International Guild of Knot Tyers Forum

General => Practical Knots => Topic started by: akg39 on December 12, 2017, 02:54:01 PM

Title: Rope for zip wire in Uganda
Post by: akg39 on December 12, 2017, 02:54:01 PM
Hello!
I am enquiring on behalf of a hospital in rural Uganda that serves a very poor population and is hoping to improve its financial viability by attracting tourists with a rope swing over its stunning waterfall.
There are several platforms along the wire, each with a staff member to ensure safe transfer to the next bit of wire. The platforms are on trees and we are keen to rope the staff to the trees as a fall would be fatal.
What type of knot would you recommend for tying the rope to the tree? In the worst case, it would need to be able to hold the weight of the fallen staff member (plus survive the impact of the fall). Directions to diagrams/drawings of the recommended knots would be fantastic.
Thank you for your help!
Title: Re: Rope for zip wire in Uganda
Post by: akg39 on December 12, 2017, 03:04:51 PM
Ah - extra complication. There is only enough rope for it to go around the (huge) tree once!
Title: Re: Rope for zip wire in Uganda
Post by: agent_smith on December 12, 2017, 10:26:25 PM
Thanks for your question akg39.

This is a complex question to answer...because it involves the use of ropes and knots in a human fall-protection application (where an error could have catastrophic consequences).
For that reason, some members here on the IGKT may be reluctant to come forward and offer assistance - without knowing your skill background or expertise to install human fall-protection systems.

One presumes that 'tourists' who visit Uganda would like to avoid injury and/or death caused by negligence?
I had a quick look at this link: https://www.lexadin.nl/wlg/legis/nofr/oeur/lxweuga.htm to see if there are any 'OHS' type laws relating to activities at a 'workplace'. But clicking on the Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007 didn't work (under 'Labor Law').

Anyhow, some questions:
1. It sounds like the zip-line is already existing...Who actually installed the system?
2. Has the zipline system been inspected and certified by an engineer who is experienced in 'amusement devices'?
3. What is your personal level of knowledge, skill and experience with knots, ropes and fall-protection systems used to safeguard people from fall-from-height? (eg Are you a certified roping Guide?).
4. From where would you source the human-rated ropes and equipment to install the fall-protection system? Ropes can be EN1891 'low stretch' or EN892 'dynamic' - and the various connectors that would be required would be EN12275 and/or EN362.
5. When was the last inspection done on the system - and by whom?

Once we have some background answers, some here on this IGKT forum might be willing to assist you...