Protect your workers with the right equipment


Know Your "Pros"

Climbing is an exhilarating andsafely support the weight. Another piece
adventurous sport which requiresof equipment that is inserted in cracks
endurance and stamina. Due to the natureto support weight is a hexentric (or
of the sport there is more risk of"hex"). This piece of equipment is
injury than most other activities. Thispassive meaning that it doesn't have
makes having the right protectivemoving parts and is meant to remain
equipment (or "pro") that much morestable. They are six sided, usually
important. There is no one single piecebarrel shaped and to be used in
of equipment that will ensure yourparallel-sided cracks. As with a nut,
safety; a combination of equipment isproper hex placement requires skill and
necessary to prevent injury or fatality.experience. Runners are short loops or
Cams are devices that you place intostraps used to sling around an immobile
cracks or holes to provide protectionobject such as a tree or outcropping.
from falls. They are spring-loaded so asThey are usually made of a combination
to expand and hold when they areof nylon and other durable and strong
inserted and pressure is applied; thematerial. Pitons are spike shaped tools
more pressure that is applied, i.e. yourthat provide a stay for your rope. They
body weight, the harder they grip. Theyare hammered in place and are made to
come in a variety of sizes so as to fithold your weight. Their grip can be so
in various sizes of cracks and holes.strong that removing them can be more
From the cam, a karabiner (or "biner) ischallenging than anchoring them. They
attached. A biner is a ring with acome in a variety of sizes and shapes to
spring opening and it is used to attachaccommodate different terrain and
your ropes and harness. D-rings are apreferences. Knowing your protective
type of biner which is ultra strong toclimbing equipment and how to use it is
hold your weight and prevent your fromessential to the sport of climbing.
falling. Another basic type of pro isLearn how to use it properly and with
the nut which is small and usually intime and experience it will become
the shape of a nut. They have a holesecond nature.
through which a cable is threaded toKen Morris repeatedly produces detailed
attach another piece of equipment suchreports on ideas related to Orihuela and
as a D-ring. The proper placement ofAltea. You can see his publications on
nuts takes experience; you have to judgecurrent weather in malaga on his site.
which crack to insert them in that will



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