Where are the Murphys - Incident Log Report

Strangulation of participant’s head in backup sling when self-lowering from a bungee-break zipline

1) Connecting to the zipline and self-lowering at the end of the ride (procedure of the ropes course site in question)

Participants on this zipline (bungee break) are connected with two independent pieces of equipment to the zipline trolley (see picture right top):

one round sling connecting the overhead zipline trolley and the participant’s harness (to the ventral attachment point)
one rope, connected to the zipline trolley, which is attached through a belay device to the participant’s harness (ventral attachment point)
the loose end of the rope is coiled, so that it cannot be caught somewhere during the ride

At the end of the zipline ride, the participant stops at the resting point of the brake trolley on the zipline cable (approx. 4 metres above ground). In order to lower the participant to the ground, the belay device on the fixed rope is loaded and blocked. If a check proves that the participant is secure on the belay device, the round sling is detached. Finally, the participant controls the belay device (under supervision of an instructor) and lowers herself/ himself.

2) Reported Problem

In the reported case, the round sling was removed from the harness, as described above, but caught the participant's chin during rapelling. This was noticed by neither participant nor staff. As a result of the lowering process, the round sling got tightened around the neck and under the chin (see picture right middle). When the entrapment became obvious, staff members released the brake system (for bringing the participant closer to ground level) and then lifted the participant in order to unload the round sling, using a ladder. Then they took over control of the lowering procedure. Additional staff members and available equipment (ladder) helped to solve the situation.

Paramedics were alerted and transported the participant to hospital where it was determined that no injuries occurred.

3) Rescue Procedures in place

Releasable brake system
Ladder ready to use
Rescuer ready for intervention

4) Reflection

Round slings or other material inside the movement space may pose a risk of strangulation.
Always consider the risk of strangulation when carrying out risk assessments. Discuss techniques which may reduce the likelihood of that risk.
Usage of single rope strands (see picture right bottom) instead of round slings may reduce the likelihood for entrapment under certain circumstances.

Please Note:
The aim of releasing an ''Incident Log Report'' (like the above one) is to disseminate up to date information which will help to avoid incidents and accidents on ropes courses. ''Incident Log Reports'' are not ERCA recommendations! We are committed to providing unbiased information about the sequence of events and potential causes. We are neither in the position to, nor do we have the intention of, undertaking in-depth on-the-spot investigations. Please send your comments and questions regarding this notice to sicherheit@erca.cc