Useful information about accessories

Which accessories complement equipment for work at height, rescue and tactical operations?

Professional accessories add practical functions for transport, storage, ascent and equipment organisation to personal protective equipment, rope systems and rescue equipment. They make it easier to transport ropes, harnesses, tools and other equipment safely to the place of use, keep them organised and readily available, and secure them reliably during work.

The SKYLOTEC accessories range includes equipment bags, waterproof rope bags, transport boxes, equipment pouches, foot loops, tool securing systems and complementary connection solutions. The products are used in rope access, rescue, tree care, work on masts and towers, scaffolding and tactical operations.

What advantages do professional bags and storage solutions offer?

Professional bags protect equipment from dirt, moisture and mechanical stress. At the same time, they ensure that ropes, harnesses, carabiners and devices can be transported separately, clearly organised and quickly accessed. This reduces search times and makes it easier to check that all equipment is present before and after use.

Depending on the application, compact equipment pouches, rope bags, backpacks, duffle bags and robust transport boxes are available. The volume, load capacity, carrying system and level of protection should suit the equipment and intended transport route. Ergonomic shoulder straps and reinforced bases are particularly relevant for mobile teams, while stable boxes offer advantages for storage and vehicle transport.

When are waterproof rope bags and drybags useful?

Waterproof rope bags are suitable for operations in which ropes and equipment are exposed to moisture, dirt or changing weather conditions. They are used, for example, during rescue operations, in rope access, on construction sites and in maritime and tactical applications.

SKYLOTEC DRYBAGS are available in different sizes and, depending on the version, can hold long working or rescue ropes. Models with backpack straps make transport over longer distances easier. The DRYBAG LIFT is additionally designed for the controlled movement of equipment. Before use, the permitted volume, maximum load capacity and intended application must be taken into account.

What advantages do transport boxes offer over textile bags?

Transport boxes have a dimensionally stable construction and provide particularly effective protection for sensitive devices against pressure, impacts and deformation. They are suitable for transport in vehicles, structured storage at the workplace and the provision of extensive rescue or operational kits.

The SKYLOTEC ALTRANS boxes are available in different volume sizes. Smaller versions are suitable for compact devices and accessories, while larger boxes can accommodate complete rope, rescue or equipment systems. Compared with flexible bags, they offer greater protection against deformation, but require more storage space and cannot be stored as compactly.

How do you choose the right bag size for ropes and equipment?

The required bag size depends on the rope length, rope diameter, number of devices and additional equipment. A bag that is too small makes packing difficult and can unnecessarily compress the ropes. An oversized bag, by contrast, increases weight and transport volume and can allow the equipment to move around uncontrollably.

SKYLOTEC offers bags with different volumes and specified maximum rope lengths. Compact EQUIPMENT BAGS may be sufficient for short working ropes. DRYBAG ECO, Duffle M or Duffle L are suitable for larger quantities of rope and more extensive equipment. In addition to volume, carrying comfort, access options and the desired separation of individual components should also be considered.

What advantages do foot loops offer during rope ascent?

Foot loops support energy-saving rope ascent by allowing the user to utilise the stronger leg muscles. When combined with a hand ascender, they create an efficient movement sequence in which the foot loop is moved upwards together with the rope clamp after each step.

Products such as STAND UP and BLACK MAMBA are designed for professional ascent and rescue applications. STAND UP offers a flexible foot opening and an additional handle for two-handed climbing. BLACK MAMBA features a compact packed size, adjustable length and an elastic foot retainer. Foot loops are ascent aids and do not replace personal fall protection.

Which accessories are suitable for securing tools when working at height?

When working above traffic routes, machinery or other people, tools must be secured against falling. Suitable tool securing systems connect the tool to the fall arrest harness, a tool bag or a designated attachment point, thereby reducing the risk of damage to property and injury to people.

