1. No need to switch to unfamiliar equipment. Your 11 mm Extreme Pro rope, now fully compatible with the SKYLOTEC Sirius descender, meets NFPA standards while maintaining the reliability you’ve come to expect.

2. From the most rugged terrains to complex industrial sites, PMI’s Extreme Pro rope is designed to perform. Paired with the Sirius descender, it adapts to your work environment while keeping you safe.

3. With NFPA & ANSI compliance, you can trust that this combination is tested and proven to meet the highest safety standards. Continue your operations with confidence, knowing you’re using gear that won’t let you down.

Don’t compromise on your safety or your gear.

Equip yourself with the PMI 11 mm Extreme Pro rope and Sirius descender today.

12.5 mm PMI® Extreme Plus (G) Rope with UNICORE® technology

Light, Mighty, and Action-Ready

Every detail matters when you’re out in the field, and we’ve dialed in every specification for peak performance:

• Featherlight Precision: At just 113 g/m, maneuvering this rope is a breeze.
• Mighty Strength: With an MBS of 46.4kN (10,431 lbf), it’s strong enough to handle the unexpected.
• Customizable Lengths: Choose from 183 m (600 ft), 46 m (150 ft), 61 m (200 ft), or 92 m (300 ft) – because one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to rescues.

Engineered for the Extreme

Our rope’s elasticity is optimized for the toughest jobs:

• Elongation: 1.3% at 300 lbf, 2.4% at 600 lbf, and 4.6% at 1000 lbf – it stretches to support, not to stress.

Unwavering Trust in Every Fiber

Your safety is our priority. That’s why we adhere to the most stringent standards:

• Compliance (pending): ANSI Z359.15 (2014), NFPA 12500 (2022), G – because being up-to-code means being up-to-task.

The Power of UNICORE®

Sheath slippage? Not on our watch. The sheath and core of our rope are inseparably bonded, offering unmatched integrity and safety – even if the sheath takes a hit, you can count on the core.

Ease and Dependability in Your Hands

Durable yet supple, our rope promises a handling experience that’s second to none, ensuring you can perform at your best with gear that does the same.

Versatility Meets Reliability

The 12.5 mm PMI® Extreme Plus (G) Rope thrives across the board:

• Tailor-Made for Rescue: Ideal for Fire Rescue, Technical Rescue, Confined Space, and Tower Rescue.
• Material Mastery: A top-grade Polyester/Nylon blend that’s tough as nails and ready for action.

Get set to redefine the possibilities with our new rescue rope. The 12.5 mm PMI® Extreme Plus (G) Rope isn’t just built for the challenge; it’s here to set a new benchmark for what rescue gear should be.

PMI Rope: Exceptional Quality, Uncompromising Performance.

⊕ Rope used for rescue, rope access or work at height should be specifically designed and intended for life safety use.

⊕ Tested and marked in accordance with a relevant standard.

⊕ USA most respected life safety rope standards (NFPA 2500 and ANSI Z359 and ANSI Z459) refer back to Cordage Institute Life Safety Rope Test Methods (CI1801).

• Unique method of reporting Minimum Breaking Strength.
  • break testing at least five samples of rope
  • calculating three standard deviations below the mean of those results.

⊕ EXAMPLE: 5 samples from five different lots of rope

• Lab wll pull test the rope to failure.
• Inevitably slightly different results with each test.
• what is the RIGHT number to report?

⊕ Actual numbers Scenario

• (6500) pounds
• (6750) pounds
• (6675) pounds
• (7005) pounds
• (6925) pounds

⊕ What number do we report?

• best result?  7005 pounds force.
• worst-case? 6500 pounds (about 500 pounds less than the best result)
• What aboutnatural variation in materials testing – are these reliable?

⊕ Cordage Institute test method (and the NFPA and ANSI standards that refer back to it)

• mathematical approach to ensure statistical significance
• Other Standdards(Euro-norms or CE) do not use this method

⊕ “3-sigma MBS” method.

