AZTEC - Assoc. of Zipline Technology

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.

1. SAFETY EQUIPMENT

AZTEC defines 'Safety Equipment' to include gear used by participants in the operation of canopy walk/zip line tours.

Common safety equipment includes the following; belay ropes (static and/or dynamic), carabiners, helmets, belay devices, pulleys/trolleys, harnesses and lanyards. Peripheral or support gear may include specialized equipment specifically related to rescue response that is covered in another section.

AZTEC mandates the following equipment must be secured from reputable and established companies recognized as international experts in the design and manufacturing of safety equipment.

AZTEC strictly PROHIBITS the use of any fabricated or modified equipment identified above.

Special Notation:
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;

AZTEC defines 'infrastructure' as the comprehensive system used to support the cables that include; telephone poles, trees, elevated platforms, stairs, braking system and all equipment used to secure the cables to the support system.

What appears to be a properly 'engineered' or structurally sound canopy/zip line tour does NOT necessarily mean the design is functionally sound.

For example; the length, cable weight, cable type and angle of descent can greatly influence the forces at play. The engineering specs on a particular cable installed at one location may not necessarily apply to a cable installed at a separate location.

Each canopy walk/zip line tour design must allow for appropriate 'engineering modifications' as it relates to each respective element. Appropriate canopy walk/zip line tour construction requires considerable experience. Understanding of how zip lines operate and the forces at play such a kenetic energy dissipation, pulley limitations, braking dynamics and good sound judgement will guide a successful and safe installation.

AZTEC strongly advises that every owner secure the professional consultation of a qualified engineer.

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.

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 preform grips rather than cable clamps.

______________________

QUALIFIER:

The aim of AZTEC is to establish safety standards that are
respective to the particular needs of Asia, nonetheless
meet or exceed U.S. standards.

AZTEC mandates important safety backup systems be
incorporated regarding infrastructure design and
rider safety that are not published by other organizations.

The promotion of safety in this industry is of paramount
concern and AZTEC exists to be an avenue for such
within its sphere of influence; primarily Asia.

HOME