BARTA Belgian Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association
TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES I USE DURING YOUR TRAINING:
RESCUING LARGE ANIMALS IS A SERIOUS BUSINESS
You don't just do it on the sidelines!
A solid (and traceable) professional education, knowledge of both anatomy and characteristics of the animal to be rescued, in combination with the use of appropriate and up-to-date equipment, are as far as I am concerned the absolute minimum requirements to be a professional in this business.
As a certified BARTA INSTRUCTOR LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE RESPONDER, it is easy to talk, I hear you say.
But it gives you as a client a safe and assured feeling that you are being served with professionalism.
As in any profession, there are also “copy cats” operating in the field of Large Animal Rescue.
Some promote themselves with certificates that have absolutely no relation to BARTA, nor say anything about the expertise of these self-proclaimed “experts”.
Text and photo: Ronald Rongen
STANDARD MANUAL STROPPING TECHNIQUES FOR TRAINED TEAMS
The majority of large animal rescues are undertaken using one or a combination of manual techniques, often in conjunction with a rescue glide.
In some circumstances, following assessment and wider understanding or situational awareness, the use of powered mechanical advantage or lifting may be the preferred option.
When choosing a method in conjunction with the team leader, the following should be considered;
- Is the proposed method an agreed technique and appropriate for the species involved?
- Are there circumstances which require adaptation of an agreed method?
- Is there appropriate veterinary triage, assessment and supervision available on scene?
- Are there any medical or welfare considerations that might preclude a chosen method?
- In the hierarchy of rescue techniques, can a simple low-tech solution be utilised?
- Will chemical control measures available be suitable and sufficient for the plan?
- Can the animal rescue lead be confident that the rescue method promotes a casualty centred
IIand safe rescue where benefits outweigh risks?
Text and photo: BARTA - UK
ENSURE A SAFER WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Well-trained emergency services and rescue responders operate in structured teams according to a standard working method.
A risk-based approach will be applied to each situation and protocols are followed, including strict adherence to the safe zones shown below.
Where operating in high-risk areas is necessary, the role of the vet will be to deliver control measures commensurate with the risk and operational plan.
Text Ronald Rongen. Infographics: BARTA - UK
FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE ANIMAL RESCUE TRAINED CREW POSITIONING
In rescue operations, the assignment of tasks and responsibilities ensures structured and practised techniques.
The veterinarian's role is to support a casualty-focused rescue in which the veterinarian is responsible for monitoring the animal's welfare and its care.
For this reason, priorities should be set based on the needs of the animal, unless life-saving actions in humans take precedence.
Text Ronald Rongen. Infographic: BARTA - UK
FIELD-TESTED AND APPROVED RESCUE TECHNIQUES
BARREL SKID:
Equipment Required:
2 x 5 metre Strops
2 x 10 metre Lines
Strop Guide
Heavy Limb Crooks
Advantages:
1. Used to manually ease a compromised standing animal where steep sides prevent a sideways skid and an element of lift is required, i.e. swimming pool edge, deep ditch
2. Simple to apply
3. Can be applied from single side if required
4. Can be used with mechanical assistance and a rescue glide for combination lift and skid
Disadvantages:
1. If used without mechanical advantage, animal weight and centre of gravity in relation to the top of the obstruction edge must be considered
2. Once out, if continuing to skid with barrel configuration, expect an element of roll to the torso and potential for stimulation.
