Suspension Traverse

The suspension traverse is used to move personnel and equipment over rivers, ravines, and chasms, or up or down a vertical obstacle. By combining the transport-tightening system used during the rope bridge, an A Frame used for the vertical haul Line (Figure 9-24), and belay techniques device, units can make a suspension traverse (Figure 9-25 and Figure 9-26). Installing a suspension traverse can be slow and equipment intensive. Everyone must be well-trained and rehearsed in the procedures.
(1) Construction. The suspension traverse is constructed with static ropes. The max span that can be bridged is generally 75 percent length of the shortest rope. Planning considerations include those for rope bridge and vertical haul line.
(2) Equipment.
• Three static installation ropes.
• Seven sling ropes.
• Nine carabiners.
• One heavy duty double pulley.
• One locking carabiner.
• One canvas pad.