⊕ At least five tests from different manufacturing lots, very specific test method

• calculate the MEAN AVERAGE
• SUBRACT three standard deviations from the mean
• 7% confidence

⊕ Practical view, sample set.

• add up the sum of all our test results (33,855)
• THEN we divide by the number of tests (5)
• Average – 6771
• which is six thousand seven hundred seventy one
• Calculate standard deviation from mean average (200lbf)
  • symbol called SIGMA.
• multiply Standard Deviation by THREE…. 3x 200.98 = 602.94
  • refer to this as THREE SIGMA
• SUBTRACT that 3-Sigma number from the MEAN AVERAGE
  • 6771 – 602.94 = 6168
  • 900 pounds less than the best test
  • 332 pounds lower than even the worst test

⊕ THIS WILL affect your safety factor calculations!

• 3s mbs is a number that you can rely on
• 7% confidence

⊕ NOT all standards use this method

• even within Cordage Institute, only the Life Safety Rope standard uses it
• many standards don’t even specify how the reported MBS is supposed to be derived
  • only that the strength of tested samples needs to be greater than X

⊕ How do YOU use MBS figures?

What it is, is in the name – they are bags for rope.  But what it does, is sooooo much more. The rope bag is, arguably, the hardest working piece of gear there is. It protects our rope, our most foundational yet vulnerable piece of equipment, and in doing so it protects our very lives. From the moment it’s put into service it is doing what it does during, in between, and especially on the way to every project of it’s lifespan.

Think about it: You suddenly find yourself on your way perform a last minute, urgent, one day, visual inspection job on a roller coaster at an amusement park on the other side of the country. With no time to ship gear in advance, you’ll have to fly with all your equipment – including your rope (good thing the client is picking up the extra baggage fees).

Are you going to place those coils of naked rope on the scale at check in counter? Or endure the strange looks and stupid jokes from fellow passengers because your carry-on is a coil of 100m rope?

In this moment, you begin to understand just how wise a choice you made in popping for the expense of a rope bag.

Aside from keeping our precious safe from the hands of under-paid baggage handlers, over-zealous TSA agents, and the unknown horrors found in the belly of airport baggage systems, rope bags protect our ropes from the harsh environments to which we so cruelly subject them while in storage, and on a project.

Especially on large projects, days (if not weeks) can be spent simply rigging ropes and gear to make access to the actual work location. A single project can involve hundreds of individual ropes of varying lengths and specifications, adding up to several miles of total rope necessary to perform whatever work awaits.  With a burst of static the radio blares out a request from the lead technician for a specific rope. With so many pieces of rope in the cache, thank heavens for the clearly discernable labels on the outsides of the bags! Even the rookie ground guy is able to find the right one!

As the valuable load is hauled into place, secure in it’s protective bag, you can put to bed any fears of  the load (ropes) from getting snagged on all those unseen sharp edges and pinch points along the way.

Working double time

Rope bags are equally as vital when the contained ropes are in service, from outset to demobilization.

Rigging is a demanding task.  The 100% focus required when a tech is moving across a span, setting lines, and rigging systems is quite enough to be thinking of.  The last thing one would want to deal with is a tangled, knotted rope while standing on a beam barely the width of their boot while perched hundreds of feet above the ground.

Even for a technician on-rope the bag can be vital to safety. Work at height can be windy – which, in itself, is not a great hazard. However, when work is not managed effectively with respect to the wind, the hazard can be enormous.  Ask anyone who has ever been thrust as a fleshy wrecking ball into a steel wind turbine tower; these are some of the most terrifying moments in a lifetime. In circumstances such as these, often the only option is to go straight down, and at an expedited pace. When multiple ropes are left free hanging, nature can tie knots you’ve never heard of.

Another serious safety hazard that can be created by loose hanging ropes comes from falling debris. A couple of common industries particularly susceptible to such would be rock scaling and smokestack work. It is probably safe to assume that a 600lb rock or chunk of caustic chemical found caked to walls of a stack would have a very adverse effect should it snag on the tail of a rope coming out of a workers descender as it falls down below.