Text and infographics: BARTA - UK
REARWARDS SKID:
Equipment Required:
5 metre Strops
10 metre Lines
Strop Guide
Heavy Limb Crooks
Advantages:
1. Simple to apply
2. Can be used to manoeuvre animals through narrow gaps as the legs naturally fold forwards
3. Fits securely around the torso
4. Strops configured to avoid genitalia
5. Avoids using legs, tail and head for traction
6. Responders managing the head are walking behind the hazard which is a safer position than the forwards skid
Disadvantages:
1. Pressure is concentrated around one area of the torso.
Text and infographics: BARTA - UK
FORWARDS SKID:
Equipment Required:
5 metre Strops
10 metre Lines
Strop Guide
Heavy Limb Crooks
Advantages:
1. Allows simple stropping configuration for when an animal presents front forwards
2. Avoids traction on head or legs and easy to apply to an animal in a restricted space
3. Can be used for limited vertical movement
Disadvantages:
1. Places direct pressure around one area of the torso
2. If not applied correctly may slip over narrow shoulders
3. Uses a larks foot configuration so not truly quick release
4. Responders on the head will be walking in front of the animal during the skid which might compromise them if they slip.
Photo: Larks foot configuration:
Text and infographics: BARTA - UK. Source photo: Ronald Rongen
SIDEWAYS SKID:
Equipment Required:
2 x 5 metre Strops
2 x 10 metre Lines
Strop Guide
Heavy Limb Crooks
Advantages:
1. Two points of contact minimises pressure on the torso, positioning of strops similar to carrying a human under their armpits
2. Technique avoids the torso rolling and stimulating the animal
3. Responders are in two lines which spreads the effort
4. Communication is aided by having the team closer to the animal
5. Manoeuvrability is extremely flexible, and legs remain in perfect alignment not being pulled forwards or backwards.
Disadvantages:
As with any skidding the ground conditions and distance are limiting factors.
Text and infographics: BARTA - UK
ROLLOVER:
Equipment Required:
9 metre Strop
Lunge Line
Heavy Limb Crooks
Advantages:
1. Effective method of rolling an animal in order to stimulate it to rise
2. Uses wide webbing on the muscle structure of the animal rather than using legs as levers
3. Technique can be carried out on any size animal with minimal personnel
4. All persons remain out of risk areas.
Disadvantages:
Should not be used in isolation if the rollover needs to be controlled.
Text and infographics: BARTA - UK
CONTROLLED ROLLOVER:
Equipment Required:
2 x 9 metre Strop
Heavy Limb Crooks
Advantages:
1. Effective method of rolling an animal carefully for positioning or veterinary consideration
2. Uses wide webbing on the muscle structure of the animal rather than using legs as levers
3. Technique can be carried out on any size animal
4. All persons remain out of risk areas.
Disadvantages:
Requires sufficient personnel to achieve, dependant on weight of animal.
Text and infographics: BARTA - UK
HOBBLED DORSAL ROLLOVER:
Equipment Required:
2 x Singular Hobbles
1 x 10 metre Line
2 x Lunge Lines
Heavy Limb Crooks
Hard Protection
Advantages:
1. Useful option for rapidly removing a dorsally recumbent animal that is trapping a human underneath
2. Utilises singular hobbles and doubled up rope which when quickly removed post rescue allows an animal freedom to move
3. Could be used in some circumstances for a regular rescue of a dorsal recumbent animal should time constraints (i.e. medical prognosis) or lack of mechanical device in a timely fashion prioritise its immediate release.
Disadvantages:
Extremely stimulating so post release behaviour should be anticipated and planned for.
Text and infographics: BARTA - UK
RESTRICTED SPACE EXTRICATION
Equipment Required:
1x 9 metre Strop
1 x 10 metre Line
1 x Lunge Line
1x Reach Pole
Heavy Limb Crooks
Glide Sheets
Notes:
1. There are occasions where making space is not a viable option, so an understanding of
how to apply strops where access to the spine side is compromised can be beneficial.
2. For the purpose of this film, the technique is demonstrated in a trailer.
3. But the principles apply to a variety of situations where front and rear access is possible.
4. This simulation demonstrates a system of work suitable for a heavily sedated horse.
5. Operators must observe safe working areas at all times.
Text and infographics: BARTA - UK. Source photo: Ronald Rongen
MEDICAL SUSPENSION HARNESS
Notes:
A medical suspension harness may be chosen when indicated by anatomy, medical condition or duration of suspension.
