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Product Spotlight: Petzl I’D EVAC

  When it comes to rescue situations and material handling, the gear you use can have a huge impact of the success and ease of the task at hand. The I’D EVAC from Petzl offers a unique spin on the traditional Petzl I’D Self Braking Descender and Our Gear Experts® are going to break down all of the features of the I’D EVAC.  

A Unique Spin on a Classic Device


  If you have any experience in at-height work, then you most likely heard of or used the Petzl I’D Self Braking Rope Descender. This device is incredibly versatile and intuitive when it comes to descending ropes in rope access or any at-height application. It’s often used as a rope descender, work positioning aid, mechanical advantage device, and in rescue kits. And now, Petzl has developed the I’D EVAC which is a unique spin on the traditional I’D.  

The Petzl I’D EVAC


  The Petzl I’D EVAC is similar to the traditional Petzl I’D, but it has some slight changes and improvements to make it uniquely positioned for certain applications. It was designed to attach directly to an anchor instead of a harness which provides an easier method for lowering a fallen worker in a pickoff situation. This configuration also helps aid in the precise control of materials when used as part of a rigging tag line. It is important to note that the Petzl I’D EVAC is not ASME B30 rated for material handling. That means that while it’s an excellent solution to help position equipment on a tag line, it cannot be used in place of an ASME B30 compliant rigging block.  

Key Features


  One of the best things about the standard Petzl I’D, is the excellent build quality. The I’D EVAC doesn’t disappoint. It maintains the same quality as the standard version while featuring some specific design features that make it a better solution for certain applications. Rope installation is as easy as opening the side plate and matching the rope configuration to the etched markings on the inside. The handle features an anti-panic function to stop the descent of the device if the user pulls too hard on the handle. And, if the user happens to let go, the spring in the handle will push the handle back to the locked position automatically. One of the biggest changes on the I’D EVAC is the handle orientation. It’s been changed to provide a more comfortable pull when it’s attached to an anchor. While the traditional I’D can be attached to an anchor, you’d have to push the handle up to lower the load on it. Now, with the handle orientation on the EVAC, you can pull the handle down to lower a load. Another big difference is the actual pull distance of the handle itself. The EVAC features a shorter release (about a quarter of a turn) until the rope starts to run through it.  

Versatility


  While the major feature of the EVAC is the handle orientation, Petzl has added some additional improvements to help make this device even more versatile. There is an integrated hook on the side plate. That hook serves as an auxiliary break that allows you to increase the friction on the rope based on the weight of the load. It gives you increased control while lowering an object. And, the friction channel below the hook helps protect from rope abrasion. Lastly, the side plate can be locked with a screw providing an excellent solution for a ready to use rescue or evacuation kit. Like the Petzl I’D, the I’D EVAC can be a complete game-changer and provides a convenient option for rigging and rescue kits. If you’ve got more questions about the EVAC, our Gear Experts® are standing by to help with anything you might need.   **The content of this blog is not intended to replace proper, in-depth training. Manufacturer’s instructions must also be followed and reviewed before any equipment is used.   → Click here to check out the Petzl I’D EVAC → Click here  to check out the Petzl I’D Self Braking Rope Descender → Click here to check out our full selection of Petzl gear → Click here to learn more about ASME B30 Standards  

Petzl I’D EVAC vs. I’D Self Braking Descender: The Video


 

 

Gear Up with Gear Experts: The Podcast


  If you haven’t already checked out Gear Up with Gear Experts, our podcast dedicated to at-height, industry, and construction, it is available for download! You can find it on all major podcast listening platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play Music, + your favorite podcatcher of choice. And, you can head on over to gearexperts.com to follow us on social media, check out our detailed show notes, and sign up for updates.    

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Synthetic Stainless Rope from Pelican Rope

  When it comes to jobs that require rope - like climbing, lifting, or rigging, the rope you use is important. Our Gear Experts® are going to cover the revolutionary synthetic stainless rope from our friends at Pelican Rope.  

