AZTEC - Assoc. of Zipline Technology

AZTEC provides the following checklist to assist operators in their preparation for an on-site inspection prior to Certification. Once you feel confident that you meet the requirements then we can visit your site.

IMPORTANT NOTE: We highly recommend that operators visit our training facility in Davao City in order to better understand how to prepare their zip lines and other cable access systems for inspection and Certification.

Please be advised that your staff MUST meet the CORE Competencies described below in order to qualify for Certification. This is a further reason why we recommend that operators visit our site with at least one of your staff persons whom we can train. (Please note that staff training is a separate fee. Please see our Training link for details.)

REDUNDANCY ADVISORY: All cable access systems including all zip lines must use two (2) cables that follow each other along the entire length of the system and mounted to the post in two separate positions. The cable connection must be entirely independent of each other and connected to the post in different locations. Participants must be connected to both cables thus assuring a functional backup safety system. (AZTEC does not necessarily mandate the cables are vertically or horizontally positioned respective to each other.)

Special Notation: The cost to add a second cable is not unreasonably expensive so as to remove or disqualify it from the design budget. Cable is not overly expensive and the cost to install a 2nd cable is worth the life it may save should the primary cable fail, which has happened on other zip lines (Honduras 2008).

AZTEC mandates two cables since the primary focus of Certification is to ensure participant safety.

AZTEC strictly prohibits the use of any fabricated or modified equipment listed above.

Harnesses
Carabineers
Lanyards
Pulleys
Trolleys
Helmets

PULLEY ADVISORY: Some high speed zip lines surpass the maximum ratings of certain pulley or trolley manufacturers such as Petzl or CMI. AZTEC recognizes that some operators need to design and fabricate their own pulley systems using larger bearings with higher speed and vibration ratings. AZTEC, therefore, grants the use of locally fabricated pulleys based on the following provisions;

Pulleys meet AZTEC's guidelines for fabrications.
(Grade 316 stainless steel pulley wheels using inner stainless steel ball bearing retainer/raceway.)
AZTEC conducts a visual inspection of the pulley.
(The pulley must have a backup failsafe contact point such as a center positioned steel hardened rivet.)
A separate backup system is simultaneously used by which the participant is connected to the cable with a 2nd pulley.

With so many variables related to the types of poles used in various designs, AZTEC requires the size, design, placement and construction of the pole (steel or concrete column) to be approved by a local competent engineer.
The strength of the design must be functionally obvious upon inspection.
AZTEC requires there must be enough 'reserve' pole strength to withstand the failure of the guy lines that support the pole if the platform and stair element are also connected to the pole.

All connectors such as eye bolts, turnbuckles, thimbles, rapid links, thimble eye nuts, rope clips, guy clamps, climbing staples, ferrules, pre-form guy cable grips, steel plates, washers, etc. should be decay and corrosion resistant. Galvanized or weather protected hardware is a must.
Although ANSI (American National Standards Institute) certified hardware may not be available in Asia, it is important that the quality and reliability of all hardware must be compatible to withstand the level of stress required.

LAUNCH PLATFORM - If a platform is located higher than 3 meters if must be engineered in a way that minimizes sway effect. AZTEC requires supportive guy wires to be in place.

CABLE & CONNECTORS -

Cables must be rated at a minimum standard of 14,000 lbs breaking strength. The cable connection point at the pole or column must be engineered in such a way that the cable is protected from any rubbing or friction by the pole itself moving against the cable.
For example, some cables are passed through a hole in the support column (steel I-beam for example) then connected to a ground anchor. Although the cable is secured to an anchor, the pole movement may rub against the cable resulting in unusual wear and tear at that point of contact on the pole. Cables should instead be connected to a pole mounted eyebolt via a turnbuckle or pre-form grip or guy cable grip. This will ensure that any pole movement does not have direct negative influence on the cable.

STAIRS - If a stair or ladder is used to remove riders then the stair or ladder must be secured from possibly tipping over.

GUY WIRES - Whether the support system is made of telephone poles or trees or steel/concrete columns the pole must be supported with guy wires at 45 degree angles even if zip line is relatively low to the ground.

Guy wires are designed to support the 'relative' strength of a wood pole, tree, steel or reinforced concrete column in order to limit bending, swaying and maintain the structural stability to allow for proper operation of the element. Guys are an important and necessary component of the overall design of the structure.
Guys should be considered critical and need to be entirely reliable. They should be located so they oppose the load generated by the cables and structure that the guys are supporting. In other words, the guys must be located on the back side of the pole from where the rider or participant walks or rides the cable line.
The design of the guy system and number of guys required should take into consideration the strength of the components that make up the system, the rigidity and/or shock absorbing characteristics of the system.
AZTEC mandates that at least two guy lines must support the pole, even if a tree serves as the primary pole, placed at opposing equal angles on the back side as highlighted above.
If a tree serves as the primary pole then metal round plates must be attached to the tree that serves to protect the tree from the cable digging into the tree and damaging the cambium thus killing the tree and jeopardizing the structural integrity over a period of years.