Application should be practised on a recumbent or standing animal and can be applied with minimal people within a safe system of work.
Equipment Required:
Medical Suspension
Harness Strop Guide
Heavy Limb Crooks
Lunge Line
Text and infographics: BARTA - UK. Source photo: Ronald Rongen
Please find below the technical equipment I use when rescuing large animals
Horse Mannequin:
Function: The professional rescue mannequin for rescue training is essential for learning the skills required to rescue large animals.
Construction: This rescue mannequin is made of durable material to withstand a variety of extreme training environments.
It has lifting & pulling eyes that enable easy placement into challenging scenarios.
The rescue dummy is virtually waterproof and can be used for water and mud rescue.
When designing the horse, particular emphasis was placed on making it as lifelike as possible: Replica joints, musculature, and color tone.
All these features help the rescue services to train with a model that is as close to reality as possible.
The Rescue mannequin is constructed in such a way that its legs can be fixed so that it can stand freely on its own hooves.
This is essential for many rescue training situations, especially those involving water and mud.
The body is made of high-quality, abrasion-resistant polymer and is based around a laser-cut metal skeleton; all exposed metal parts are galvanized to increase corrosion resistance.
The mannequin is equipped with a trolley for movement on terrain and is fitted with pneumatic wheels for more rough terrain.
Source photo: ResQuip
Improvised Halter:
Description: Rope halter used for the emergency control of large animals, particularly equines.
Function: To facilitate effective and quick control of an equine either standing or recumbent and other animals following risk assessment.
Construction: ….mm high strength double braid polyester rope with the kern removed.
Operational Use:
Fitting Improvised Halter Standing:
Place the spliced loop over the animal’s neck,
Take a small bight of line and draw it through the spliced loop,
Tighten and adjust over the animal’s nose and behind the ears,
Remember that this is subject to quick release,
For more secure halter, tie an overhand knot to prevent the nose band slipping off.
Fitting Improvised Halter Recumbent:
Approach from the spine side at the neck,
Pass the loop of the emergency rope halter under the animal’s neck,
Take a small bight of line and draw it through the spliced loop,
Tighten and adjust over the animal’s nose and behind the ears,
Place soft protection under the animal’s head as soon as possible.
Maintenance: Remove contaminants and wash in disinfectant before rinsing and drying.
Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.
Test: Check for cuts and abrasions in the rope
Additional Information: Picture of Improvised Halter.
Source photo: ResQuip
Head Collars:
Description: Rescue Equine Head Collars.
Function: Used for the control and/or leading of equines and other species where appropriate.
Construction: Head Collars are constructed of nylon webbing with plastic clips and adjustment.
Head Collars are manufactured in 4 sizes and colour coded Pony (green) Cob (orange) Full (red) Extra Full (black).
Operational Use:
Fitting Headcollars Standing:
Headcollars are generally applied from the left hand side, however, following risk assessment, can be applied when necessary from the right.
The most appropriate size of headcollar should be selected.
Before application, check the head collar is not twisted and the lead rope is attached under the chin.
Ensure the nose band is not too low on the horses nose as it can restrict breathing.
Adjust the head collar to fit securely.
Head collars maybe fitted over the top of an improvised halter.
Fitting Headcollars Recumbent:
Prepare the headcollar by undoing one side of the neck strap in accordance with the side it is lying on.
Apply the headcollar from spine side if achievable.
If application from a safe place is not achievable, await further control measures.
Place soft protection under the recumbent animals head after fitting the head collar.
Ensure sufficient length of lead rope or lunge line is attached.
Head collars maybe fitted over the top of an improvised halter.
Maintenance: Remove contaminants and wash in disinfectant before rinsing and drying.
Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.
Test: Ensure the webbing and buckle is in good condition.
Ensure the lead rope is not frayed and its connecting clip functions correctly.
Additional Information: Picture of Head Collar.
