Load testing anchor points the force they apply whilst branch walking . Adequate pull testing will help the climber to trust their anchor point and to work calmly and efficiently whilst accessing the casualty .
To load test an anchor , attach a pulling rope to the tree at the intended anchor point , using a throwline or similar . Ensure that all crew members and other persons on site are clear of the area in case failure occurs .
Always conduct load testing before attaching to the rope . If failure occurs the rescuer must be able to get clear .
Conduct load tests with the rope set in the intended configuration of use . Load testing is an opportunity to test basal anchors and belay devices as well as high points . In addition , ropes set over a suspension point to a basal anchor apply more force than ropes set to a canopy anchor . If ropes are tested as a straight pull , then reconfigured to a basal anchor setup , the testing process will have incorporated no margin of error .
Anchor points which are to be used for climbing or rescue should be load tested if possible prior to use .
This process can confirm that an anchor point will be safe and secure , providing that the testing force applied to the anchor is approximately similar in magnitude and direction to the anticipated load of the rescue .
When performing a rescue in a dead or otherwise compromised tree , it can be important to ‘ set high ’ so that the casualty can be reached with a good rope angle . The presence of defects in the tree can worry inexperienced climbers , causing them to set their top anchor point lower in the tree than they normally would . Unfortunately , this can increase the actual risk , forcing the climber to work from a poor rope angle and increasing
Hand-pull the rope to simulate the force that will be applied to the tree during climbing or rescue . Start ‘ gentle ’ and gradually work up until a safety margin has been applied . For a climbing anchor that appears ‘ bombproof ’ the recommended minimum test is a two-person load and three is preferred . Additional test load should be added if the anchor point is marginal .
Watch for warning signs and stop testing if any are seen . Do not wrap ropes around hands or body – if any part of the tree fails it may fall on the other side of a branch and drag the rope into the tree .
It will be necessary for multiple team members to work together to conduct testing : three to pull the rope and a fourth to stand back and observe the movement of the tree during testing .
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