Thread: Another snatch strap death

Originally Posted by ozscott

Why not just say vehicle recoveries using a kenetic 'snatch' strap involves very large forces which have the capacity to injure or kill if used incorrectly.

Cheers

I like this, however I see one problem, in that some of the numpties don’t read instructions!

Originally Posted by gruntfuttock

I like this, however I see one problem, in that some of the numpties don’t read instructions!

Absolutely agree with you there. Can lead a horse to water...

I totally disagree with rammypluge’s assertion that what’s needed is a flat simple message that says snatch recoveries are unsafe. Which is patently untrue.

What is true is that, like many daily activities, there are risks around snatch recoveries if not properly managed.

Originally Posted by rammypluge

The loads in a snatch recovery are often so high that if you add a load limiting device it will simply be overloaded. Even if it was resetable, it would likely be impractical. Its an interesting idea though.

Its a bit along the lines of using a lower rated/more stretchy snatch strap, that can store more energy but reduce peak loads. Most people are using 8t rated straps when supposedly many could be using 6t rated. Plus, its better for the strap to break than for a tow point to break loose and become a missile.

But i wont advocate for 6t straps per se, because i advocate winching.

Full disclosure.... I sell soft shackles.
The one I sell the most of has a 15,000 kg breaking strain. In my experience it can handle snatching. Many in the USA are moving to soft shackles, even in place of a winch hook. It takes any possibility of a metal projectile (except the recovery point itself I guess) in the event of a breakage.

Originally Posted by Tombie

Driving is unsafe.... should be stop that?

Now you are just being Silly.
Theoretically every driver has been trained and there are laws and rules in place to mitigate accidents, This cannot be said about the use of snatch straps.

Snatch recoveries are not unsafe, they have an element of risk... knowing when, how and what is required to mitigate this risk is the educational component.

I disagree.
A snatch recovery is an "Inherently" dangerous procedure, If it isn't then why is it that the majority of deaths and injuries always seem to be associated with this type of recovery and not other methods of recovery?
"Mitigating" risks is a good thing But "Eliminating" them is a far better option, This you have to agree with and if you can eliminate the need to use a snatch strap during a recovery then you haven't merely "Mitigated" the risk you have "Eliminated it.
If you look at the recovery gear that far too many people carry you will find that they usually only have a snatch strap on board and 9 times out of ten they don't even carry "Rated" bow shackles because Snatching seems to be being promoted as the First line of defence when it comes to recoveries and this is the only piece of recovery equipment that they think they need to carry.
Like Rammypluge stated there should be an education process teaching that a snatch recovery is an inherently dangerous procedure ( Especially in inexperienced hands) and that there are other "Safer" methods of recovery available.

I agree that IF all the kit is in good order and Both drivers have the experience then a snatch recovery can be achieved But even then it is Not completely without Risk.
Yes a snatch recovery is Fast, needs less equipment to be bought/used and is physically easier to do But it is most certainly NOT the Safest recovery method.
Promoting the use of snatch straps to novice 4WD drivers is irresponsible especially when there are Far safer methods of recovery available.

If we cant reach some level of consensus here that we should take a stance against snatching, and stand in favour of tow and winch recoveries, then nothing much is changing.

The culture of snatching and seeing it as safe enough will continue. Then the next person will die, because people have given them the impression it is safe enough. Then the next person will die.

What would you say to their family?

I think people reading this thread get points of view and food for thought. Cheers

People have been seriously injured getting lockers fitted and going up mountains and turning turtle too... there are plenty of ways of coming unstuck with a 4wd. Cheers

I’d say Winch recoveries are equally dangerous... in the hands of untrained, risk averse individuals.

I’d say Tow recoveries also fall into this category... especially if done with lack of care.

You’re not chasing consensus- you’re chasing support for your point of view.
One which I totally disagree with.

Snatch recovery contains risk
Tow recovery contains risk
Winch recovery contains risk
Offroad driving contains risk

I’d suggest in much the same way that driving is high risk, you’ll still get those who can’t risk assess effectively.

Clearer warnings on Snatch straps may help, but at the end of the day....
I’ve seen very safety conscious individuals suddenly do very silly things when their $70k vehicle was being threatened by a rising tide.