conclusions: In light of the above detailed assessment and resulting control measures CRAS considers the ongoing / optional use of the Petzl Shunt to
present acceptable levels of risk when used by properly trained and supervised professional rope access technicians.
Further advice on the use and operational limitations of this device can be found in the Petzl user instructions.
ASSESSMENT OF FORESEEABLE MISUSE IN RELATION TO THE USE OF THE PETZL ASAP AS DEMANDED BY IRATA ICOP 2.7.7.5
Manufacturer
Type of Equipment
Model & Code
Prepared by
Date
Petzl
Mobile fall arrester
ASAP B71
A. Forrest
14/09/2010
Background:
1. Introduced by Petzl in 2004, despite many apparently positive features, has had limited up-take and adoption in the IRATA rope access industry.
2. The ASAP is heavier, more expensive and relatively difficult to effectively inspect and maintain in comparison to the Shunt.
3. There are worries about the effectiveness of the ASAP in certain dirty “industrial” environments – detailed by Petzl themselves.
4. Some concern over the trust element – the technician has to trust that the device will kick-in, whereas the Shunt is passively gripping the rope at all times.
5. On the positive side it carries two relevant standards: EN12841-A and EN353-2.
6. Also on the positive side the ASAP eliminates two of the main worries with the Shunt, i.e. panic-grabbing and failure to release tail cord.
7. The issue of back-up is polarised within the industry at present and is unlikely to be resolved until an alternate device, which is acceptable to users, is
developed.
8. Training companies have a responsibility to train that equipment which the trainees are most likely to encounter in the field, whether or not they have
alternative personal preferences – this will vary between regions, companies and industry sectors.
General: In addition to specific control measures listed below it is essential that all technicians engaged in professional rope access are subject to
adequate levels of Training, Assessment and Supervision -the cornerstone of all safe rope access operations. Technicians should also be
properly trained in fault detection in relation to their personal equipment. All devices are safe in the correct hands. Otherwise, the all use of
specialist devices, and working at height in general, is potentially deadly.
In all cases, with any back-up device, ensure security and integrity of main line rigging – you don’t ever want to use your back-up…
Foreseeable Misuse
Consequences
Control measures
Incorrect installation of device – upside down, rope Will not function upside down.
 After installation perform a sharp test-tug, then push high.
not running between connector and body
Will not function if rope not
 Be disciplined about “buddy checking”.
between connector and body.
Excessive impact forces – single user
As a minimum damage to the
 It is essential that one of the purpose designed ASAP absorbers
rope sheath – worst case
is used – a cow’s-tail is not a viable substitute. There are 3
severed rope.
options available: ASAP‘Sorber L71 20, ASAP‘Sorber L71 40 and
Absorbica L57.
 It is also possible to use the device clipped directly to an
appropriate (fall arrest) harness attachment point
 Otherwise carefully tend the device, ensuring that it is always in a
high, slack-free position.
Excessive impact forces – rescue loads
As a minimum damage to the
 It is essential that only the Absorbica L57 is used for rescue
rope sheath – worst case
purposes.
Dropping device
Use with incompatible equipment – absorber,
karabiner, harness, rope etc.
Compatibility is a serious consideration for
companies supplying this equipment to their
employees.
severed rope.

Otherwise as above.
Danger to others.
Increased risk to operator – no
back-up.
Without absorber, possible
excessive impact forces – see
above.
Wrong harness combination (2
piece) resulting in disasterous
Croll top-hole failure.

Use the established handling procedure when installing and
removing the device. Refer to Petzl user instructions.

It is essential that one of the purpose designed ASAP absorbers
is used – a cow’s-tail is not a viable substitute (see above).
It is essential that only the Absorbica L57 is used for rescue
purposes (see above).
Only use the correct karabiner (OK Triact Lock – M33 TL) to
attach absorber to the device.
Only use the device in conjunction with an appropriate harness
with EN361 (fall arrest) sternal and/or dorsal attachment points.
Only certain, very specific, ropes have been tested with the ASAP
– refer to Petzl user instructions and website for full list.
Do not use laid or twisted ropes.
Ensure at all times that your device does not become
contaminated with foreign matter or items as specified by Petzl:
pebbles, mud, tree branches, keeper cord, clothing, paint, cement
etc…there are many more possibilities.
Carefully consider the appropriateness of the ASAP for use in a
number of common industrial environments, specifically those
environments that contain items, as listed by Petzl, above…
In addition, be careful not to entangle items of clothing, hair, or
anything else from your person.
Consider whether it is wise to use a keeper cord at all, when
weighing-up the risk of dropping the device versus the possibility
of malfunction.
Otherwise carefully consider the length of cord, positioning of
cord and cord material - thin, crimped wire maybe better than
nylon cord?
Train users in correct installation procedures, that specifically
emphasize the need for proper placement of keeper cord




Foreign matter / items – Petzl list: pebbles, mud,
tree branches, keeper cord, clothing, paint, etc
Possible malfunction to quote
Petzl: “Danger of Death”
Specific – do not allow paint, cement, etc to get on
your ASAP!