GROUND ANCHORS - Pole height, size and load bearing needs may require multiple anchors. As a general rule, the angle between ground level and the point at which the guy wire connects to the pole should be 45 degrees. Poles where the primary cable is attached above 3 meters should have connected guy wires supporting the pole as needed. All anchors must be buried to a depth of at least 6 feet using a wood or concrete dead-man laying horizontal with the surface.

BRAKE BLOCKS – If the zip line uses brake blocks they must be proven to be functional in stopping a 300 pound rider in a reasonable manner. All brake blocks for speed zip lines must be tied off to a permanent grounding anchor that prevents the rider from hitting the anchor pole. Two brake blocks are required; one on each cable.

BRAKE SUPPRESSOR - An independent 'free floating' brake block system is recommended for all high speed zip lines. This is used to release or dissipate the kinetic energy of the rider prior to engaging the primary brake block system. The Brake Suppressor is to be placed at strategic locations along the cable run-out.

CABLE CLAMPS - There are specific regulations regarding the use of cable clamps to secure cables mounted to the supporting infrastructure systems. AZTEC strongly recommends the use of guy grips or perform grips rather than cable clamps.

ADVISORY: Two reports have occured in the Philippines involving cable slippage using cable clamps. A zip line staff person was seriously injured when a cable slipped using cable clamps.

AZTEC requires that all zip lines must have an Emergency Action Plan. There are varying methods of rescuing participants and AZTEC does not necessarily mandate a particular system be used.
AZTEC requires that operators prove, by demonstration, that a trapped, injured or incapacitated rider can be efficiently and safely rescued from the line within 15 minutes.
Finally, AZTEC requires a 'Rescue Bag' must be in place at all times and quickly accessible for use any time the zip line or canopy tour walk is in operation. All components of the rescue system must be UIAA certified.

Part 4: RIDER ON-PLATFORM PROTECTION
Participants must be connected to a safety rope or Personal Protection Anchor once he/she mounts any platform located off the ground. This serves as a connection device that prevents the rider from accidentally falling or starting the zip line or element prematurely before being properly connected.

Part 5: CORE COMPETENCIES FOR STAFF
Knowledge of safety equipment is required for proper evaluation and certification by AZTEC. All staff operators should have a functional understanding of the equipment and be thoroughly familiar with its intended use for which it is designed and manufactured.

Know his/her technical competencies and operate within their skill level training.
Have an appropriate level of knowledge regarding the specific activity he/she is using.
Be able to determine an appropriate staff-to-participant ratio to ensure participant safety.
Understand the site protocols for emergency rescue and implement an emergency action plan.
Be able to assess hazards and look for possible problems.
Understand how weather can affect the element.
Be able to adequately recognize problems stemming from human behavior, attitudes or health conditions of the participants.
Possess sound judgment in order to assess all aspects of the operation.
Be able to effectively and clearly communicate with participants and staff.
Recognize the inherent risks associated with the operation of a canopy walk/zip line tour.
Be able to properly fit equipment to riders in accordance with manufactures recommendations.
Be able to understand the proper set up of all equipment.
Have knowledge of infrastructure for the purpose of inspection regarding cables, platform, guy supports, anchors, etc. and determine if repairs are needed.
Understand that articles of clothing, hair, camera straps, etc. may pose a hazard if caught in a pulley or wrapped around a cable.

Part 6: LIABILITY INSURANCE

Owner/operators have a moral and ethical obligation to carry liability insurance (TPL or Comprehensive) in case of an accident.

Although insurance is not mandatory for certification, AZTEC highly recommends owners/operators to secure an insurance policy. The Xcelerator Zip Line in Davao City carries a P1 million aggregate comprehensive insurance policy.

