WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW / TO PROPERLY PRICE & PREPARE YOUR SYSTEM:

SYSTEM ROPE LENGTH REQUIREMENTS:

Prior to ordering either System *99* please calculate your rope length requirements as follows.  For the standard *99/A* (2 to 1) System . . . order enough rope to span 3.1 times the height or depth.  For the *99/B* System . . . order enough rope to span 4.1 times the height or depth. Remember to measure from the Anchor point where the *99* System will be suspended.

SYSTEM STANDARD ROPE LENGTHS:

The *99/A* System comes standard with 200 Feet of Rope.

 The *99/B* System comes standard with 100 Feet of Rope.

  We can rope either System *99* with virtually any length rope.

SYSTEM-PUT-AWAY-INSTRUCTIONS:

AFTER YOU'VE FINISHED USING YOUR SYSTEM *99*:

#1)= Dry / Clean Rope, #2)= Wet / (& or) Dirty Rope:

Once you're finished: #1) Ensure that the rope is completely dry and clean. If it IS dry & clean: Draw the traveler pulley(s) up (fully) . . . to the head assembly, while, (AT THE SAME TIME), remove all twists & tangles / in the rope. Then, properly replace all the free side rope into its storage bag. Hold the bag open with one hand / & pull the rope through your fingers / & *randomly* down into the bag. As the bag fills with rope / push it down FLAT. This will ensure that the rope comes out free of twists & tangles the next time you need to use it. After all the rope is inside the bag, place the hardware in the bag on top of the rope.

IF THE ROPE IS WET (&) OR SOILED: #2) Wash the rope (by hand) either with cool water / or with a mild liquid soap, such as the type you would use on your dishes. Once clean, hang the rope over something like an "A" frame ladder, in an *airy* area (out of direct sunlight), until the rope is completely dry. Once dry / draw the lower / traveler pulley(s) up (fully) . . . to the head assembly and follow the instructions in #1 above.   

We received info from our rope supplier that they are / *UP-RATING* /  the capacity of our 3/8" (9.5mm) rope / from 5,400 pound capacity / to 6,000 pound capacity . . . 

Website Generated, F. A. Q's, [Frequently Asked Questions & Answers], etc:

THE FOLLOWING IS SUCH AN EXCELLENT QUESTION / WE MOVED IT TO THE TOP!

However, the info below will make better sense / if you fully understand how our system works.

(Q) = "I have heard your systems referred to as *CONSTANT-PERCENTAGE-BRAKE* systems, and much of your competition referred to as *STOP-OR-GO* SYSTEMS. Please, what does that mean?"

(A) = "Yes, (WITH ALL DUE RESPECT), to stop-or-go systems, (See Images #1 & #2 Below), they are all modified handled ascenders, with one or more pulleys added. They either provide a 100% Brake / or 0% Brake / NO IN BETWEEN. They are all more similar to our *Rope-Control-Stopping-Handle* -  than they are to our head assembly, as they all include a rope stop cam. They either grab the rope to stop descent, or releases it (via) the cam, that you can either lock open, or hold open via a "Small Wire or Cord."

IMAGE #1        IMAGE #2      

*WARNING*      *WARNING*

Heaven help you / if you should lock it open / and release the free-side rope / when a person is your load.

 "So, these *stop-or-go* systems are nothing more than slightly updated versions / of old time block-n-tackle systems / with an "auto-lock" (see image #3 & #4 below). Some, (along with *come-a-longs*) were (and are still) marketed as *fence-pullers* or *fence-stretchers*. To use these old style (non-man-rated) block-n-tackles / you pull the free-side rope down / or horizontal / to lift / or move / your load. Then, while *holding* the full % load you force the free side rope approx. 45 degrees out-and-away from the load side ropes. This action locks the free side rope. To release the lock, you *snap (or) jerk* the free-side rope back straight in line with the load ropes, and you are again, holding the full % of the load. These updated knock-offs substitute a cam / (just as our handle has) / to lock off the free-side rope."

"Problem is / that with no constant high percentage friction brake present / WHEN you release the locking cam / you are suddenly holding the full % of your load weight, again - that's why they're called *STOP-OR-GO* systems."