When it comes to rescue, rope bags are also vital. Not just in the ease of getting the ropes up to where they are needed, but also for the ability of the rescuer to be able to negotiate an appropriate route back down with the patient. In many environments, such as the telecom world, straight down isn’t an option due to equipment and obstructions mounted to the towers.

What to look for in a rope bag

What comprises the best all-around rope bag is in the eye of the beholder (unless it’s one that a percentage of each sale goes directly into my personal bank account). A good rule of them when purchasing a rope bag is to make sure that its features meet the specific needs of what, where, and how the rope is going to be used. Some of us may have started out using typical backpacks bought from thrift stores as rope bags. Sure they worked, just not very well. Over the many years and many industries, time and experience provide personal insight into what to look for in a rope bag. 

First and foremost, is it tough enough for the environment? Most nylon bags can handle some abuse. However, baggage handlers will administer that amount. A bag constructed of heavy packcloth, PVC or ballistic cloth will hold up much better than light weight nylon – much stronger and tear resistant. Durability, of course, must be balanced against weight and co-efficient of friction. In my initial work on wind turbines my thought was simple nylon for sliding bags over the side of a smooth fiberglass nacelle. However, I quickly learned that bolt heads and threads are very sharp, and that even ‘smooth fiberglass’ can chafe material. Being ‘waterproof’ doesn’t hurt either.  PMI rope bags are constructed of rugged, heavy-duty coated canvas that holds up to even the harshest of abrasion, and is sturdy enough to hold some shape even when empty. Some PMI bags offer a double-layer bottom for even greater protection.

Next, look at the external handles/straps. Size, stitching and arrangement are all important factors. Stitching is especially critical if you’re planning on hoisting your rope bag – face it, 200 meters of rope is a bit too much weight to climb with. A substantial attachment point to hang that heavy load from while on rope will prevent misery in the field. Things like shoulder straps are crucial if the bag will need to be carried for any appreciable distance or across uneven terrain. Not just any shoulder-straps, either. Make sure they’re ergonomic, adjustable, and comfortable to wear. Plain two-inch webbing will feel an awful lot like a commando-wire cable saw cutting into your shoulders after the first fifty-feet.  All PMI rope bags have firmly mounted handles at the top, and those handles aren’t just a strip of webbing. No, they’re rounded out to a diameter that spreads the load more comfortably across your hand rather than digging into your fingers. PMI rope bags with shoulder straps are actually called ‘rope packs’ and these feature a curved, lightly padded, adjustable carrying system that optimizes comfort and weight, similar to backpack straps.

Another critical feature to consider is how you will get the rope into – and out of – the bag.  Stuffing a floppy rope bag is like trying to push a rope up a staircase. A top-load bag with substantial enough bag material to hold at least a bit of shape as you hold it at the top with one hand, and stuff with the other, is ideal.  Deploying rope from a top-load bag is also an optimum situation; PMI’s draw string closure provides just enough umph to keep the rope in place without adding a lot of complexity.  While  recreational climbers tend to lean towards bags that unfold into a tarp, these can be more trouble than they’re worth in an industrial environment.

Something people don’t always think about is what to do with the “tail end” of the rope – the end that stuffs down into the bag first. An advantage of rope bags is that they can keep rope from tangling – but if the end of the rope that goes into the bag first isn’t secured, whatever natural wiggling and shifting that occurs in storage and carrying can cause that end to snake around, twisting, tangling, and creating all sorts of knots. Some rope bags have a grommet in the bottom through which the rope is passed and knotted before stuffing the bag; the downside of this is that there’s now a knot under your bag, preventing it from standing up straight. PMI bags address this issue by putting the grommet in front, just under the clear labeling pocket – creating something of a “belly-button” effect (it’s an outie.)

Oh, right… the clear labeling pocket! PMI’s clear pocket is made of a durable clear plastic, large enough for a very big label, product instructions, or even a full-size rope-inspection card. There’s also a hook-and-loop closure to keep all that stuff from falling out, with a little pull tab to make it easy to open when needed.