Specific – poorly placed keeper cord
Possible malfunction to quote
Petzl: “Danger of Death”



Clearance distance + over-extension
Striking ground or obstruction
as a result of a fall.



Incorrect cleaning – immersion in solvent
Danger of damaging or
clogging mechanism, leading to
possible malfunction.



Excessive slack due to inattention
Potentially very large falls on to
back-up rope and device.

Excessive slack due to wind
Potentially very large falls on to
back-up rope and device.



Petzl advice explicit: Without an absorber clearance distance
required: 3.6m. Otherwise, for use with any of the purposedesigned absorbers: 3.9 – 4.1m…
Carefully consider the effectiveness of the ASAP in these low
environments, particularly when this advice comes directly from
the manufacturer.
Do not extend the length of the ASAP absorbers – only one
connector allowed at each end.
Petzl advice - clean with brush, water and soap, then rinse and
dry.
Petzl also go on to say that: “if this does not suffice, you can
clean it with a paintbrush cleaner (solvent).” Then confusingly
they say in the next sentence: “Do not immerse or submerge the
ASAP in a solvent due to the risk of damaging or clogging
mechanism!” The difference between a thorough cleaning with,
and submersion in, solvents needs clarified.
Probably the best control is not to use the device in environments
that may result in it requiring to be cleaned with solvents…
Despite the perception that the ASAP is “fool-proof”, (largely as a
result of the requirements of EN353-2: minimal user intervention /
hands-free operation) this is not the case. The user needs to
carefully tend the device, ensuring that it is always in a high,
slack-free position.
Consider the wisdom of using an ASAP in windy conditions.
Always tie a blocking knot in your back-up rope to prevent it being
whipped from the device. You may consider placing this knot
close to your work position (rather than at the end of the rope) in
windy conditions.
Where practical the rope may be weighted (1kg), or anchored
below the ASAP.
Anchor strength EN353-2 (22kN) – (10.5mm Fig 8)
No significant consequence
other than working out with
standard.

Use a rope (sewn termination, or knotted) approved by Petzl for
use with the ASAP, in order to comply with the EN353-2
standard.
 Generally most 11mm ropes tied with an appropriate knot will
provide an adequate factor of safety. Particularly when the ASAP
is used with an appropriate absorber, which should never allow a
fall to result with an impact force greater than 6kN.
Conclusions: In light of the above detailed assessment and resulting control measures CRAS considers the ongoing / optional use of the Petzl ASAP to
present acceptable levels of risk when used by properly trained and supervised professional rope access technicians.
Further advice on the use and operational limitations of this device can be found in the Petzl user instructions.
ASSESSMENT OF FORESEEABLE MISUSE IN RELATION TO THE USE OF THE PETZL SHUNT AS DEMANDED BY IRATA ICOP 2.7.7.5
Manufacturer
Type of Equipment
Model & Code
Prepared by
Date
DMM
Backup Device (fall arrest)
Buddy 200 red
G. Taylor
18/01/2013
Background:
1. Within North America, in many areas rope access technicians need to be compliant with fall arrest regulations.
DMM buddy with compatible ropes and connectors is compliant.
The
2. Fall arrest device conforming to EN353-2:2002 and ANSI Z359.12(2009)
3. Self tailing rope grab
4. Suitable for ropes of 11mm to 13mm
5. Rated for single person loading (not to be used for two person rescue)
6. Designed to operate on nylon rope conforming to EN1891:1998
General: In addition to specific control measures listed below it is essential that all technicians engaged in professional rope access are subject to
adequate levels of Training, Assessment and Supervision - the cornerstone of all safe rope access operations. Technicians should also be
properly trained in fault detection in relation to their personal equipment. All devices are safe in the correct hands. Otherwise, the use of all
specialist devices, and working at height in general, is potentially deadly.
In all cases, with any back-up device, ensure security and integrity of main line rigging – you don’t ever want to use your back-up…
Foreseeable Misuse
Consequences
Control measures
Incorrect installation of device
Will not function upside down.
 After installation perform a sharp test-tug, then push high.
 Be disciplined about “buddy checking”.
Panic-grabbing device in event of main line failure
Free-fall until the device is
 Training to emphasise the need to keep hands away from device,
released.
or on ropes above device in the event of main line failure.
 Device to be kept as high as possible when working and not
moving.
 Do not attach lanyards or carabiners on the rope above the
backup device.
Using Buddy on rope access style lanyards
The Buddy will most often sit at  Must be used with short lanyards to reduce fall distance (under
it’s low point (self tailing). A fall
13” total distance)
in this position could be in
 Must be used with compatible ropes.
excess of 1.6M.
Excessive slippage of device
after high fall factor