AZTEC Association of Zipline TEChnology

PRE-INSPECTION Checklist		Back to Certification

	AZTEC provides the following checklist to assist operators in their preparation for an on-site inspection prior to Certification. Once you feel confident that you meet the requirements then we can visit your site. IMPORTANT NOTE: We highly recommend that operators visit our training facility in Davao City in order to better understand how to prepare their zip lines and other cable access systems for inspection and Certification. Please be advised that your staff MUST meet the CORE Competencies described below in order to qualify for Certification. This is a further reason why we recommend that operators visit our site with at least one of your staff persons whom we can train. (Please note that staff training is a separate fee. Please see our Training link for details.) Safety in Redundancy, Safety in Adventure REDUNDANCY ADVISORY: All cable access systems including all zip lines must use two (2) cables that follow each other along the entire length of the system and mounted to the post in two separate positions. The cable connection must be entirely independent of each other and connected to the post in different locations. Participants must be connected to both cables thus assuring a functional backup safety system. (AZTEC does not necessarily mandate the cables are vertically or horizontally positioned respective to each other.) Special Notation: The cost to add a second cable is not unreasonably expensive so as to remove or disqualify it from the design budget. Cable is not overly expensive and the cost to install a 2nd cable is worth the life it may save should the primary cable fail, which has happened on other zip lines (Honduras 2008). AZTEC mandates two cables since the primary focus of Certification is to ensure participant safety. AZTEC will not certify a single cable system. CHECK LIST Part 1: SAFETY EQUIPMENT AZTEC strictly prohibits the use of any fabricated or modified equipment listed above. The following safety equipment must be ASTM or UIAA compliant. Harnesses Carabineers Lanyards Pulleys Trolleys Helmets PULLEY ADVISORY: Some high speed zip lines surpass the maximum ratings of certain pulley or trolley manufacturers such as Petzl or CMI. AZTEC recognizes that some operators need to design and fabricate their own pulley systems using larger bearings with higher speed and vibration ratings. AZTEC, therefore, grants the use of locally fabricated pulleys based on the following provisions; Pulleys meet AZTEC's guidelines for fabrications. (Grade 316 stainless steel pulley wheels using inner stainless steel ball bearing retainer/raceway.) AZTEC conducts a visual inspection of the pulley. (The pulley must have a backup failsafe contact point such as a center positioned steel hardened rivet.) A separate backup system is simultaneously used by which the participant is connected to the cable with a 2nd pulley. LANYARD ADVISORY: Two (2) Lanyards must be used to secure the rider at two (2) points of contact; generally the primary attachment loop and the waist belt (for seat hearnesses). The lanyard attaching the rider to the pulley must be long enough to prohibit the rider from reaching up and touching the pulley. Longer lanyards also prevent long hair from getting entangled in the pulley resulting in a severe emergency situation. (Please see picture in 'Training Link' of AZTEC staff member separating the lanyards.) AZTEC will not certify a zip line using a single lanyard attachment. AZTEC will not certify a system where a rider is capable of touching or grabing the pulley while in motion. CARABINEER ADVISORY: Carabiners attached to pulleys must be made of steel. The general guideline for safety equipment is 'steel on steel'. Addition advisory: AZTEC requires all screwgate carabineers to be used 'right side down' meaning the screw must be pointed downward to prohibit it unscrewing from vibrations during the zip run on the cable. AZTEC will not certify a system using aluminum carabineers attached to steel pulleys. TROLLEY ADVISORY: Please be advised that some trolleys used on high speed zip lines tend to bend at the point of impact on wood brake blocks. Part 2: INFRASTRUCTURE POLES – With so many variables related to the types of poles used in various designs, AZTEC requires the size, design, placement and construction of the pole (steel or concrete column) to be approved by a local competent engineer. The strength of the design must be functionally obvious upon inspection. AZTEC requires there must be enough 'reserve' pole strength to withstand the failure of the guy lines that support the pole if the platform and stair element are also connected to the pole. HARDWARE - All connectors such as eye bolts, turnbuckles, thimbles, rapid links, thimble eye nuts, rope clips, guy clamps, climbing staples, ferrules, pre-form guy cable grips, steel plates, washers, etc. should be decay and corrosion resistant. Galvanized or weather protected hardware is a must. Although ANSI (American National Standards Institute) certified hardware may not be available in Asia, it is important that the quality and reliability of all hardware must be compatible to withstand the level of stress required. LAUNCH PLATFORM - If a platform is located higher than 3 meters if must be engineered in a way that minimizes sway effect. AZTEC requires supportive guy wires to be in place. CABLE & CONNECTORS - Cables must be rated at a minimum standard of 14,000 lbs breaking strength. The cable connection point at the pole or column must be engineered in such a way that the cable is protected from any rubbing or friction by the pole itself moving against the cable. For example, some cables are passed through a hole in the support column (steel I-beam for example) then connected to a ground anchor. Although the cable is secured to an anchor, the pole movement may rub against the cable resulting in unusual wear and tear at that point of contact on the pole. Cables should instead be connected to a pole mounted eyebolt via a turnbuckle or pre-form grip or guy cable grip. This will ensure that any pole