SKYLOTEC FIXING STRIPES are suitable for tools with an existing attachment eye. FIXING TAPE can be used to create additional attachment options on suitable tools. HAMMER LODGE serves as a lightweight hammer and accessory holder. When making a selection, the permitted tool weight, attachment to the tool and compatibility with the carrying system must be taken into account.

Why is the permitted load capacity crucial for equipment bags and accessories?

The volume of a bag provides no indication of its permitted load capacity. A large bag may be able to hold a great deal of equipment, but it must not automatically be loaded with devices or materials of any weight. Carrying handles, seams, shoulder straps and possible attachment points are designed for defined loads.

The manufacturer’s specifications regarding the maximum load capacity must therefore be checked before transport or lifting. Not every transport bag is approved for lifting with a rope, rope winch or crane. Models such as the DRYBAG LIFT are specifically designed for such transport tasks, while conventional Duffle Bags are primarily intended for manual carrying.

What advantages do small equipment bags and pouches offer?

Small equipment bags provide quick access to frequently required items such as carabiners, gloves, documents, first-aid materials or tactical accessories. They can be attached directly to a belt, fall arrest harness or equipment vest and keep essential equipment within easy reach.

The ADMIN POUCH, for example, has elastic inner compartments and MOLLE straps for attachment to a vest or belt. The DUMP BAG can be rolled up compactly and opened when required to hold materials or equipment. Such pouches complement larger transport bags but do not replace them for extensive or heavy equipment sets.

How do suitable accessories support an organised system configuration?

Small accessory components can improve the alignment, organisation and operation of a safety system. They help separate connection points, keep equipment in a defined position or arrange materials clearly on the harness.

The D-BAR, for example, supports the controlled positioning and separation of attachment points on the D-ONE carabiner. Such accessories may only be combined with the products for which they are intended. A connection that appears geometrically compatible does not automatically mean that the combination has been technically approved or authorised for personal fall protection.

For which sectors and applications are SKYLOTEC accessories suitable?

SKYLOTEC accessories are used in numerous professional sectors. These include roof and façade work, rope access, technical rescue, tree care, scaffolding, work on masts and towers, and operations on mobile platforms.

Other products are designed for tactical applications, sailing and yachting or special transport and storage requirements. The category therefore combines products with very different functions. The decisive factor is not the general designation “accessory”, but the specific approval, load capacity and suitability for the respective application.

Do accessories replace personal protective equipment against falls?

Accessories such as bags, equipment holders, foot loops or tool securing systems can improve work processes, but they do not generally replace personal protective equipment against falls. Fall arrest harnesses, lanyards, anchorage devices and other safety-relevant components must be selected independently in accordance with the risk assessment.

Individual products within the category may have their own standards or approvals. Other accessories are intended solely for transport or organisation. Users must therefore check for each product whether it is part of the PPE, an approved connecting element or merely a supplementary aid.

How should bags, foot loops and accessories be inspected?

Bags and textile accessories should be inspected regularly for damaged seams, tears, abrasion, defective fasteners and impaired carrying straps. On waterproof bags, coatings, roll-top closures and welded seams must also be checked.

Foot loops must be inspected for cuts, damaged webbing, faulty buckles and worn foot sections. Tool securing systems may only be used up to the specified load limit and must be replaced if visible damage is present. The prescribed inspection intervals and manufacturer’s instructions also apply to PPE components.

How do you choose the right accessories for the respective application?

The selection begins with the specific task. Rope bags or Drybags are suitable for protected rope transport. Extensive equipment can be organised in Duffle Bags or stable ALTRANS boxes. Foot loops support ascent, while FIXING STRIPE, FIXING TAPE and tool holders reduce the risk of falling objects.

The volume, load capacity, material, attachment options and compatibility with the existing equipment must then be checked. SKYLOTEC accessories allow professional work, rescue and operational systems to be expanded in a targeted manner. The decisive factor is to select the technically appropriate accessory for each task and use it exclusively in accordance with its intended function.