"And, unless you're very careful / your load will *drop-maybe-a-foot-or-more* / while you discover / master /  (or) regain your dexterity. What you gotta remember is that even if you are only dealing with 33% of a 200 pound load (as you would be with a 3 to 1 system) - it is still 67 pounds / (that's approx. 50% of what a grown Woman weighs) and, is more weight than most can lift with one hand, and holding this much weigh, (with your fingers), becomes exhausting real quick."

IMAGE #3, (FROM THE        BOSS'S COLLECTION)

IMAGE #4    

"ØUR SYSTEMS SUPPLY A *CØNSTANT* 90% BRAKE AT ALL TIMES / WHEN THE ROPE DRUM IS NOT TURNING / 'NUFF SAID!"

Another Excellent Question!

(Q) = "In reading the operating instructions for the *MSA* Surety-Rescue-Man-System, I noticed that if the rope gets dirty, & (or) wet, their system QUITS. As we work in very dirty & wet condition, (as do almost everyone using a system like this), & we can't possibly shut down our work in the middle of the day, I'm concerned. So, figuring, that the rope will inevitably become fouled, what do we do, & how do you handle these conditions with your systems? By the way, I'm sorry to be bothering you guys with this question, but the guy who is trying to sell me the MSA can't provide any answers that make any sense."

(A) = "Hmm--very interesting question . . . & not a bother at all. Yes, I've seen this . . . I've attached an actual cut of the above referenced item just below. And, under the picture is how we *openly* address & correct this problem."

"First, MSA's system is a double brake system. Both the top head pulley & the lower traveler pulley have a one-way action, and *double-brakers* / have a tendency to *over-brake*." It was designed by an old acquaintance of our Boss."

Back to the question at hand. "Well, at least MSA actually mentions this problem. To my knowledge, aside from us / they are the only ones that actually admit that this can happen. Everyone else just leaves users / with this problem / dangling (no pun intended)."

"All rope / *constant-friction-brake-systems* (including ours) are susceptible to this potential problem. No way to avoid it / as mentioned above / all these systems are routinely used in *dirty-&-wet* environments."

Remedies: "First: Our *99* Head Assembly is totally (360 degrees) open to visual inspection. Any obstructions the rope may have picked up / are viewable. (To my knowledge, again) virtually / all others are covered / or sealed. *** For Trouble-Shooting: ('Your ability to fully-examine the head is *critical* & at least / Extremely Important')."

"We provide full &complete instructions on how to remedy this situation / in our trouble-shooting-section / of our Operating Instructions, (Adobe .pdf attachment link / last page of this site). And / it's simple / & / only takes a few moments / & does not require you to make any additional purchases. Time required to make adjustment, (example). Here in our shop / it takes us about fifteen minutes to perform this procedure." In the end (after several back-n-forths) this gentlemen became one of our satisfied clients."

Back to Top

1) Price Sheets, Ordering Instructions, Trouble Shooting & Operating Instructions are located on the last page of this site as Adobe .pdf document links. Please / feel free to download & print them if you wish.

2) Rope length requirements for both systems are discussed on the top of this page.

3) Rope specifications, size, type, & capacity is discussed on page # 7, [*How the System Works*], and, (in more detail), in our operating instructions.

4) (Q) = "You mention *Brake* repeatedly, what does that mean?"

(A) = See Page # 7 - [*How System Works*].

5) (Q) = "Can you provide me with actual user's as references?"

(A) = "Oh--Yeah! - Just send us an email / or give us a call for names & phone numbers / within *privacy* preferences, of course. We sell many systems a month & all customers ARE HAPPY!"

6) (Q) = "What do I do if my rope gets twisted?"

(A) = "See your operating instructions, but basically you just untwist it, and make sure you are storing it as described in the trouble-shooting guide & in your operating instructions. (Namely = Feed it into the bag randomly / & then push it down flat in the bag). Do NOT EVER twist it, or coil it around anything / (i.e.) = and especially / NOT / around your elbow, down to your hand. This is NOT a clothes-line."

