| Operational Systems for Canopy Tours and Zip Lines |
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Effective operational and safety systems blend guide and participant training with effective learning progressions, appropriate fall protection and zip hardware, and course design. A number of safe and effective operational systems are in use on Canopy Tours and Zip Line Tours throughout the World. Some systems make use of mechanical devices to control participant speed, some make use of participant handbraking systems; others yet, blend a combination of both. Zip-lines by nature all make use of gravity as one factor to control descent. The choice of which operational system to use is based on the desired outcomes of the client, each producing a different client experience. S.T.E.P.S. Bonsai Design has experience installing both hand-braking and mechanical speed controls. Both types of systems are operated with excellent safety records. An explanation of systems is provided to compare two systems, not to recommend one over the other. Canopy Tour and Zip Line Braking SystemsHand-braking system
The hand-brake system is ideal on tree to tree courses that extend high into the canopy where platform size is limited. The length and pitch of each traverse is generally less than systems that remove participants from reach of the cable or make use of mechanical braking systems. It is our experience that Interaction with the cable and need to focus on learning to brake, helps to increase focus and overall engagement. Tours with a strong environmental education focus often benefit fom the ability for participants to control their speed and direction. On courses where wind and other environmental conditions may prevent all participants from reaching the next platform, self-rescue is easily facilitated by holding on to the cable and pulling toward the platform. Such procedures have been performed by guests as young as six and as old as eight without issue. Technical rescue procedures for guides are simplified using the handbrake and rescue times are greatly reduces. Transfer speeds between zip lines are extremely fast. Mechanical-braking systems
Fall Protection and Participant Management SystemsAll S.T.E.P.S. Bonsai canopy tour and zip line courses make us of industrial fall restraint systems that combine a harness with helmet, lanyards, and zip hardware. From the moment participants leave the ground until they return, participants are clipped into systems. Although there are no specific standards set for canopy tour and zip line tours, we do our best to meet the design specifications set by the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT), Occupational Safety and Health Services (OSHA), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Amusement Ride Safety Regulations, and state and local building codes. We also draw upon recommendations and standards set by the Climbing Wall Association (CWA), American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), and the Professional Ropes Course Association (PRCA). Where commonly accepted standards have not yet been developed, we consult with professional engineers or others in the industry. Cables SystemsS.T.E.P.S. Bonsai courses make use of both single line and twin-line zip cable systems. Systems may be designed using a variety of types of cable, ranging in diamter from 3/8" to 5/8". The type of materials used and configuration of the system will depend on the the design and layout of the course, type of braking system utilized, exposure to elements, and personal preference. Your installer will work to educate you on the choices and to determine which system is most appropriate for your course, including options for silent or near silent systems. Further InformationFor further information about Canopy Tour and Zip Line Operational and Safety systems, please contact us. |
Currently six canopy tour courses installed by S.T.E.P.S. Bonsai Design in Alaska, Ohio and Texas make use of the hand-brake system. In each course, participants are positioned within easy reach of the zip cable. Speed of descent is controlled by gently applying pressure from the palm of a leather glove over the cable. In general, cables are calibrated to allow for slow entry to each platform for a wide weight range. The amount of hand-braking is minimal and guide controlled back-up systems are installed in the event of a hot run or wet conditions. Tours are built around a learning progression that engages participants and builds confidence through experience. Coaching and directions is provided by guides through the course.
S.T.E.P.S. Bonsai Design has installed numerous zip lines using other mechanical braking devices. In most cases, participants are suspended out of reach of the cable to prevent entrapment or pinching of hands/fingers with the braking device. Mechanical braking systems are best utilized on courses where appropriate time is not included for ground school and learning progressions, or where the purpose of the tour is purely amusement. Mechanical-braking systems frequently require larger take-off and landing platforms and are most appropriate on courses that traverse ground to ground, ground to tower, tower to ground, or where the platforms are placed lower on the tree trunk. Such systems allow participants to travel a higher speeds over greater distances.