Belay Techniques: High-Rise Rescue Methods & Safety Measures

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this lesson, you will become familiar with:

1. Define the Belay Techniques.
2. List the seven materials and equipment which are used in Belay Techniques.
3. Describe the rescue method of Belay Techniques.
4. Describe the Safety measures of Belay Techniques.

Belay Techniques for High-Rise Rescue Operations

1. Definition

This technique is used for evacuating conscious victims from high-rise buildings. Belay techniques involve securing a person with ropes and specialized equipment to ensure a controlled descent from heights. It is commonly employed in emergency rescue operations, mountaineering, and industrial rope access.

The belay system acts as a safety backup, allowing rescuers to lower victims safely while maintaining tension on the rope to prevent falls. Proper execution requires training, coordination, and adherence to safety protocols.

2. Materials and Equipment Used

The following equipment is essential for performing belay techniques:

1. Full Body Harness – Ensures secure attachment of the victim to the rope.
2. Figure of Eight – A belay device used for controlled descent.
3. Rope (minimum 100-meter length) – High-strength dynamic or static rope for support.
4. Walkie-Talkie Set – Enables communication between rescuers.
5. Megaphone – Used for verbal instructions in noisy environments.
6. Rope Roller – Reduces friction during rope movement.
7. Karabiner (Carabiner) – Connects harnesses, ropes, and anchor points securely.

Each piece of equipment must be inspected before use to ensure reliability during rescue operations.

3. Rescue Method

The belay rescue method follows a structured approach:

1. Incident Commander assigns duties to rescuers for height rescue operations.
2. Each rescuer carries extra equipment, including a full-body harness, ropes, figure of eight, and D-rings.
3. Two separate anchor points are established—one for the belay system and another for backup safety.
4. Figure of eight and D-ring are attached to the anchor point for belaying.
5. The victim is secured in a full-body harness, with one rope attached to the front D-ring using a loop knot and a second rope passed through the rear D-ring for additional control.
6. The rescuer maintains tension on the rear rope to prevent sudden drops and injuries.
7. Belay system begins with clear communication between team members.
8. After reaching the ground, the harness is carefully removed from the victim.

This method ensures a controlled and safe descent while minimizing risks.

4. Safety Measures

Strict safety protocols must be followed during belay operations:

• Always wear PPE, including:
  • Helmet with strap
  • Leather gloves
  • Goggles (optional)
  • Face mask (optional)
  • Knee and elbow pads
  • Safety shoes
  • Full-body harness
  • Safety belt or body bowline
• Climb safely to the platform/tower and ensure its stability.
• Mark a 2-foot danger zone around the platform—no unauthorized personnel should stand there. Use walkie-talkies or kneel to communicate in this area.
• Ensure knots are accurate and firm before use.
• Double-check all lines for secure attachment.
• Conduct a safety check before starting (harness, karabiner, anchor points).
• Maintain clear communication via radio sets.
• Release slowly through the figure of eight for controlled descent.
• Keep tension on the guideline to prevent the victim from hitting the building.
• Ensure a safe landing and monitor the victim’s condition.
• Inspect rope dressing (arrangement) during knot-tying and operations.

By following these measures, rescuers can minimize risks and perform efficient evacuations.

Emma Lee

Emma Lee, an expert in fire safety with years of firefighting and Rescuer experience, writes to educate on arescuer.com, sharing life-saving tips and insights.