7) (Q) = "What do we do if our guy in the chair won't come down?"

(A) = "Make sure your rope is not hanging up on its way up or down. Any rope travel impediment will cause friction. To much friction = too much braking = guy won't descend. To reduce the rubbing / Use our Stock # 2299 / Custom Edge Roller . . . or / you can pad the rope / & / or / run it over a slippery tarp, for example. The other cause / is rare / and the situation is described, discussed, & Instructions to resolve / are provided in our Trouble Shooting section of our Operating Instructions."

8) (Q) = "I un-rigged my system *A* and now I can't remember how to re-rig it."

(A) = "See page # 5 [*System *99/A*], for the *A* various rigging diagram & narrative instructions."

9) (Q) = "Can I use a 1/2 Inch nylon rope as an upper tie off and anchor line?"

(A) = "Yes, as long as the rope is rated to hold at least 5,000 pounds. A steel cable would be better. If you use rope, Remember, rope is soft / & it can be cut. You must protect this anchor line as it *MIGHT* pass over a rough surface that could *SAW* at the line / such as a roof edge. It is typical for the anchor line to move over the rough area / from side to side. Pad the rope at all points where it makes contact with *ANYTHING* / with a tarp or some thick strong material / or a soft piece of aluminum flashing / *AND* check the rope during use & before each subsequent use."

10) (Q) = "This looks perfect for my work. Can I get someone to give me a demonstration?"

(A) = "Absolutely! Just give us a call / or send us an email / & we'll have one of our Distributors contact you / and make an appointment to show you how this unique equipment works, at your convenience / & on your site."

11) (Q) = "Is there a recommended method of tying down the # 2299 *Edge Roller*?"

(A) = "Ah-No / will vary with each application . . . you'll have to use your own inventiveness . . . BUT . . . Do - remember, however, that it needs to be tight / solid / & unable to wiggle around . . . If it's gonna be used in the same place / you can fasten with screws through the base-plate . . . you'll need to drill a few holes / & I would recommend that you use pretty good size screws / say 1/4" by 2.5 - to 3" in length (Hex-Head / type carriage bolts would be better)  . . . Don't leave it out in the weather . . . it will prematurely age . . . the six holes shown in the picture / & / mentioned in the description are provided to attach tie-down-straps / (i.e.) = like motorcycle tie down straps / better yet / use the ones that are similar to the ones used on 18 wheeler trucks / to tie down cargo. They have a more positive & strong leveraged / *ratchet* handle / pull-over-tightener . . . (Perhaps - Pep Boys?) . . ."

12) (Q) = "I tried to click on your credit card banner to place an order, but nothing happened?"

(A) = "Sorry, but we only accept orders by phone, fax, or email. The reason for this is because / all of our systems are *custom-assembled* & we have found that it is better for you to contact us by phone first. Then we can both be sure you will be receiving the proper system / & rope length / & any accessories you will need for your job."

13) (Q) = "How often should we send our system in for inspection / re-roping & re-certification?"

(A) = "F. Y. I. = All this kind 'a stuff is covered in the operating instructions / accessible as an Adobe .pdf link on the last page of this website . . . to be brief, though, if the system is used daily = it must be fully inspected prior to each use / & you send it in at least every 12 months, = The opposite end of the use schedule / If used only in a rescue required *ONLY* status / and it sits in storage till needed / then (send it in) at least every 36 months. That said, if you do use it for a rescue / it would be a good idea to then send it in right away. Same kind 'a deal with all harnesses /  fall restrictors / safe stops / decelerators / and other stuff you use in the rescue . . . as this stuff sits 99% of it's time / good idea to replace it after a rescue. Thank you very much."

14) (Q) = "How come you guys don't have a page with a list of your customers?"

(A) = "Hmmm . . . Think'in about it - problem is / it is a VERY long list."

15) (Q) = "Our top priority is crew safety. Do you have any guidelines for employers using this type of equipment / to help avoid accidents?"