Finally, consider gear loops and pockets. Some folks like them, some folks don’t… but if you’re going to opt for pockets, at least make sure they’re big enough to hold a reasonable amount of gear. If you opt for pockets, you’ll probably also want shoulder straps (consider the weight!)  In this case, be sure the pockets are in a balanced position to keep the weight centered while you are carrying the bag on your back. PMI rope-packs feature bellowed pockets that tuck down when not in use, but expand when space is needed. They also feature side release buckle closures, and those super-snazzy pack-straps for carrying on your shoulders.

PMI USA Made Ropes and Cordage is the preferred choice of rope and rescue professionals worldwide. Manufactured to exacting standards in our ISO 9001 accredited production facility, PMI Ropes are renowned for exceptional durability and quality.

Beginning in March, 2022, the PMI Bound Loop Sewn Prusiks that you have come to rely on will be constructed with a single stitch block instead of two stitch blocks for tighter rigging and unsurpassed strength. PMI 8mm single stitch-block prusiks will be rated at 5620lbf (25kN) in the looped configuration, with a strength of 2923lbf (13kN) when pulled in a single strand. PMI 7mm single stitch block prusiks will be rated at 4271lbf (19kN) in the looped configuration typical of use, and boast a strength of 2023lbf (9kN) when pulled in a single strand.

PMI Prusiks are specially engineered to pass the original “pinch test” devised by Arnor Larsen for optimum grabbing action. Because professional rope users – and especially rescuers – have long relied on Prusiks as a foundational tool, these small cords have attained quite a devoted following. However, some thirty years ago practitioners began to notice variations in their performance. This resulted in a slew of tests being performed over a period of years by the British Columbia Council for Technical Rescue, Alpine Center for Rescue Studies, and other industry experts, to determine the reliability and optimum conditions for prusik use.

Results were mixed, at best.  At one point, a statistician by the name of Jerome Stiller (who also was a technical rescuer himself) compiled and crunched the results of several tests, presenting his results at the International Technical Rescue Symposium in a series of reports.

You can read the reports from Jerome’s studies at “When Prusiks Go Bad, or Are You Sure That Thing is Gonna Hold?”  and “Tandem Prusiks: Is No News Good News?“. Perhaps the most astounding finding was that even when Prusiks were properly tied, set, and (in the case of tandem-prusiks) spaced, some of the more commonly used configurations of prusiks resulted in failure at an alarming rate – especially under dynamic loading conditions. Conservatively, Jerome put the failure rate in excess of 20%, or 1-in-5 tests.

Further testing ensued by industry professionals looking to optimize results. Eventually it became clear that the specific relationship between rope and prusik was key, including construction and materials of both the cord and the host rope, environmental conditions, age and wear, etc. Further, it was noted that prusiks that were neither too soft nor too stiff performed best. A prusik that was too soft would be too “grabby” and would catch too quickly – thereby imparting a higher force and resulting in catastrophic failure. On the other hand, a prusik that was too stiff would allow too much slip or fall distance – again, increasing the impact force and sometimes not even catching at all. A just-right prusik, though, would grip early without grabbing, absorbing force at a slower rate resulting in a softer catch and fewer failures.

In other words, users must employ prusiks only with great caution and thorough research to ensure that they are being used correctly and will perform as expected.

It was Arnor Larsen who postulated the “pinch test” as a reasonable field-test of prusik cord viability. The pinch test is performed simply by pinching a bight of the prusik cord between thumb and forefinger. A small ‘eye’ should appear in the bight – enough to see through but not larger than the diameter of the cord. If there is no eye in the bight, the cord is too soft and will be too grippy. If there is too large an eye the cord is too stiff and will not grip readily enough.

PMI prusik cord is carefully manufactured to achieve optimum results in the pinch test.

Homemade prusik loops may be formed by joining ends of a cord together with a double-fisherman’s knot, or some other appropriate termination. With the popularity of prusiks increasing, several manufacturers now offer prusiks with sewn terminations, for greater convenience of use.

