Smiley Alan
New member
just trying to find out if it's me being scarred and chicken or if people do'nt use ropes on ladders .
Pete K said:Fixed ladders - depends on where, how shonky and how high. Usually belay less experienced cavers on big ones.
Electron / wire ladders - absolutely every single time. It's not that I'm weak or out of my comfort zone but I want to live. These ladders break, I've seen it. They are only manufactured to hold about twice body weight and that does not include the home made variety. I choose to live and I rig fast so it is no inconvenience. Rope every single time.
ianball11 said:Despite never seeing a ladder break, or feeling like it would, I always have used a rope belay and always from a different anchor to the ladder.
Mike Hopley said:But when you are taking beginners caving you have a duty of care. Failing to provide a lifeline is failing in your duty of care. Allowing beginners to think a lifeline is "optional" or "there if you need it" is failing in your duty of care.