movement does not have direct negative influence on the cable. STAIRS - If a stair or ladder is used to remove riders then the stair or ladder must be secured from possibly tipping over. GUY WIRES - Whether the support system is made of telephone poles or trees or steel/concrete columns the pole must be supported with guy wires at 45 degree angles even if zip line is relatively low to the ground. Guy wires are designed to support the 'relative' strength of a wood pole, tree, steel or reinforced concrete column in order to limit bending, swaying and maintain the structural stability to allow for proper operation of the element. Guys are an important and necessary component of the overall design of the structure. Guys should be considered critical and need to be entirely reliable. They should be located so they oppose the load generated by the cables and structure that the guys are supporting. In other words, the guys must be located on the back side of the pole from where the rider or participant walks or rides the cable line. The design of the guy system and number of guys required should take into consideration the strength of the components that make up the system, the rigidity and/or shock absorbing characteristics of the system. AZTEC mandates that at least two guy lines must support the pole, even if a tree serves as the primary pole, placed at opposing equal angles on the back side as highlighted above. If a tree serves as the primary pole then metal round plates must be attached to the tree that serves to protect the tree from the cable digging into the tree and damaging the cambium thus killing the tree and jeopardizing the structural integrity over a period of years. GROUND ANCHORS - Pole height, size and load bearing needs may require multiple anchors. As a general rule, the angle between ground level and the point at which the guy wire connects to the pole should be 45 degrees. Poles where the primary cable is attached above 3 meters should have connected guy wires supporting the pole as needed. All anchors must be buried to a depth of at least 6 feet using a wood or concrete dead-man laying horizontal with the surface. BRAKE BLOCKS – If the zip line uses brake blocks they must be proven to be functional in stopping a 300 pound rider in a reasonable manner. All brake blocks for speed zip lines must be tied off to a permanent grounding anchor that prevents the rider from hitting the anchor pole. Two brake blocks are required; one on each cable. BRAKE SUPPRESSOR - An independent 'free floating' brake block system is recommended for all high speed zip lines. This is used to release or dissipate the kinetic energy of the rider prior to engaging the primary brake block system. The Brake Suppressor is to be placed at strategic locations along the cable run-out. CABLE CLAMPS - There are specific regulations regarding the use of cable clamps to secure cables mounted to the supporting infrastructure systems. AZTEC strongly recommends the use of guy grips or perform grips rather than cable clamps. ADVISORY: Two reports have occured in the Philippines involving cable slippage using cable clamps. A zip line staff person was seriously injured when a cable slipped using cable clamps. Part 3: EMERGENCY RESCUE SYSTEM AZTEC requires that all zip lines must have an Emergency Action Plan. There are varying methods of rescuing participants and AZTEC does not necessarily mandate a particular system be used. AZTEC requires that operators prove, by demonstration, that a trapped, injured or incapacitated rider can be efficiently and safely rescued from the line within 15 minutes. Finally, AZTEC requires a 'Rescue Bag' must be in place at all times and quickly accessible for use any time the zip line or canopy tour walk is in operation. All components of the rescue system must be UIAA certified. Part 4: RIDER ON-PLATFORM PROTECTION Participants must be connected to a safety rope or Personal Protection Anchor once he/she mounts any platform located off the ground. This serves as a connection device that prevents the rider from accidentally falling or starting the zip line or element prematurely before being properly connected. Part 5: CORE COMPETENCIES FOR STAFF Knowledge of safety equipment is required for proper evaluation and certification by AZTEC. All staff operators should have a functional understanding of the equipment and be thoroughly familiar with its intended use for which it is designed and manufactured. Canopy tour/zip line operators shall; Know his/her technical competencies and operate within their skill level training. Have an appropriate level of knowledge regarding the specific activity he/she is using. Be able to determine an appropriate staff-to-participant ratio to ensure participant safety. Understand the site protocols for emergency rescue and implement an emergency action plan. Be able to assess hazards and look for possible problems. Understand how weather can affect the element. Be able to adequately recognize problems stemming from human behavior, attitudes or health conditions of the participants. Possess sound judgment in order to assess all aspects of the operation. Be able to effectively and clearly communicate with participants and staff. Recognize the inherent risks associated with the operation of a canopy walk/zip line tour. Be able to properly fit equipment to riders in accordance with manufactures recommendations. Be able to understand the proper set up of all equipment. Have knowledge of infrastructure for the purpose of inspection regarding cables, platform, guy supports, anchors, etc. and determine if repairs are needed. Understand that articles of clothing, hair, camera straps, etc. may pose a hazard if caught in a pulley or wrapped around a cable. Part 6: LIABILITY INSURANCE Owner/operators have a moral and ethical obligation to carry liability insurance (TPL or Comprehensive) in case of an accident. Although insurance is not mandatory for certification, AZTEC highly recommends owners/operators to secure an insurance policy. The Xcelerator Zip Line in Davao City carries a P1 million aggregate comprehensive insurance policy.