Winches in rope technology

Speaker: Thomas Wahls, T23-Veranstaltungsdienste
Saturday 11/22/2025
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Hall A6 Stage
German
English

This presentation will outline the status quo in the field of winches. Current types of equipment will be discussed, along with their advantages and disadvantages.

The use of winches offers the greatest benefits in terms of ergonomics.

However, great power also means new dangers. Possible countermeasures will be discussed here.

The use of power-driven winches requires fuel. This fuel can run out. Fallback options will be presented.

Thomas Wahls has been working as a rope access technician for over 30 years, including more than 20 years as an instructor in rope access and positioning techniques, the use of PPE for fall protection, special rescue from heights and depths, and first aid.
During this time, he co-authored the book ‘I like to move it’ about pulleys with Emy Oppolzer in 2019.
Since 2019, he has been a member of an informal working group on the subject of small rope diameters.

Presentation, Industrial climbing, Rescue & recovery, Tree care

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