Written by Frank Flick
Swing rope safety
A movement that incorporates strength, timing, hand eye coordination, use of the buddy system, and gusto (courage). Many of us encounter or participate in swing rope, the movement of a physical body from one location to another location by gripping onto a certified *crossing finger* rope that is properly secured. Timing your approach, holding your breath, swiftly moving forward and Tarzaning across to your anticipated destination. Then comes the release of stress, self-accomplishment, puckered rear end, and your held breath. This event happens on a regular basis for some crews and rarely for others. We, as safety individuals, want to ensure your crew has the proper PPE, education, and confidence to accomplish such a task. This is a great time to ask ourselves, is there another way? Do the crew members look comfortable in completing such a task? What are our contingency plans if things go south? Are our items on, self-tied off and secure? Will we establish a line of communication once the crew has safely arrived at their location? Have you clearly stated your expectations for the crew to assist the next person as they swing over and do not assume that task will be implemented? Will there be food and drinks over on the other side? Did I remember putting on deodorant before I get to the other side?
Being serious is our profession. Ensuring people make it home upright at the end of the day or rotation is our job. We all have the knowledge and some of us have lots (years) of experience. Finding a style that allows the crew to be at ease with one another and us is prime. This is how we can share our knowledge, communicate our expectations, and allow the crew to incorporate safety into their work culture as an everyday practiced habit. Continue what you all are doing out there, share your knowledge, swap stories, enjoy the conversations. Get to know the crew as individuals and try to enjoy yourselves.
The profession is a complicated system, try and make it simple, try to make it safe.
Stay safe out there.
