Technical Rope Workshop

High Angle Options: The Skate Block
Provides continuing education for NFPA 1006 Technicians and 1910.146 Rescue Teams

This 4 hour training program combines lecture, discussion, and hands-on to demonstrate techniques and methods to ensure rescuer competency and proficiency. 

Students shall have completed initial training as a Technical Rescuer (Rescue Technician I or II, Industrial Rescue, Rope Ops, etc.) and a basic understanding of rescue knots. Students will perform high angle rigging and rescue techniques. All students will take part in a final rescue scenario utilizing the skate block.

Course Overview

Safety Training Services, Inc. presents a Technical Rope Workshop – High Angle Options: The Skate Block. This hands-on course will introduce students to skate block techniques and forces. This advanced concept will be practiced through a variety of technically demanding rescues. Scenarios will be build the confidence of a rescuer in the high angle environment. After attending this class participants will:

  • Identify the option or necessity of a Skate Block operation;
  • Demonstrate proficiency in configuring acceptable anchor points for the Skate Block; and
  • Illustrate the comparison between High Line and Skate Block operations.

Click Here to download a PDF of the course overview.


Training Materials: Ropes, rigging equipment, and rescue gear will be utilized during this course. A limited number of harnesses and PPE will be available. Students are strongly encouraged to bring and wear equipment used by their own rescue team. A class III Rescue harness, hard hat or rescue helmet (no fire helmets), and safety glasses, long pants and sturdy work boots are required to participate in hands-on exercises. Successful completion will result in a certificate for four hours of continuing education.