Establishing an elevated anchor can greatly improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and safety of a high angle rope system. This three-day course focuses on the physical principles of all types of elevated anchors (monopods, bipods, tripods, and tetrapods). A series of field exercises ensures that students can set up and deploy these systems safely.
Pre-requisites: Students who attend this class must have basic rope skills including knot-tying, constructing anchors, and operating mainlines and belay lines.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
At the completion of this class, the students should be able to:
- Describe the application of commonly used elevated anchors in rope systems.
- List the NFPA and OSHA requirements for anchors.
- Calculate the potential forces (both static and shock) to which the anchor may be exposed.
- Describe how the design and construction of an elevated anchor effects its performance.
- Calculate the direction and magnitude of forces placed on component of the anchor.
- List the preferred applications and safety considerations for various common elevated anchors.
- Design and rig a safe and secure:
- Monopod, Bipod, Tripod, Tetrapod
- Improvised, Natural Anchor
- Cantilevered Anchor (T-frame)
COURSE OUTLINE
Introduction to Elevated Anchors
- Basic Applications
- Types of Anchors
- NFPA and OSHA Requirements
Physics of Elevated Anchors
- Vectors: Calculating Resultants
- Friction Effects
- Static Systems Safety Factors
- Fall Factors
- Impact Forces
- Compression and Tension
Rigging Elevated Anchors
- Scene size-up
- Footing Considerations
- Tensioning and Back Ties
Special Applications
- Terradapter
- Arizona Vortex
- Improvised Anchors
- Natural Anchors
Download Elevated Anchors Course PDF