Not All Ropes Are Created Equal


  Wire ropes like the Galvanized Wire Rope from Weisner are great products. But, sometimes wire rope can be too heavy and doesn’t have the flexibility needed to make it feasible to use on the job site. That’s where the new S-12 Synthetic Stainless Rope from Pelican Rope comes in. The S-12 provides a unique alternative to traditional heavy and hard to handle wire ropes.  

Pelican Rope S-12 Synthetic Stainless Rope


    As its name suggests, this extremely durable and strong rope is an excellent replacement for traditional steel wire rope. The S-12 is a single braid construction of the rope. And, the synthetic stainless steel rope is actually stronger than the heavy, difficult to work with, 7x19 stainless steel wire rope. One of the biggest benefits of this synthetic rope is that it is incredibly lightweight. In fact, it is so light that it floats. Don’t let the lightness of the rope fool you though. It is also incredibly strong and has a break strength of 19,500 pounds which is significantly higher than the same diameter stainless steel wire ropes with an MBS of only 12,000 pounds.  

Rope Construction


  So, what exactly is the rope made of? It is constructed with proprietary Honeywell spectra fiber that has been enhanced with Pelican Rope’s S-12 urethane coating. Another benefit of the construction is that it is hydrophobic – meaning it doesn’t absorb water. Additionally, it will not corrode and has great chemical and abrasion resistance. Lastly, it features impressive flex fatigue and can maintain strength in freezing temperatures.  

Rope Uses


  Because of the unique construction of the S-12 Synthetic Stainless Rope, it is an ideal replacement for traditional stainless steel ropes in a variety of applications. Some of those applications include mooring lines, inland marine barge lines, rigging lines, utility pulling lines, and winch lines. If you’ve got questions or need more information about the S-12 Synthetic Stainless Rope from Pelican Rope, simply contact our Gear Experts®.   **The content of this blog is not intended to replace proper, in-depth training. Manufacturer’s instructions must also be followed and reviewed before any equipment is used.   → Click here to check out the Pelican Rope S-12 Synthetic Stainless Rope → Click here to check out our full selection of gear from Pelican Rope → Click here to check out our full selection of rope  

Synthetic Stainless Rope from Pelican Rope: The Video


 

 

Gear Up with Gear Experts: The Podcast


  If you haven’t already checked out Gear Up with Gear Experts, our podcast dedicated to at-height, industry, and construction, it is available for download! You can find it on all major podcast listening platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play Music, + your favorite podcatcher of choice. And, you can head on over to gearexperts.com to follow us on social media, check out our detailed show notes, and sign up for updates.    

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  Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with everything GME Supply has going on. Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | LinkedIn  

Product Spotlight: Exclusive Green Lift Safety DAX Fifty 50 Hard Hat

Protecting your noggin on the job site is an incredibly important part of job site safety. Our Gear Experts® are proud to announce the Exclusive Green version of the extremely popular DAX Fifty 50 Hard Hat from Lift Safety.  

Taking the Safety World By Storm


  By now, you’ve most likely seen or at least heard about the DAX Fifty 50 Carbon Fiber Hard Hat. They’ve taken the world by storm with their eye-catching color schemes and superior protective features. With a unique spin on the classic DAX Carbon Fiber Hard Hat this hard hat quickly rose the ranks of a “must have” piece of safety gear by workers everywhere.  

The DAX Fifty 50


  The DAX Fifty 50 Carbon Fiber Hard Hat is a full brim, carbon fiber reinforced resin hard hat offering a 6-point suspension system for superior comfort and impact protection. It features an innovative Clarino synthetic leather comfort dome and an over-sized ratcheting fitment dial that makes adjustment easy – even while wearing gloves. Plus, each carbon fiber shell is hand laid - offering a unique one of a kind appearance.  