Source photo: ResQuip
Animal Rescue Carry Sheet:
Description: Padded canvas sheet with carry handles.
Function: To protect the head and eyes of a recumbent large animal during rescue.
To act as soft protection during cutting operations.
To restrict vision by wrapping over the head and eyes during rescue (under veterinary supervision).
To support and assist in carrying the head of a large animal during a rescue.
To assist in the removal of small farm animals, companion animals such as dogs and wild animals such as deer.
Construction: The sheet is constructed of canvas 1.6 metres x 1.2 metres with complete loops of polyester webbing stitched into the canvas giving grab handles on each side.
Operational Use: Fold the sheet to the required size for animal and task and consider manual handling implications.
Ensure the stitched side with webbing is not in contact with the animal.
Place under a casualty by lifting the animal's head enough to slide the sheet into position. For large animals this is best undertaken by 2 personnel.
If used as a head carry sheet, ensure the handles are in position to encompass the head and the nostrils are not obscured.
Maintenance: After use, wash off contaminants and soak the sheet in a solution of disinfectant before rinsing and drying.
Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.
Test: Inspect the sheet to ensure:
Webbing attachments are clean and in good condition.
No damage, wear and tear.
No abrasive debris is embedded within the sheet.
Additional Information: Picture of Animal Rescue Carry Sheet.
Source photos: ResQuip
Strop Guides (Small / Medium / Standard):
Description: Strop guides are tools designed to be pushed under recumbent large animals for the purpose of attaching strops and harness to aid rescue. They come in 3 distinct sizes.
Function: To facilitate strops and harness attachments being pulled under the animal.
To allow operators to operate from safe positions when carrying out rescue operations.
To minimise distress to an animal when applying rescue equipment.
Construction: Each guide has a steel handle at one end and a hook and steel ball at the other.
The sprung steel tools come in 3 lengths, reducing in flexibility as the length shortens.
The tempered steel will allow the guide to return to its original shape.
Dimensions:
Standard: Length 2160mm / Width 40mm / Steel thickness 4mm.
Medium: Length 1110mm / Width 40mm / Thickness 4mm.
Small: Length 600mm / Width 40mm / Thickness 4mm.
Operational Use:
Standard (large) strop guide:
Insert the strop guide from a safe position using anatomical natural hollows as a guide.
Ground conditions will dictate whether insertion requires one or 2 persons.
Push the guide as far as necessary to present the hook for attachment of equipment.
Pushing the handle up to the spine will afford the most clearance for safe attachment.
Where safe clearance is not achieved, attachments may be facilitated using a crook.
The design allows the tool to follow contours of the ground and present for attachment.
In fluid conditions a hook may not be visible, and tools required to assist in withdrawal.
Due to the sprung steel construction, a strop guide can be bent around an animal enabling a strop to be attached to the hook end from spine side. Once a strop or harness is attached, the strop guide can be withdrawn.
When withdrawing through the rear natural hollow, slightly tilt the hook downwards to avoid catching loose skin on the underside flank.
Medium strop guide:
The medium strop guide is used when operating in restricted spaces such as a trailer or from a rescue path.
Limitations are its length and less flexibility.
Small strop guide:
The small strop guide is used as an extension of an operators arm for occasions such as working from both sides of a sternally positioned animal in fluid conditions such as slurry.
Maintenance: Wash off contaminants and use a disinfectant solution before rinsing and drying.
Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.
Test: Visual inspection to ensure that the strop guide is not damaged.
Pay particular attention to the shape of the hook.
Check all welds for signs of deterioration.
Additional Information: Picture of Strop Guide (Medium).
Source photo Ronald Rongen
Heavy Duty Limb Crook:
Description: Heavy duty aluminium crook used to facilitate a safe system of work in the rescue of large animals.
Function: Acts as a physical extension of a rescuers arm to pass and place equipment.
Aids the lifting of limbs during large animal rescue with a crook end.
