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© I T R A © S a r a h D e l B e n, F o n d a t i o n U G A © O l i v i e r L e f e b v r e
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Elevating the arms less
than 60° is considered
to present a low risk of
injury (P1), elevation between
60 and 90° is considered to
present a risk of injury (P2),
and elevation above 90° is
considered to present a high
risk of injury (P3).
Support ecological transition
in mountainous areas
Encourage mountain exploration Prevent accidents
in vertical environments
Our courses of action:
The Petzl Foundation’s mission is to support and initiate public interest projects
through its activities in mountainous and vertical domains; projects that help bring
balance to humankind’s place in its natural, cultural, and economic environments.
The foundation supports non-profit organizations through financial and equipment
grants, as well as consultation and training.
New Knowledge About the Work Conditions of Rope Access Technicians
The Laboratory of Vulnerabilities and Innovation in Sport (University of Lyon 1)
and the Petzl Foundation are publishing their first round of results from an
ongoing study on the working conditions of rope access technicians in France.
This research focuses on the organization of work, career paths of rope access
technicians, and mental, physiological and mechanical demands placed on these
professionals in the course of their work. It is a continuation of a 2017 epidemiological
study on injuries suffered by French rope access technicians that was also supported
by the Petzl Foundation
(1)
.
Without diving into the details of the results published in the summary,
"A Look at the Working Conditions of Rope Access Technicians"
(2)
, we can say that:
•The amount of time spent with arms raised at an angle that suggests high risk of injury
(> 90°) is up to two times greater for those on rope than those on ground level.
•Every week, a rope access technician performs an average of close to 2500 arm lifts
that suggest risk (>60°), for both right and left arms; a figure comparable to the average
2500 strokes per week that a tennis player hits in training (national and international level).
•On average, rope access technicians exert effort of moderate intensity throughout
a workday (around 100 heartbeats per minute - bpm - equivalent to a rapid walk).
We also observe several spikes of elevated intensity characterized by heart rates
in excess of 140 bpm. The average heart rate of a person at rest is 70 bpm.
•Average levels and intensity spikes tend to be more elevated at the beginning of
the week than at the end of the week. The proportion of high-intensity activity is higher
at the beginning of the week and tends to decrease throughout the work week.
•A rope access technician’s work week is characterized by a heavy mental workload
(perceptions of pain and fatigue) that regularly increase throughout the week. However,
the weeks are generally perceived to be pleasant, exciting, and stimulating (perceptions
of challenge and reward, excitement).
1 - Vignal, Soulé, Rogowski, Epidemiological Study on French Rope Access Technicians, 2017.
Find it online on www.fondation-petzl.org
2 - Online at: https://www.petzl.com/fondation/s/mieux-connaitre-blessures-cordiste?language=en_US
The Petzl Foundation
Exploring New Horizons
The site for professionals working at height
and in dark environments.
•Discover Petzl solutions for verticality and lighting
•Check out tips and technical information on best
practices for using Petzl products
•Find all the Petzl news and reports on various trades:
videos, news, portraits, and events
Find us on:
Pages to explore
Beyond our product offerings, Petzl offers a wide range
of technical information: Instructions for Use, tech tips,
PPE inspection records, and more.
Discover all the content pages on our website. Whether
you are novice or expert in your field, Petzl shares its technical
expertise to help you work more safely and efficiently.
On our product pages, you will find:
-Instructions for Use: they are the base of our technical
information and provide the essentials for using your products.
Remember to read them before using your products.
-Technical tips, “by Petzl”. They contain information
complementary to the Instructions for Use: test results,
feedback, and technical videos. Documents with all you
need to know about your products!
-Documents and procedures for PPE inspection:
use them when you inspect your PPE
Petzl.com
The activities depicted are inherently dangerous.
All users must be trained and competent in the use of the equipment for these activities.
Petzl headquarters: PETZL INTERNATIONAL. Z.I. Crolles, 38920 CROLLES, FRANCE
Graphic design:
Pierre Bena design - www.pierrebenadesign.com
Product photos (non-contractual photos): © Petzl
Kalice - www.kalice.fr
Aurélie Jeannette, Photographer - www.aureliejeannette.com
Yannick Siegel
www.petzl.com
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