Signals

Whistle

Stations

S-B-M-A-E. Safety can stop the system at any time.

• S

  Safety

  Overall safety officer. Can stop the system at any time.

• B

  Belay

  Independent belay line. Watches slack, set, and catch.

• M

  Mainline

  Haul / lower team. Moves the load on command.

• A

  Attendant

  With the load or litter. Patient care and tag-line.

• E

  Edge

  Edge tender. Protection, change of direction, communications.

Voice

Move into Position

Stations take assigned spots. Hands off the rope until ready.

Tension System

Take slack out of main and belay. Do not lift the load yet.

On belay?

Belay, confirm you are ready to catch.

Belay on

Belay is set and attending the line.

Ready on main

Mainline is staffed, progress capture set.

Down slow

Lower at a controlled rate.

Haul, haul

Pull. Reset on “set — reset.”

Set

Progress capture is holding. Haulers may reset.

Reset

Haulers slide back; ready for the next stroke.

Slack

Feed rope. Named station (main or belay).

Stop, stop, stop

Immediate halt. Same as one whistle.

Rock / Rope

Falling object or rope overhead. Heads up.