Construction: 1.45m aluminium alloy tube, 25mm external diameter and 3 mm thickness plastic handle grip and plastic stop end.
180mm diameter across crook mouth to allow for large animal limb handling.
Operational Use: The heavy duty crook is largely used as an extension of the arm to allow the application of strops or move the limbs of large animals at a safe distance. Use the crook singularly or 2 handed depending on the task Inspiring excellence in animal response.
It can also be used when herding livestock as an extension of an arm.
Maintenance: Remove contaminants after use and wash with disinfectant before rinsing and drying.
Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.
Test: Visual inspection for damage to aluminium, handle or stop end.
Additional Information: Picture of Heavy Duty Limb Crook.
Source photo Ronald Rongen
Webbing Strops (5m / 7m / 9m):
Description: Duplex 3 tonne strop used in the movement of compromised large animals.
Function: Used as the primary equipment for placement around large animals in various configurations to aid manual rescue techniques.
Strops may also be used for winching operations and trailer righting.
Construction: Polyester flat woven duplex strop with reinforced eyes at each end.
Working load limit of 3000 kg.
Minimum safety factor of 7:1 (Breaking strain of 21 tonnes).
Common sizes are 5, 7 and 9 metres length and 75mm wide.
Operational Use: Used for a range of standard manual stropping techniques for large animal rescue, including:
○ Barrel Skid
○ Rearward Skid
○ Forward Skid
○ Sideways Skid
○ Rollover
○ Controlled Rollover
○ Forward Assist
○ Trailer Extrication
Maintenance: Remove contaminants and soak in disinfectant before rinsing and drying.
Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.
Test: Visual Inspection to include a check to ensure that the strop is clean, undamaged and shows no signs of excessive wear and tear.
Annual: A full inspection by outside testing body if required by internal testing regime.
Additional Information: Picture of Webbing Strops.
Source photo: ResQuip
Webbing Hobbles (Set of 4):
Description: A hobble is a webbing strap used in the restraint or recovery of compromised large animals.
Function: To restrain large animals' limbs during a rescue.
For the lifting of an anaesthetised large animal.
For emergency movement of a compromised large animal when human life risk.
Construction: Blue polyester flat woven duplex strop with lifting ring attached (rated 6 ton).
Operational Use: Used for specific large animal rescue applications usually in conjunction with tools such as; Heavy limb crook, hard protection shield and general purpose rope.
Applications include;
○ Hobbled limb restraint,
○ Hobbled dorsal rollover,
○ Hobbled lift (under veterinary supervision and general anaesthesia).
Maintenance: Wash after use and if it’s been in contact with animals or their environment, soak in a solution of Trigene to control the risk of Zoonotic Infections.
Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.
Test: Visual Inspection to ensure that the webbing and stitching is undamaged.
Inspect the ring for distortion or damage.
Additional Information: Picture of Webbing Hobbles (Set of 4).
Source photo: ResQuip
10m General Purpose (GP) Lines:
Description: General purpose rope, used in the movement of recumbent large animals as part of an approved rescue technique (known in the fire service as “lines”).
Function: Used to facilitate the manual movement of large animals during rescue methodology.
Construction: General purpose ropes (lines) are made of 16mm polypropylene rope.
Operational Use: Ropes (lines) are used in a variety of rescue techniques for the purpose of manual movement of large animals or pulling rescue glides.
Ropes will be applied by passing through the strop eye/s and doubling up to form two parts in the hands of the operators (no knots to be tied to animals or systems).
In the event of emergency or controlled release, operators will let go of the inside rope and pull the remaining standing part through the strop eye to release the system.
Maintenance: Remove contaminants and wash in disinfectant before rinsing and drying.
Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.
Test: Inspect the rope for abrasion, impact or chemical damage.
Additional Information: Picture of General Purpose (GP) Line.
Source photo: ResQuip
Animal Rescue Hard Protection Shield:
Description: Impact resistant shield used in the protection of human casualties or to facilitate safe access and egress in restricted spaces.
