Support
Operation and Training
The safe operation of a zip line requires knowledge and commitment from every person involved in its functioning, including the owner, the site manager, and the guides. For this reason, it is imperative to implement safety standards, teach the correct use of the equipment, get to know thoroughly the facilities, and perform periodic reviews. Another key point is to chose a responsible and courteous staff and train them to provide customers with attention and kindness, always handled with responsibility and commitment.
We offer operational training for all facilities that we develop. We provided customized training and complete it with a manual in which we summarize all the points seen in the training practical strategies and the following techniques. We also provide our customers with the necessary forms so that they can keep track of their inspections, maintenance and responsibility waivers.
We provide checks in order to guarantee that the staff performs, follow and understand established instructions, work procedures, and the activity’s safety measures.
The following is a simplified outline of the training course we teach. We encourage anybody that still doesn’t have a training program to contact us for more information on how to implement one.
1) Knowledge and use / adjustment of equipment
a) Harness adjustment
b) Helmet adjustment
c) Tying the safety lines
2) Knowledge of security measures
a) Management of the pulley and carabiner
b) Back-up system
3) Knowledge of Zip line’s elements
a) Attachment points
b) Cable inspection
4) Communication
a) Importance of good communication
b) Communication channels
c) Specified communication plan
5) Contingency Plan
a) Common Sense ways to avoid contingencies
b) Criteria for cancellation of activity
c) Recognizing risky situations
d) Avoiding risky situations
6) Rescue
a) Knowledge of rescue equipment
b) Use of rescue equipment
c) Horizontal and vertical rescue
7) Zip-Line Maintenance
a) Daily inspection
b) Monthly inspection
c) Knowledge of inspection forms
8) Maintenance of equipment
a) Proper storage
b) Cleaning of rope and harness
c) Lubrication of pulleys and carabiners
Development Activity
We define step by step procedures, prohibitions and risk management profiles. We instruct operators to know their facilities and know how to solve any problem that is in their hands to fix.
IMPORTANT: It should be mentioned that each facility and type of participants are different, so it is very important to have personalized advice for your facility, in order to guarantee optimum performance.
Contemplation of risks - Security
Even an experienced manager of a zip line course can be confronted by unexpected situations and unfamiliar contingencies. For example, do you know how to respond if your zip line cable is struck by lightning? Or if there are signs of vandalism at your site, which may or may not have affected the zipline?
For any contingency that may arise during this activity, operators must have some alternative plan designed and practiced that identify and asses the risks associated with the practice of the canopy. We teach about, and practice, some of these unexpected situations and drills to explain alternative solutions so that operators are prepared for such contingencies and / or emergencies.
Preventing risks to individuals, staff and users through the proper use of personal protection equipment and specialized techniques previously established is our priority in every training that we provide.
FAQ
How I can know if my area is ideal for a zip line?
The eye of a professional is essential to determine the feasibility of a proposed canopy tour or zip line. On occasion, photographs are sufficient to answer this question. However, in most cases, only a visit to the site can provide us with the topographical and geographical information we need to make an informed decision. During our visit, we can locate alternate start and end points and once we define the exact location, we will take slope measures, calculate the cable lengths and take a careful look at the surrounding terrain. Only after this technical study will we be 100% sure of the feasibility. This technical study will also calculate the theoretical tension range.
Does Ascensacion give advice for the self-installation of a zipline?
In our DIY program, yes we do. In an effort to provide safe zip line facilities for everyone, and realizing that not everyone can afford the services of professional installers, Ascensacion can provide you with the support you need to install your home made zip line. This program is only for tree to tree ziplines of 100 meters or less, and requires a prior visit to the site to judge the anchor points and skills needed by the client. Then we’ll provide you with advice and some simple installation diagrams. Following the installation we will go to inspect the zip line and recommend or make any corrections that might be necessary.
What does it cost to come and visit our site?
We do not charge for site visits except as part of our DIY program. However, travel expenses must be covered for the project director. Specifically, a client will be responsible for plane tickets (if necessary), ground transportation, food, hotels, etc.
This is one way in which we seek to distinguish our company from our competitors; they will charge you large sums just to evaluate the feasability of your site, while we prefer to provide this as a complimentary service with the hope that in the future you will hire us to design and build your zipline.
What kind of cable should I use for a homemade zip line?
A 3/8" galvanized 7x19 cable is what you need in most cases. Unless stated otherwise, only Crosby rigging hardware should be used to attach your cable. It is easy to understand that not all people can afford to professional services; however, we strongly recommend that you seek professional advice before installing your zip line.
Can zip line cables break?
If the tension is higher than the safe working load of a cable, there is always a risk of breakage. Therefore it is important to make structural calculations prior to any installation. There are no direct correlation between length and tension - some 50 meters zip lines can generate more tension than a 500 meter zip line.
How can I judge the professionalism and competence of an installer?
There are a number of individuals who claim to be zip line installers, but they lack the experience and attention to safety that our industry requires. Yes, they may install a zip line but at what cost? Beyond the economic factor, injuring a loved one or client is a price that nobody wants to pay. So it is very important for you to be assured that you are hiring the best man for the job.
First, a proposal should be very clear and should detail all the elements and costs without room for interpretation. This way you know you cannot be fooled after closing a deal.
Second, a zip line installer should only use materials of the highest quality. He or she should be using cables that are sourced from a respected fabricator, as well as using Petzl harnesses, high-quality helmets, etc.
If you take the time to contact us and explain what project you have in mind, we’ll answer your questions, we will put the record straight, and we’ll make sure that you pay a fair price for your installation. After all, tens of thousands of zip line riders have passed through our facilities, without a single accident. Our reputation speaks for itself.
How safe is the activity of Canopy tours?
Zip lines are an adventure activity that seeks to provide the illusion of danger, while keeping the client extremely safe. While the client is flying down a steel cable at 100 km/hour, hundreds of meters above the ground, they are protected by numerous technological redundancies and detailed engineering calculations.
Therefore it should be unsurprising that statistically speaking, zip lines are a very safe activity if they are installed by professionals as long as the operational procedures are being respected. Most accidents that occur on a zip line installation are due to some mistake from an operator. Our ziplines are so safe that you are at greater risk of injury driving to our site than while on one of our zipline. After tens of thousands of clients have passed through our lines, we are proud to say that there has never been a single serious accident.
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