Petzl Professional 2015 | Page 93

DESCENDERS

Abscisse, Centrale EDF de Randens, France © Pascal Tournaire

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For both work-at-height and rescue, access from above is preferable because it allows one to take advantage of the force of
gravity to save energy. Descenders are designed to help regulate friction and control the descent on a fixed rope. They allow a
worker to position himself at any point on the rope. Some descenders can also be used to belay a leader using lead climbing
techniques.