A Unique (And Exclusive) Option


  With the widespread success of the orange, yellow, and white versions of this hard hat, our Gear Experts® wanted to offer our customers something a little different. That’s why we worked closely with our friends at Lift Safety to provide a green color option that is only available from GME Supply and our sister company Columbia Safety and Supply. We launched this color option earlier in the year with a 50-helmet limited edition hard run that featured one-of-a-kind decals on each helmet.  

Re-Release the Unique


  The response to our limited edition run was truly astounding. And now we’re re-releasing the hard hat as an option for everyone. The re-release doesn’t have the limited edition decals, but it is still an exclusive color that you can’t get anywhere else. This exclusive hard hat has all the features you’ve come to rely on from Lift Safety – with our unique green color option.   → Click here to check out the Lift Safety DAX Green Fifty 50 Carbon Fiber Full Brim Hard Hat → Click here to see our full selection of Lift Safety hard hats → Click here to see our full selection of Lift Safety gear   **The content of this blog is not intended to replace proper, in-depth training. Manufacturer’s instructions must also be followed and reviewed before any equipment is used.  

Exclusive Green Lift Safety DAX Fifty 50 Hard Hat: The Video


 

 

Gear Up with Gear Experts: The Podcast


  If you haven’t already checked out Gear Up with Gear Experts, our podcast dedicated to at-height, industry, and construction, it is available for download! You can find it on all major podcast listening platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play Music, + your favorite podcatcher of choice. And, you can head on over to gearexperts.com to follow us on social media, check out our detailed show notes, and sign up for updates.    

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  Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with everything GME Supply has going on. Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | LinkedIn  

Stay Cool in the Heat with Ergodyne Cooling Gear

It seems like just yesterday we were complaining about the cold weather. But the heat of summer is well on its way and will be here before we know it. Knowing how to combat the heat and keep your body cool can make all the difference while on the job. Our Gear Experts® are going to break down some cooling gear from Ergodyne that has been tenaciously designed to help you beat the heat.  

Heat-Related Illnesses


  Before we cover cooling gear, it’s important to note why cooling gear can be a critical part of your gear set-up during the summer months. Being hot can be uncomfortable but that isn’t the real danger. The real danger lies in heat-related illnesses like heat stress and heat exhaustion. Heat stress hospitalizes nearly 3,000 workers annually and results in dollar lost in health expenses, lost time, and an overall loss in productivity. That’s where cooling gear comes into play.  

Cooling Gear from Ergodyne


  Cooling gear can not only make you more comfortable, but it can help prevent heat stress and heat exhaustion allowing you to get the job done without risking your health and well-being. Ergodyne has long been known for making top-of-the-line PPE, tool bags, and drop prevention equipment. And they cut no corners when it comes to cooling gear.  

Ergodyne Chill-Its 6487 Cooling Multiband


  Cooling towel   The Ergodyne Chill-Its 6487 Cooling Multi-Band offers head and face protection from the sun, dust and flying debris, as well as cooling relief. Plus, it features evaporative technology for immediate cooling and UPF 50+ protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Using it is easy, too. Simply wet the cooling band to activate instant cooling relief that lasts for hours. And, when you’re done wearing it – just toss it in the washing machine to make it good as new. $9.99 | Shop Now  

Ergodyne Chill-Its Hard Hat Neck Shade with Cooling Towel


  Neck Towel   Hard hats aren’t always known for their ability to keep your head cool. That’s where the Ergodyne Chill-Its Hard Hat Neck Shade with Cooling Towel comes it. It is essentially the same material and the Cooling Multiband listed above, but it features a special strap that makes it conveniently attach to the suspension on most hard hats. $9.99 | Shop Now  