(A) = "Yes, point well made! We agree 100%! Perhaps the following will help. We include a *flyer-copy* in our operating instructions. Feel free to copy & paste the text below into a flyer / or a poster / if you wish. Boss has long thought it should be a required part of info given to all employees, new (or) old, that work at height using bosun's chairs. You will also find a link on our last page to the 2005 U. K. (England) *Working at height* regulations. Not a requirement here in USA, but a very interesting & helpful read . . . indeed!"

BOSUN'S CHAIR AT HEIGHT SAFE WORK PRACTICES:

*WARNING*      *WARNING*

BE SURE TO DISTRIBUTE COPIES TO ALL EMPLOYEES & THEN POST IT PROMINENTLY!

EMPLOYERS, SUPERVISORS & USERS RESPONSIBILITIES:

Employers Responsibilities:

1. Check the references and qualifications of workers, especially for high-hazard *At-Height* Bosun's Chair Work. This is frequently exaggerated by applicants (If you have any doubt / train 'em up)

2. Understand all safety requirements, including special *Bosun's Chair / at Height* requirements (# 4, # 6, # 7, # 8, # 9, & # 10, in the supervisors section, just below, & # 1, # 2, # 3, # 4, & # 5, in the workers section / 2nd-section-below) These areas are marked with three red asterisks, as follows (***)

3. Regularly / Train supervisors / and ensure that they understand their responsibilities

4. Provide workers with proper equipment, adequate instruction, training, and supervision

Supervisors Responsibilities:

1. Regularly Train / and directly supervise workers to ensure workers are capable of performing their work safely, especially new workers and workers performing new tasks

2. Ensure workers follow safe work procedures

3. Ensure equipment used by workers is safe / and in good working condition

4. (***) Ensure that a bosun's chair will provide the stable and adequate support for the user

5. Regularly inspect all equipment before use

6. (***) Always require workers at height (three feet above the ground  / or higher) to seat / or un-seat themselves / while still on the roof, *well* in / and away from the edge, or from *well* inside a window / door / or opening, or at ground level & *CINCH* all straps / fully before the worker is suspended

7. (***) Never allow workers at height (three feet above the ground  / or higher) to seat / or un-seat / themselves in (or) on / a bosun's chairs / unless their back up fall protection line (belay) is properly attached to the worker's chair, (& or) back up A. N. S. I. Class III full-body harness, and the top anchor point

8. (***) Under NO circumstances / allow a worker at height (three feet above the ground or higher) to attempt to seat or un-seat themselves / in or on a bosun's chair / by hopping out of a window, or from a roof

9. (***) Never, Never! Allow a worker to *STAND* up / while in a bosun's chair

10. (***) Make sure your suspended worker keeps the back-up belay *taught* - Whenever your workers stop their descent / or ascent / to perform a task / make sure they re-set their back-up belay line with no more than three-feet of slack

Workers Responsibilities:

1. (***) Whenever you are working at height (more than three feet above the ground) always *seat-or-unseat* yourself in / or on / a bosun's chair while you are still on the roof, *well* in / from the edge, or *well* inside a window / door / or opening, or on the ground & *CINCH* yourself in fully with all straps / before you are suspended

2. (***) Never hop out a window / or off a roof / into or onto a bosun's chair, even if you are wearing an A. N. S. I. Class III approved full-body harness, and are already properly attached to your back up fall protection line (belay)

3. (***) Never start your ascent / or descent / without assuring that your back-up fall protection line (belay) is properly attached to your chair / or harness / & your anchor point above (Never Assume / Double check it!)

4. (***) Never, Never! Stand up / while in a bosun's chair

5. (***) Keep your back-up belay *taught* - Whenever you stop your descent / or ascent to perform a task / make sure you re-set your back-up belay line with no more than three-feet of slack

6. Take reasonable care to protect your own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by your actions

7. Follow safe work procedures, and take no shortcuts or actions that may endanger yourself / or others

8. Use protective safety equipment, devices, and clothing that is provided and required of you

IF YOU WISH A COPY OF THE ABOVE POSTER CLICK HERE - TWO PAGE ADOBE .PDF FILE

As we get more stuff that fits into this category, we will add it . . .

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