PMI’s sewn prusiks are formed in what is called a ‘bound loop’ configuration; a clear protective sleeve covers the stitched termination, and also draws the loop together so that the strand opposite the stitched end floats through the protective sleeve. This allows the remaining loop size to be adjusted smaller or larger so that the bight can be cinched down to help hold the connector more securely in place. The bound loop design also allows for cleaner rigging, with less drooping cord to snag on protrusions.

At PMI, strength and security are always top priority, and our sewn terminations are no exception. PMI 8mm and 7mm prusiks offer exceptional strength ratings of 5620lbf (25kN) and 4271lbf (19kN), respectively, in a looped configurations.

For Made in USA ropes and cords that are second to none, you can rely on PMI!

What are the types of helmets available?

There are three types of helmets commonly used in these pursuits to help protect you from a head injury:

1. Construction Helmets
2. Mountaineering Helmets
3. Technical Rescue Helmets

Well, the question arises — what are the key difference between any of these helmets?

The answer lies in the ways that they are tested. They are all tested as per their use. In this case, since we are talking about protective gear, we shall talk about PPE. PPE (or Personal Protective Equipment) is safety equipment that is intended to be used to protect a person’s body from harm, and that complies with relevant standards.

To maintain compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration laws employees should use PPE that meets regulatory requirements of the country/jurisdiction in which they are working. In the United States of America, OSHA is the regulatory body. And relevant standards for safety helmets include ANSI Z89.1 for Industrial Head Protection (aka, Construction Helmets) and NFPA 1951 for Technical Rescue helmets.

Helmets for firefighting are covered by different standards. There is no U.S. standard specifically for mountaineering helmets, so most users defer to UIAA or European standards for these.

Meeting standards and regulatory requirements is just the beginning. In addition, employers and users of equipment should have a clear understanding of potential hazards associated with their intended use, so that they can choose accordingly. For example, helmets used for work at height should meet ANSI Z89.1 – the same standard as construction bump caps meet. A key difference, however, is that a helmet used for work at height should have a three-point retention harness – a feature not addressed by the standard.

Safety Helmets for Work at Height

Rappel and belay gloves come in different sizes of small, medium, extra small, large, extra-large and XX large. One way to get a good fit is to measure your hand width (measure the width of your dominant hand using a tape). If the rappel gloves have numbered sizes, the measurement can be directly related to the glove’s listed size.

Industrial helmets meeting the requirements of ANSI Z89.1 are separated into three Classes and two Types, indicating levels of protection and degree of electrical insulation:

1) Class G (general) helmets are tested at 2200 volts,

• Type 1: Top Impact Protection
• Type 2: Lateral & Side Impact Protection.

2) Class E (electrical) are tested at 20,000 volts, and

• Type 1: Top Impact Protection
• Type 2: Lateral & Side Impact Protection.

3) Class C (conductive) provides 0 electrical protection.

• Type 1: Top Impact Protection
• Type 2: Lateral & Side Impact Protection.

European Helmet Standards

In Europe, the standards relevant to Work-At-Height / Rope Access / Rescue helmets are primarily:

• Mountaineering Grade: EN12492
• Industrial Grade: EN397

These two types of helmets meet different sets of criteria; some users lean toward mountaineering grade helmets because they are subjected to a somewhat higher test force. But this is an oversimplification of the matter and does not take into account other features tested, such as chinstrap release forces and other things.

European standards are not the topic of this article. So it would suffice to say that buyers should beware of the differences and not make the mistake of thinking that “just meeting some standard” is sufficient.

For some users in the United States choosing the right kind of helmet helps you feel confident about your personal safety and helps you avoid costly medical bills.

What are the most important features of a helmet used for work-at-height / rope access / rescue?

For a Work-At-Height / Rope Access / Rescue Helmet to be suitable for a wearer, it needs to:

• Provide an unobstructed view to the wearer. Periphery vision is very important during vertical work of any kind.
• Be lightweight. PPE often involves wearing many other pieces of equipment. Hence, the lighter each piece is, the better it allows you to function and perform your job safely.
• Be well-fitted to the head of the wearer.
• Have the option to attach ancillary pieces of equipment such as headlamps or visors.
• Provide decent ventilation with fitted straps that do not cause overheating or uncomfortable situations that are distracting.