Function: Provides portable hard protection at animal rescues.
Facilitates safe access and egress for crews and veterinarians.
Supports protection of life when humans at risk from compromised animals.
Construction: Polycarbonate, rigid transparent sheet material.
Solid Transparent.
Dimensions: Length 1350mm X Width 600mm X Thickness 4mm.
Handles attached to rear and foam padding cushioning.
Operational Use: Operators will have most control of the shield when operating in an upright position with the left hand grasping the upper right handle and the left hook handle resting on the operators arm.
Grasp the lower right handle with the right arm if required.
The animal rescue hard protection shield should only be utilised after dynamic risk assessment utilising decision controls, by trained operators and when all other available control measures have been applied.
Shields should be in close contact with casualty animal in order that an attempt to kick would not achieve velocity and/or high impact.
Maintenance: Remove contaminants and wash with disinfectant before rinsing and drying.
Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.
Test: Inspect the shield for damage.
Ensure the grab handles are secure.
Additional Information: Picture of Animal Rescue Hard Protection Shield.
Source photo: Ronald Rongen
Rescue Glide: Casualty Sheet and Glide Bar / Auxiliary Glide Sheets:
Description: The Rescue Glide is a large animal casualty movement device with towing bar consisting of casualty sheet and auxiliary sheets.
Function: Facilitate the movement of large recumbent animals.
Providing casualty protection for animals being recovered.
Construction: Glide sheets are constructed of recycled white plastic 2400mm x 1200mm with a thickness of 8mm (casualty sheet) and 6mm (auxiliary sheet).
Slots and holes are positioned to facilitate attachment of towing bar to side or end and to allow sheets to be attached together using screw thread connectors.
Operational Use: Used in conjunction with a range of standard manual stropping techniques for large animal rescue.
Maintenance: Wash after use and if it’s been in contact with animals or their environment soak in a solution of Trigene to control the risk of Zoonotic Infections.
Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.
Test: Ensure the rescue glide sheets and connectors are in good condition and free of damage.
Ensure the aluminum plates are secure.
Ensure the triangular towing eyes are secure.
Ensure the connectors are free from dirt and the thread opiates correctly.
Additional Information: Picture of Rescue Glide; Auxiliary Glide Sheets and towing bar.
Source photos Ronald Rongen
Rescue Harness Set (2x rescue strops plus anti spill straps):
Description: Set of strops and anti spill quick release straps used for lifting large animals in conjunction with a quick release spreader bar.
Function: To enable the lifting of animals such as cattle and horses, no greater than 2000kgs where a simple quick release rescue system is required.
Construction: Rescue strops:
Two, 3m x 150mm red duplex slings, with reinforced eyes and ‘D’ rings attached at 200mm intervals to attach the anti spill straps.
Anti spill straps are webbing with clips at each end and a quick release connection.
Operational Use: The Rescue Sling is designed for short duration lifts or a combination lift and skid maneuver.
Suitability of this method should be determined following assessment of species, also factors such as anatomical or medical considerations.
Lifting must be carried out under the guidance of a veterinarian and control measures should usually include chemical control.
Anti spill straps should be applied to prevent the animal slipping from the system. The quick release connectors should be orientated on the same side as the quick release mechanism on the spreader bar.
Equines must have a minimum front anti spill strap attached when lifting.
Bovines must have front and rear anti spill straps connected for lifting.
Maintenance: Remove contaminants and wash with disinfectant prior to rinsing and drying.
Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use
Test: Visual Inspection to ensure that the strop or attachments are undamaged.
Additional Information: Picture of Rescue Harness Set (2x rescue strops plus anti spill straps).
Source photo: ResQuip
Medical Suspension Harness:
Description: Medical suspension harness suitable for lifting large animals such as cattle and horses for sustained periods.
Function: To enable recumbent large animals to be lifted and suspended.
To rescue large animals in circumstances where a rescue harness is not suitable.
