Rigging Operations: An Understanding to Running of the Ropes

In the world of tree work, tree removal operations that require rigging can be amongst the most critical and complex tasks, requiring skill, precision, and a deep understanding of both the tools and the characteristics of the tree. At the heart of these operations is the responsibility of running ropes, a task the most experienced groundie or designated rope handler will often undertake. Running ropes is not just about “letting it run”—it's about creating a safe and efficient rigging operation. This blog will explore the key responsibilities involved in running ropes during removal operations in tree work.

Understanding the Role: What Does It Mean to Run Ropes?

Running rigging ropes refers to the process of managing the rigging rope(s) that control the descent of limbs, trunks, or entire trees during removal operations. Ground personnel who run ropes must coordinate closely with the climber to control the speed, direction, and final resting place of the cut material.

This task may require physical strength, however in the absence of brute strength, brains come into play! Also, an acute awareness of the dynamics at play, including the weight of the piece, the tension in the rigging ropes, and the environmental factors like wind or slope of the ground is needed to become a master of the ropes. Mistakes can be made when running ropes that can lead to property damage, injury or worse, fatal accidents, making this role one of the most important on the crew.

Key Responsibilities in Running Ropes

1. Assessing the Load
   
• Tensioning the rope may be required and can achieved by hand, however certain rigging techniques may call for added tension or lift. Most crew sizes are only three deep, which means limited hands for pulling power. This is where brains come to play via pulleys and carabiners – resulting in mechanical advantage – or simply sweating the line may be enough.
  
2. Communication with the Climber
   
• This cannot be stressed enough; clear and effective communication between the groundie and the climber or bucket operator is essential. Before any cut is made, the “rope master” running ropes must communicate with the climber to assess the load, or if they are a true master - by knowing the species and time of year, the rope master can give a pretty spot-on visual assessment of what is about to go down. If you are that good, you are worth gold! However, if you aren’t quite there yet, communication will include estimating the weight of the branch or trunk section and understanding how it will behave once cut. Misjudging the load can result in the rigging rope becoming overloaded, leading to undesired shock load or rope snapping, both of which are extremely hazardous.
  
• The person working aloft should also relay following information to the ground crew:
  
1. The type of face cut being applied – Humboldt, Conventional, Open-Faced.
   
2. Will it be a tip-tie, butt-tied or a combination of both, double whip, span rig, etc.
   
• Once the piece is cut, communication does not go radio silent. Communication should remain constant with whomever is aloft to ensure that the piece has cleared a certain obstacle or if a tag has been applied, when to pull said tag line.
  
•  Miscommunication can lead to the rope master adding tension at an undesired moment, which can lead to severing a rope. 

1. Controlling the Descent
   

• Controlling the descent of the tree limb or log involves managing the speed and direction of the fall to prevent damage to surrounding structures, vegetation, or the tree itself. Techniques such as friction wraps on the Port-A-Wrap, adding rigging rings, or rigging blocks to the removal operation are often used to manipulate and control the load.
  
• Your rope handler must have an understanding of these tools - knowing when to apply more friction or when to let the rope run smoothly. Every tree and job will present different challenges, no two trees are the same. As an example, some trees may have such a tight and limited drop space for the piece to run that in those instances, the rope master must be on their A-game! Or, cut it smaller.
  
• The end goal is to bring the material down gently, minimizing shock loads on the tree and the equipment but most importantly, keeping everyone safe throughout!
  
1. Managing the Drop Zone
   
• Ensuring that the drop zone is clear and safe is another responsibility. The rope handler must also communicate with other crew members to keep the area free of people, pets, and valuable property. On top of that, they must also anticipate how the load will land and communicate to the other groundie how to manipulate the piece before fully resting it on the ground, so that the machine can just come in, grab, and haul it to the chipper.
  
2. Maintenance of Ropes and Gear
   
• After the job is done, the ropes and rigging gear need to be inspected and maintained. Equipment should be checked for excessive wear, cuts, deformation, or any other damage to the ropes and hardware. With that being said, this responsibility should be inspected by those involved, climber or bucket operator and rope master. This helps create a system of accountability and gurantees it is ready and safe for the next operation.
  

The Critical Role of Running Ropes

Running ropes during rigging operations is a task that demands skill, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of both the physical and environmental dynamics at play. Ground personnel entrusted with this responsibility are key to the safety and success of tree work operations.

Their role is not just about handling ropes; it’s about managing risk, communicating effectively, and ensuring that every piece of the operation works in harmony. When done correctly, running ropes allows for the safe and controlled removal of even the largest trees, protecting both people and property.

For us in the tree care industry, mastering the art of running ropes is a critical step toward becoming a skilled and trusted member of any team!