Application for ratchet straps when in use for rope rescue

Applications for ratchet straps
Their application in rope rescue can be open to team innovation, providing simple rules in their use are followed:
1.) Never be directly connected to any ratchet strap (with the exception of temporary horizontal life lines made to EN 795 Class C) as they are not generally accepted as PPE. However it is acceptable to use them indirectly
2.) In their larger sizes, ratchet straps can exert a tremendous strength, so the rule is to ‘keep-it-tight-keep-it-right’. An over-tensioned ratchet strap can be as dangerous as one that is too slack.
3.) Know how to use them properly.  It always amazes me how many individuals do not understand the simple procedure in their use.
- a. Always pull through all the slack webbing.
- b. Always ensure the tensioning handle is locked closed before use.
- c. When releasing the tension be prepared for the webbing to recoil.
Used for stabilising structures they are invaluable, anything from ladders to scaffolding can be secured to prevent movement especially that caused by wind or following collapse. Also, an improvised anchorage can be backed up and strengthened by using ratchet straps to prevent movement and share the load back to other more secure points.
An example would be the use of a vehicle as an anchorage point for the fixing of ropes. The accepted methods are various but most require the vehicle to be perpendicular to the direction of the load.
Securing ropes through the wheels or other recognised strong points on the vehicle chassis. Occasionally an incident may require the anchoring of ropes to the front or rear of the vehicle. The use of a pair of 2”/50 mm ratchet straps and set no greater than at 900, when secured to the tow hitch or front towing eye will prevent any vehicle from moving.
Ratchet straps  – 1”/25 mm – are also ideal for use with a ‘Picket belay’.
This very traditional, improvised anchor is used primarily on open flat ground where substantial anchors are difficult to locate. It relies upon the load being transferred from one picket to the next and its load-bearing capability is magnified by the length of the picket, being the simple principle of a lever.
To achieve its fullest load-bearing potential it is important that the pickets are connected together under tension. Traditionally, this was done by looping cord back and forth and finishing with a simple knot, unfortunately equal tension could not be easily achieved.
The use of small ratchet straps connecting the pickets not only simplifies this task, but allows the picket belay to absorb the load equally, making it much more reliable and potentially stronger. On firm ground, steel T-section pickets are preferred but on soft ground or even sand, substitute the pickets with shovels, the greater surface area in contact with the ground will take the load better.