ABOUT THE EVENT

Not-for-profit organizations coast to coast partner with Over the Edge to produce this exciting rappelling fundraiser.

This event is for people who are adventurous enough to rappel 20+ stories and generous enough to donate at least $1,000 to make a difference in people’s lives through a good cause.

THE COMPANY

Over the Edge is a special events company that provides signature events for non-profit organizations anywhere in North America.

Participants are invited to raise pledges in exchange for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of going over the edge of a local building.

We provide all of the equipment, the technical expertise, and the insurance for the event. We have conducted over 65 events in since we began in 2005.

www.overtheedgeusa.com

CERTIFICATION

Professional staff are certified by the International Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) and/or the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT).

We use IRATA and SPRAT staff because their safety standards create a model working environment.

The trade is referred to as rope access.

Industrial Rope Access Photos

SAFETY

We work in compliance with OSHA standards for ‘Working at height and fall protection.’

Equipment will be certified to by ANSI Z359…. There are a bunch of sub categories for different pieces of gear.

Part of regulations is that a job hazard analysis is completed; we hold safety meetings, and have written rescue plans.

It is not necessary to operate under these standards but they provide a sound level of safety.

SAFETY (cont’d)

We do not follow all OSHA work standards. We do not make participants (or staff) wear safety glasses, or steel toed boots, or things like that.

Safety is the most important aspect of the event. Any staff has the authority to stop the event if they feel something is unsafe.

EVENT LOGISTICS

Participants register 1 hour before their rappel

They sign-in, get assigned equipment, and check droppable items

Proceed to training area where they get instruction and practice; as long as they want, until they feel comfortable

Go back to roof (or waiting area) where they wait their turn

Rappel (10 to 20 mins) Return their gear

STAGING AREA

Putting on harnesses (Rappelling and fall arrest)

Tracking equipment

Removing droppable objects

First safety check

TRAINING AREA

Explain the concepts of rappelling

Demonstrate rappel and good positioning

Have the participants practice rappelling and stopping

RAPPEL STAFF

Put people on ropes

Do final safety check

Communicate with ground staff (we all have radios)

Identify when and assist in a rescue

Efficient turnover

GROUND STAFF

Most important person for safety

Monitors rappellers’ speed / condition

Control descent into ground, last 20 ft using a firefighters belay

Communicate with top

Identify and participate in rescue

TECHNICAL LOGISTICS

Releasable mainline and safety back-up with firefighters belay Petzl STOP descender and ASAP mobile fall arrester Back-up device on a separate rope Industrial full-body harnesses High pick point for ease of getting on the rope Posted safety check systems for training and main descent Rescue plan in place and practiced

STAFF NEEDS

Closed shoes

Long pants

Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen

OTE provides harnesses, helmets, gloves, ropes, carabiners, descenders, everything

Pocket-sized snacks (lunch is provided)