Westech Rigging Supply Q&AAnswer
Jul 25, 2021 - 10:40 PM
We strongly recommend the use of a backup carabiner for two reasons. When used in tandem with our trolley lanyards, the lanyards have both a primary and secondary backup system which integrates with the Microtrolley. So, in the worst case scenario, if the primary lanyard were to ever break for some odd reason, there would be a safety backup lanyard to catch the rider. Is it required; no but is it recommended, absolutely. CMI has never had a catastrophic failure with any of our trolleys and we were in fact the first on the market to use the safety backup with the second hole on the back of the trolleys. It was not our trolley but we are aware of a competitor's trolley that had a catastrophic failure and came completely apart (this trolley had no safety backup hole). Unfortunately the person riding that trolley did not make it.
Aside from the trolley lanyard with the backup, it may be worthwhile taking a quick look at the trolley itself. Assuming the rider is using the safety backup carabiner in the rear hole, three things would have to happen to have a catastrophic failure of the trolley. Both axles would have to shear and the backup carabiner in the rear of the trolley would have to wear away and come off. Lets assume for a moment that both axles came out. All that would be holding the rider on the cable would be the backup carabiner. Some of the ziplines today are very high off the ground and are also very fast. Having every safety precaution in place just makes good sense. Some things in this world are replaceable but a human life is not one of those things. We strongly encourage the use of the backup hole on the CMI trolleys as it just makes for a safer ride for the participant.
