Safety Warning 5/2013 - 'False loop', created by taping the loose end of a rope or lanyard

ERCA`s Safety Commission hereby alerts people to the dangers of ''false loops'' (e.g. created on homemade rope lanyards, belay ropes, etc.). ''False loops'' may be caused by using sticky tape (or cable ties) to “tidy up” the loose end of a rope or by inappropriate stopper knots. They are a hidden danger that has led to at least one fatality (see hyperlink below).

You can find a reported fatality at the 'AALS Info Log':
http://www.outdoor-learning.org/Portals/0/IOL%20Documents/AALSLogEntries/2009_Present/201108%20Zip%20Wire%20Accident.pdf

A German (translation in queue) item of information about the hidden danger of ''false loops'' was published by the German Alpine Club (DAV). It was drafted basically for the scope of artificial climbing walls, but can -of course- be seen as valid for all areas of climbing/high ropes courses/zip wires. You can download the German document (article starts at page 6) at:
http://www.alpenverein.de/chameleon/public/17699/20110516_dav-empfehlungen_zu_fixen_topropestatione_17699.pdf#page=6

Please Note:
The aim of releasing ERCA safety alerts is to disseminate up to date information which will help to avoid accidents on ropes courses. We are committed to providing unbiased information about the sequence of events and the causes of accidents. 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 the safety alert to

_______________________________________
European Ropes Course Association
Safety Commission - Contact:
Meik Haselbach
Im Brühl 18b
D-79295 Sulzburg
Telephone: +49 - (0)7634 - 503 281
Fax-Server: +49 - (0)3222 - 377 82 62