Ergodyne 6685 Chill-Its Dry Evaporative Cooling Vest


  Cooling Vest   Cooling towels and neck shades work great and can make a real difference. But sometimes even those alone aren’t enough to keep you cool. For the really hot days look no further than the Ergodyne 6685 Chill-Its Dry Evaporative Cooling Vest. This thing is a beast and covers nearly your entire chest and back with cooling technology that can last for up to 3 days. To activate the vest, all you have to do is fill it up with 13 ounces of water through the easy reservoir cap. Then, get back to work and let the vest handle keeping you cool. And, just like the multiband and towel, to keep it clean just toss it in the washing machine.   Starting at $149.99 | Shop Now   Our Gear Experts® have covered heat stress extensively in previous blog posts. → Click here to see our Heat Stress 101 blog post → Click here to see our blog post on tips for how to properly protect yourself while working in the heat → Click here to see our selection of Ergodyne cooling products → Click here to see our full selection of cooling products → Click here to see our full selection of Ergodyne products   **The content of this blog is not intended to replace proper, in-depth training. Manufacturer’s instructions must also be followed and reviewed before any equipment is used.  

Gear Up with Gear Experts: The Podcast


  If you haven’t already checked out Gear Up with Gear Experts, our podcast dedicated to at-height, industry, and construction, it is available for download! You can find it on all major podcast listening platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play Music, + your favorite podcatcher of choice. And, you can head on over to gearexperts.com to follow us on social media, check out our detailed show notes, and sign up for updates.   Gear up with Gear Experts  

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Dyneema Slings from Sterling Rope

Dyneema slings When working at height, or in situations that require mechanical lifting, the gear you use is paramount in the safety of you and your crew as well as the success of the job. Knowing that your gear is up to the task can truly make the difference. Our Gear Experts® are going to break down Dyneema Slings from Sterling Rope.  

Slings


    Slings are an extremely useful tool for any job that requires mechanical lifting or work at height. The reason why they are so useful is that they give workers the flexibility to make safe lifts. And, they can be used as secure anchor points. Not all slings are equal, though. Slings are available in a wide variety of materials - each with their own advantages. One of those materials is Dyneema - which Sterling uses in their Dyneema slings.  

Dyneema - What is it?


    Dyneema has a few advantages over traditional materials used in runners. Dyneema is an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE) or high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) fiber. This material has gained a reputation for being the lightest, strongest fiber in the world. In fact, it is 15 times stronger than steel. Plus, it’s hydrophobic - meaning it doesn’t get wet easily, it’s cut resistant, and it’s resistant to UV rays and chemicals. All of these features help increase the lifespan of the sling.  

Sterling Rope Dyneema Slings


    Sterling Rope’s Dyneema Slings are a 1/2” (12 mm) wide and are extremely strong. Boasting an MBS of 5,170 pounds (21 kN) in a straight pull, these slings are up for nearly any job. While their strength and weight ratings are impressive, it’s important to note that because of their resistance to elongation, they shouldn’t be used in dynamic falls. Not all jobs are the same and Sterling kept that in mind when making these slings. They come in a variety of colors and lengths so you can customize your set up. They are available in 10”, 24”, 30”, and 48” lengths. The 10” version is available in blue, the 24” version I available in black or orange, the 30” version is available in blue, and the 48” version is available in black.   → Click here to see the Sterling Rope Dyneema Slings → Click here to see our full selection of Sterling Rope gear   **The content of this blog is not intended to replace proper, in-depth training. The manufacturer’s instructions must also be followed and reviewed before any equipment is used.  

Dyneema Slings from Sterling Rope: The Video


   

 

Gear Up with Gear Experts: The Podcast


    If you haven’t already checked out Gear Up with Gear Experts, our podcast dedicated to at-height, industry, and construction, it is available for download! You can find it on all major podcast listening platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play Music, + your favorite podcatcher of choice. And, you can head on over to gearexperts.com to follow us on social media, check out our detailed show notes, and sign up for updates.   Gear up with Gear Experts  

Get Social


    Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with everything GME Supply has going on. Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | LinkedIn   Get Social