What helmets are good for work-at-height / rope access / rescue?

You should always select a helmet with a three-point retention system with chinstrap. This means that the helmet strap on each side of the head must have a ‘Y’ shape to it, connecting at both the side of the head and at the back before fastening beneath the chin. There should also be a supporting strap at the back of the helmet to keep everything secure. The rear retention point helps prevent the helmet from falling forward over the eyes. It should require a significant force to release the chin strap and buckle to help keep the helmet on during a tumbling fall situation.

Your helmet should also have a suspension system in it. For many helmets there is a webbing type suspension system in the top inside of the helmet, while others use a styrofoam insert. Some helmets incorporate both. This is designed to lessen an impact on the top of the helmet. After a significant impact that suspension system is typically destroyed and the helmet needs to be retired. Be especially attentive to inspecting helmets with styrofoam inserts, as these are more susceptible to damage even just during normal use.

While there are many helmet choices available on the market, PMI is many of the most reliable types of helmets. That is because of PMI’s direct involvement in safety equipment manufacturing and testing. They are also heavily involved in developing manufacturing standards (ANSI, OSHA, NFPA, ASTM, ISO, and other professional standards). Let’s talk about some of their Helmets:

PMI Advantage Helmet

The de-facto standard for use in Urban and Industrial environments, the Advantage helmet is third-party tested and certified as meeting ANSI Z89.1 (Type 1/Class G), NFPA 1951, and EN 397. The Kevlar® composite shell is available in several standard and high visibility colors and features a peaked top and front brim for maximum protection. It is fitted with a fully adjustable ratchet headband and 3-point retention system to accommodate a wide range of head sizes, and accommodates goggles, earmuffs, and headlamp for your comfort and safety.

PMI® Brigade Helmet

Available in Black, Red, and White colors, the Brigade is third party tested and certified to  ANSI Z89.1 TYPE 1, CLASS G (2200V) TYPE 3, EN 397, NFPA 1951 (2013).  The shell of the helmet is made of Lightweight Kevlar® and a fiberglass composite shell with nylon webbing for optimal comfort. The outer face of the shell sports a UV-resistant hi-gloss or matte outer finish. For secure wear, there’s a sturdy merino wool headband that can be removed and cleaned in a washing machine. Instead of a 3-point strap, it has a 4-point strap and a quick-release buckle for extra security. The nape strap features a ratchet size adjustment (ranging between 52-64 cm)

Beal — Mercury Group Helmet

With color variants like yellow, white, and red, the Mercury is a 0.51 kg hybrid helmet featuring an ABS shell with a polystyrene liner and internal padding. This padding can be washed in a washing machine. With a precise rear adjustment dial and excellent ventilation, this EN 12492 certified helmet is equipped with an ABS shell that hugs your head shape for both protection and comfort. The ABS shell has 4 Headlamp clips integrated into it, which makes it very functional for night rescues or wearing in darker environments. It also comes with a magnetic chin strap and buckle which can withstand more than 500 N of impact force. The buckle can also be closed or opened with one hand. Additionally, it features some side slots for optimum ear protection.

PMI® Impact ANSI Helmet

Available in the hues of high-visibility Orange, Yellow, and White, it also comes in custom colors (MOQ Applied). It features a wheel ratchet headband that helps to keep the helmet nice and secure. With a DryTech sweatband, it ensures protection from lateral impact and is third party tested and certified in accordance with ANSI Z89.1 and EN50635. The shell tapers into a sloped brim that protects the face/eye from downward-falling debris. This is a great ventilated shell design that is comfortable and easy to use. Finally, it comes with reflective visibility stickers with it, included within the MRP.

