Bainbridge Island, Wash. - April 12, 2010 - Fall protection and rescue specialist Gravitec Systems, Inc., has developed the TR System, a simple and effective rescue kit for workers at height in the tower industry. The TR may be used for assisted rescue where the subject is lowered alone or suspended rescue where the rescuer and rescue subject are lowered together.
Ease of use, safety and versatility were Gravitec’s primary focus during the development of the TR System. Training for any rescue system is required, however, advanced, technical skill sets are not required to operate the TR, reducing the margin for human error. If the rescuer loses control of the rope, built-in fail safes won’t allow free spooling. If the TR is used incorrectly, the lowering operation simply stops. Misuse of other rescue systems on the market may result in more serious consequences. Because the system has lifting capabilities, cutting away the rescue subject is not necessary. This eliminates the possibility of cutting the wrong line which could result in a fall.
“The TR System doesn’t sacrifice versatility with its ease of use and fail safes. It is highly adaptable to most any rescue situation, whether it be a monopole or a rescue from the top of a tower, the TR is a very versatile rescue system,” said Gravitec Training Manager Kevin Denis, adding “When a rescue situation arises, I like knowing that I have the option to choose the safest and most efficient method to rescue myself or others. The TR system includes all of the tools necessary to make that decision.”
Because Gravitec recognizes that the ability to recall training exercises may be compromised in a crisis situation when rescue is necessary, laminated cards detailing how to use the TR are included with the system. The rescuer simply attaches the cards to his/her harness with a non-load-bearing carabiner that is provided with the cards. Simple drawings show how to anchor and load the industrial descender along with the procedures for a single-person evacuation, an assisted rescue and a suspended rescue.
“The short haul system which comes with the TR gives the end users up to a 5:1 mechanical advantage, providing more lifting power than they’ll ever need. The progress capturing device used in the short haul system allows hands free work to disconnect and prepare the rescue subject for lowering,” said Gravitec Training Coordinator William Wright.
The TR is packaged in a durable, weatherproof, PVC rope bag. A seal imprinted with each system’s unique serial number is also provided so the purchaser may seal the bag to protect the integrity of the system. A detailed instruction manual is provided in addition to the laminated cards for quick reference.
The maximum length of rope provided with the systems is 300 feet. It may be ordered in other lengths or with fire-retardant rope if necessary. The TR may be purchased online at http://www.gravitec.com/equipment/rescue-systems/tr-tower-rescue-system/rfs-gr-tr/ or for customization of rope, contact a Gravitec equipment advisor at 1.800.755.8455.
Since 1986, Gravitec has been committed to fall protection and rescue in industrial settings. Gravitec provides a full range of fall protection and rescue services including training, engineering, consulting, equipment sales and testing. For more information about Gravitec’s services, call 1.800.755.8455.