Construction: The Harness is constructed of webbing with stainless steel rings for attachment to a quick release spreader bar or alternative quick release lifting provision.
The maximum safe working load is one tonne.
Operational Use: The harness is applied to recumbent large animals in conjunction with other animal rescue tools and equipment to maximise safety.
The harness is attached to a quick release spreader bar using a strop which is threaded through each of the metal rings.
An adjustable wither strap must be utilised to secure the animal from spilling out.
Always carry out lifting and suspension under the supervision of a veterinarian.
Maintenance: Remove contaminants and wash in disinfectant before rinsing and drying.
Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.
Test: Visually inspect the harness for damage to webbing or stitching.
Check adjusters for ease of operation.
Additional Information: Picture of Medical Suspension Harness.
Source photo Ronald Rongen
Quick Release Spreader Bar:
Description: The Quick Release Spreader Bar is a lifting spreader bar that can be attached to a suitably risk assessed mechanical lifting device for the purpose of lifting large animals for rescue, veterinary hospital recovery or welfare assistance.
This design incorporates an immediate quick release function as an essential safety measure.
Function: The Quick Release Spreader Bar is used in conjunction with approved strops and animal harnesses.
It provides a safe mechanism for lifting heavy large animals WLL 2000kgs.
The quick release function enables stress free release of the harness/strops in normal circumstances and the ability to immediately release from the mechanical lifting device should an unforeseen event occur.
Construction: The beam is 65mm x 30mm, constructed of 2.5mm mild steel consisting of a hollow section with internal bar connected to the operating mechanism.
The internal bar has steel wedges which slide to provide locking and release points at each end of the spreader bar for the insertion of rated rings or karabiners.
The locking mechanism is secured with a sprung pin.
The bar is attached to a mechanical device by a forged steel oval ring and 1 tonne webbing strops.
On the opposite end to the release mechanism is a shackle or karabiner for use with a continuous loop strop where only one end is required to release.
Operational Use: The attachment and release should be carried out following the procedure outlined below:
a. Attach the lifting beam via the large oval ring to the chosen lifting device
b. Attach the red lunge line to the trip mechanism and open the system in preparation to receive the harness. (Fig.1)
c. Approach the animal with the lifting beam ensuring the release mechanism is pointing towards the rear
d. Place the rings into the quick release openings CAUTION: DO NOT stand under booms or loader arms
e. With the rings in place, close the release mechanism which holds the rings in place. (Fig.2)
f. Once the rings are secured in place, lock the mechanism and take up a safe position in line with the spine of the animal at a safe distance to the rear. (Fig.3).
CAUTION: Once the system is armed DO NOT utilise the red trip line as a steerage aid.
g. If steerage is required in addition to the head control, utilise a green lunge line attached to a D ring on the strops or at another convenient position on the system.
h. The operational plan will dictate the time and means of release; however it is important to deploy anti spill or wither straps prior to the animal having cause to move off and ideally before it has contact with the ground.
Using in conjunction with the Medical Suspension Harness
When using the medical suspension harness first thread the rings onto a continuous loop strop.
Insert the rear continuous loop strop ring into the quick release jaw and secure.
Connect the front ring to a karabiner or shackle which is attached to the end of the spreader bar.
This way when released only the rear part of the strop is detached and can pull through the larger harness rings with ease and remain with the spreader bar.
Combination Lift and Skid
To gain mechanical advantage but still retain the benefits of skidding, the Quick Release Spreader Bar is ideal when performing a combination lift and skid, or mechanical skid as it provides the added security of quick release.
Maintenance: Operate all moving parts to ensure free movement and lubricate where appropriate.
Test Frequency: On Acceptance / Quarterly / After Use.
Test: Visually inspect each element of the device to ensure all parts are undamaged and lubricated.
Additional Information: Pictures of Quick Release Spreader Bar.
Source photos: ResQuip
Source photo Ronald Rongen