PMI® E-Go ANSI Helmet

Available in Blue and bright yellow colors, it also allows for custom color choices (MOQ applied). Designed to deliver safety in high voltage environments through electric resistance, this ergonomic helmet carries E-rating certifications for the USA (ANSI Z89.1), Europe (EN 397 and EN 50635), and Canada (CSA?? Standard number??CSA Z94.1?) and hence is not ventilated. Ventilation is counterproductive for a safety precaution against high voltage currents. With a ratcheting headband and a 4-point quick-release chin strap, it comes with a set of optional stickers.

PMI® Air-Go ANSI Helmet

Available in sharp red and white colors, this helmet abides by the USA (ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 Type 1 Class C), Canadian (CSA/CAN Z94.1-05 Type 1 Class C), and European (EN 397, EN 50365) safety standards. With a ventilated ABS shell that can be procured in custom colors (MOQ Applied), it has a removable headband. Its straps can be easily replaced after considerable wear. It allows a quick and simple adjustment from 53-64 cm.

Pacific Kiwi USAR Helmet

It comes in the colors of yellow, black, white and red. Made with Ventilated Kevlar® RTM, it ensures compliance with NFPA 1951 and EN12492 Standards. It has a polyurethane impact liner with a leather crown comfort cap and a leather headband with a Nomex chinstrap.

PMI® Pod Helmet

Designed to tackle vertical work and confined space operations, the POD is available in red and white hues. It is highly versatile, lightweight, and comes with its own built-in light pod that is compatible with UK4AA Light. It also comes with a 3-point chin strap in a Y shape and a goggle mount which is great for eye protection.

PMI® Ventilator Helmet

Available in both red and white colors, this light-duty rescue helmet has all of the features of a heavy-duty high-end mountaineering helmet. It has all of this while being robust enough for rescue and work at height applications as well. Along with a sleek Kevlar shell that acts as a lightweight material for the helmet, it also has an added vent. This vent is for those jobs when you need the protection of the Kevlar® shell along with the substantial cooling of a light breeze. It also comes with a durable three-point chin strap with a high impact force capacity. The shell is very versatile as it can hole a headlamp retainer, a couple of reflectors and has a breathable fitted feel to it. The material really backs up its claims of heavy ventilation and comfort.

Certifications required for Work-At-Height / Rope Access / Rescue Helmets by OSHA and other regulators:

Before you go out to buy a helmet for work-at-height/rope access/rescues, make sure that it is certified for the type of work you are performing. It should be third-party tested and certified to one of the appropriate standards relevant to your specific use as already mentioned. For employers and helmet users in the US, adherence to ANSI (American National Standards Institute), and/or NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards are most relevant for OSHA compliance.

All in all, make sure that saving money is not the only factor while buying safety equipment as important as a work-at-height/rope access/rescue helmet. A safe and durable one might cost relatively more, but it shall save you a lot of hospital bills and expenses on your own physical health.

Most of the traditional Christmas trees we know and love are cut and taken from tree farms to be bought and decorated by the public. These specific trees regrow every 6 to 8 years and have an intended purpose, but now that Christmas is officially over and we’ve started a new year, what do we do with all those Christmas trees? Some people take them down the day after Christmas, some people burn them on New Year’s eve to symbolize a fresh start, and some families leave them up for the official 12 days of Christmas, which technically ends on January the 6th. Aside from that, what happens when a tree growing outside gets in the way of our daily lives? It’s not so easy to uproot a giant oak tree that has grown too big, or leans too far due to a storm, and ultimately threatens to break and shatter the very house it shades from the sunshine.

That’s when we call in an Arborist. Let’s look at some insights from someone who handles trees for a living and see what he recommends.

“An arborist’s job goes well beyond cutting up trees”

Arboriculture is a lesser known art, but it is one that is evolving quickly. Nathan Hankins, owner of All Things Vertical, LLC in Colorado, was able to lend a professional eye to the subject. An arborist’s job goes well beyond cutting up trees and limbs to remove it from the premises, he says. The focus instead is on the health of each tree and how to return it to, or maintain, a healthy state of growth. For the tree that has grown too big for the backyard, a typical intention would be to call and have someone “top the tree,” or just hack off the top to fit whatever height works with the house aesthetic. However, businesses like Nathan’s would target the integrity of the tree and prune the branches as necessary to avoid potential damage to the home or the tree. Oftentimes, getting rid of branches that are decaying or unstructural can help the tree grow strong and redirect it’s growth. Trimming off just the top of a tree is not always the best solution. If there comes a scenario where the tree is damaged beyond repair, then an arborist should have the tools and knowledge on how to remove it safely, with minimal damage to the surrounding space.

