Primary uses of the RIG
The RIG is a self-braking belay / rappel device that can be used on either the harness or the anchor.
Warnings
- Carefully read the Instructions for Use used in this technical advice before consulting the advice itself. You must have already read and understood the information in the Instructions for Use to be able to understand this supplementary information.
- Mastering these techniques requires specific training. Work with a professional to confirm your ability to perform these techniques safely and independently before attempting them unsupervised.
- We provide examples of techniques related to your activity. There may be others that we do not describe here.
- Differentiating between RIG models
- Rope access descender.
- Lowering with RIG attached to an anchor
- Belaying with RIG attached to an anchor
- Belaying a climber using lead climbing technique
Differentiating between RIG models
Rope access descender.
The RIG may be used by one person of up to 150 kg, or by two persons in a rescue context, up to 200 kg with extra friction.
The brake-side rope can run over either the reinforced brake plate or the friction groove, depending on rope diameter, user preference, the position of the braking carabiner and the hand...
In any case, the user must never let go of the brake-side rope when operating the handle. WARNING: if new or small-diameter ropes are used, or with heavy loads, the user must be especially cautious.
Work positioning, hands-free position
The AUTO-LOCK system on the 2018 RIG automatically locks the load and returns the handle to the stop position. Before letting go of the rope, the user must ensure that the handle has properly returned to the stop position.
On the < 2018 RIG, the return of the handle must be done manually. The user must not let go of the brake-side rope if the handle has not been turned to position B (work positioning).
Occasional rope climbing
Two methods allow rapid rope ascent to precisely position yourself at the work station.
On the 2018 RIG, the rope can be taken up without operating the handle.
RIG < 2018On the < 2018 RIG, the handle must be in position C (belay).
Simple take-up, if the user has support for the feet and can reduce the tension in the rope:
Ascent with redirect point (and ROLLCLIP) when the user is suspended on rope:
Lowering with RIG attached to an anchor
With the RIG on the anchor, a person can be lowered to a work station, or an injured person may be evacuated. The rope must pass through a redirect at the anchor.
The user must never let go of the brake-side rope when operating the handle. (On the 2018 RIG, the user can let go of the rope after making sure the handle has automatically returned to the stop position. On the pre-2018 RIG, the user must not let go of the rope until after turning the handle to position B (work positioning)
During long descents and/or with heavy loads, speed must be reduced to avoid overheating the device.
Belaying with RIG attached to an anchor
The RIG on the anchor allows for belaying a person who is using another progression system.
The user must never let go of the brake-side rope. The user must always make sure to keep slack out of the rope between the RIG and the anchor, to reduce the risk of a fall.
WARNING: if new or small-diameter ropes are used, or with heavy loads, the user must be especially cautious. In any case, the user must never let go of the brake-side rope when operating the handle.
Giving slack on descent
Stopping a fall
Taking up slack on ascent
Belaying a climber using lead climbing technique
For access from the bottom, the RIG allows belaying a lead climber, who clips the rope through intermediate anchor points as he/she climbs.
The cam has a small thumb rest that allows the rope to be unlocked for giving slack. The user must never let go of the brake-side rope.
The belayer can control the climber's descent by operating the handle, without letting go of the brake-side rope.
