Dangerously long upper ascenders?

[Mike Rz]

I’ve read the posts and the NSS article and IMO, both are missing the root cause and subsequent exacerbating factors of this incident.

1) Root cause: RW was simply unfamiliar with his equipment. RW did not put the system on rope properly or adjust it properly. RW had 2 strikes on him before his feet left the ground.

2)F did not check/recognize RW equipment deficiencies (maybe RW did not ask for a visual check) I can see the F missing the lanyard length but he should have seen the chest roller.

3)No right hand coordination skill. RW couldn’t manipulate gear (load the chest roller) quickly with right hand while supporting weight w/ left arm and legs

4)no upper body strength. a couple tries and he was done

5)lack of effective self rescue/party rescue techniques This is where the topics of the NSS article and change overs start to be relevant.