“No two trees are ever the same”

One aspect that sets the arborist profession apart is that there are no anchor ratings. Disciplines requiring work at height, such as Rope Access and Tower work, are required to have rated anchors in order to tie in. No two trees are ever the same, so an arborist has to have the knowledge and understanding of the tree/branch in question, as well as that of the gear they need to get the job done. As a standard, a full-body harness offers more security in case of a fall due to the dorsal attachment point, but most arborists use a seat harness (with a rope bridge) instead to stay agile in the tree.

“Sometimes the unexpected can happen”

Certified arborists often use a Stationary Rope System (SRS), also known as Single Rope Technique (SRT). Knowing which branch to route a rope over or climb onto takes more than a chart and compass to identify. A Moving Rope System can diffuse the climber’s weight on the rope and cause less direct wear, but it depends highly on angles and requires more knowledge of redirects. The keys to working with any type of system are proper PPE, Awareness, and Communication. A safe work environment takes into account the understanding that anything can become an issue at any time, such as a tree falling in the opposite direction of intention. Sometimes the unexpected can happen to the strongest rope, tightest knot, or straightest of trees.

“This can often cause the rope slide to burn and ruin the rope”

A distinct hazard while working in a tree is the high risk of swing potential. Branches can break or crack under stress, or a climber might just fall. Arborists learn to mitigate such risk with lanyards and rope techniques. Using the proper systems and attachment points, climbers can safely navigate between branches. One example is tying the end of the rope in the system as a friction hitch, such as the Blake’s Hitch, to act as an ascending knot. This can allow the climber to venture up and down the rope without performing changeovers. However, this can often cause the rope slide to burn and ruin the rope over time. PMI’s 7.5mm Eye & Eye VT Prusik Cords are made of aramid fibers that can withstand such abrasion. Links such as these contribute to a more efficient and open system that can keep climbing ropes from wearing out and needing replacement as often. Depending on the type of rope or climbing style, these lanyards can be customized. For example, Nathan often climbs on 11mm static rope, so a 26” to 28” prusik cord works well. If someone were to be using a 12.5mm static rope or prefer an extra wrap of the prusik, then the 33” length may work better.

When looking for an arborist, make sure to consider your priorities first. Are you looking to get the job done right or at the cheapest price? One major factor to consider is that most arborists work alone or under their own guidelines. This means that they are not working for a major company. Individuals are responsible for obtaining their own training and can set their own prices. Most carry their own insurance as well, but their prices often reflect the varying levels of experience. A good arborist should be able to educate the client on the health and safety of the tree as well as the reasoning behind their methodology. A professional arborist learns specific rope techniques and should have sufficient knowledge to choose from the vast array of rope and equipment available from PMI.

“There are multiple ways to utilize different types of the tree”

Nathan started as a mechanic, but later had the opportunity to do right-of-way clearing for a pipeline. He enjoyed working with forestry and vegetation management so much that he read and learned all he could about it. After making contact with someone in the tree-service in 2009, that interest grew even more. Now Nathan runs a top-notch business providing the community with quality tree care and maintenance, as well as forest fire mitigation. His freedom as an arborist allows him to interact directly with homeowners and discuss the best course of action.

There are multiple ways to utilize different types of the tree, but not all pieces are building quality. The reality is that most wood waste ends up in the landfill. So whether you’re taking out the Christmas tree in your living room, or calling on an Arborist to trim the dead limbs from that giant oak out front, I hope you enjoyed this look into the rising culture of Arborists.

PMI ExtremePro 11mm Static Rope

PMI Eye & Eye VT Prusik Cord