Must be used with CSA/ANSI approved carabiners)
Excessive impact forces - single user
When moving keep the device lanyard over the wrist to maintain
a high position.
 Never climb above the device.
 Keep device as high as possible when working and not moving.
Must not be used as a rescue backup device
Excessive slippage / failure of
In addition to the above:
device after high fall factor
 Firstly consider “rigging for rescue”, thus avoiding on-rope, oneto-one rescues in the first place.
 Consider using a completely independent third system, thirdperson operated back-up system when dealing with rescue loads.
 Consider using an alternative device for rescue, e.g. Petzl ASAP
in rescue bag.
 Above all ensure that planning and risk assessment are
performed thoroughly in order to avoid this type of rescue
situation occurring in the first place.
Dropping device
Danger to others.
 When attaching or removing the device from the ropes maintain
Increased risk to operator – no
sure handed movements.
back-up.
 Attach carabiner to one of the side plates before removing from
the rope.
Conclusions: In areas where Worksafe compliance demands an ANSI approved fall arrest device the DMM Buddy is one of the devices CRAS will use
operationally. Rescuers will also carry a rope access backup device that may be used for 2 person loads.
Further advice on the use and operational limitations of this device can be found in the DMM user instructions.
ASSESSMENT OF FORESEEABLE MISUSE IN RELATION TO THE USE OF THE PETZL SHUNT AS DEMANDED BY IRATA ICOP 2.7.7.5
Manufacturer
Type of Equipment
Model & Code
Prepared by
Date
Kong
Backup Device (Fall Arrest)
Back-Up #802
G. Taylor
18/01/2013
Background:
1. Within North America, in many areas rope access technicians need to be compliant with fall arrest
regulations.
The Kong Backup with compatible ropes and connectors is compliant.
2. Fall arrest device conforming to EN 353/2 - EN 358, EN 567 - EN 12841/A-B and ANSI Z359.12(2009)
3. Self tailing rope grab
4. Use with the supplied steel carabiner (to be ANSI compliant)
5. Suitable for ropes of 11mm to 13mm
6. Rated for single person loading (not to be used for two person rescue)
7. Designed to operate on nylon rope conforming to EN1891:1998
General: In addition to specific control measures listed below it is essential that all technicians engaged in professional rope access are subject to
adequate levels of Training, Assessment and Supervision - the cornerstone of all safe rope access operations. Technicians should also be
properly trained in fault detection in relation to their personal equipment. All devices are safe in the correct hands. Otherwise, the use of all
specialist devices, and working at height in general, is potentially deadly.
In all cases, with any back-up device, ensure security and integrity of main line rigging – you don’t ever want to use your back-up device..
Foreseeable Misuse
Consequences
Control measures
Incorrect installation of device
Will not function upside down.
 After installation perform a sharp test-tug, then push high.
 Be disciplined about “buddy checking”.
Using Kong Backup on rope access style lanyards The Kong Backup will most
 Must be used with short Kong lanyards to reduce fall distance
often sit at it’s low point (self
(under 13” total distance)
tailing). A fall in this position
 Must be used with compatible ropes.
could be in excess of 1.6M.
 Must be used with CSA/ANSI approved carabiner and Kong
supplied carabiner at the top end.
Panic-grabbing device in event of main line failure
Free-fall until the device is
 Training to emphasise the need to keep hands away from device,
released.
or rope above device in the event of main line failure.
 Device to be kept as high as possible when working and not
moving.


Failure to release towing cord in the event of freefall, or uncontrolled descent
Excessive impact forces - single user
Free-fall until the cord is
released, OR Uncontrolled
descent until the cord is
released.
Excessive slippage of device
after high fall factor


Device should be put in lock mode when working and not moving
on the ropes.
Do not attach lanyards or carabiners on the rope above the
backup device.
Use only with 3mm cord
Do not tie knots in towing cord

When moving keep the device lanyard over the wrist to maintain
a high position.
 Never climb above the device.
 Keep device as high as possible when working and not moving.
Must not be used as a rescue backup device
Excessive slippage / failure of
In addition to the above:
device after high fall factor
 Firstly consider “rigging for rescue”, thus avoiding on-rope, oneto-one rescues in the first place.
 Consider using a completely independent third system, thirdperson operated back-up system when dealing with rescue loads.
 Consider using an alternative device for rescue, e.g. Petzl ASAP
in rescue bag.
 Above all ensure that planning and risk assessment are
performed thoroughly in order to avoid this type of rescue
situation occurring in the first place.
Dropping device
Danger to others.
 When attaching or removing the device from the ropes maintain
Increased risk to operator – no
sure handed movements.
back-up.
 Attach carabiner to one of the side plates before removing from
the rope.
Conclusions: In areas where Worksafe compliance demands an ANSI approved fall arrest device the Kong Backup is one of the devices CRAS will use
operationally. Rescuers will also carry a rope access backup device that may be used for 2 person loads.
Further advice on the use and operational limitations of this device can be found in the Kong user instructions.