Building a zip line is exciting, but it requires careful planning to ensure safety. Many options exist for how and where to construct a zip line. Unfortunately, some publications, manufacturers, and DIY kits promote less-than-ideal methods. The wrong approach can lead to serious injury or even death. At Skyline, we prioritize zip line building safety through strict protocols in design, fabrication, installation, and operation. This guide highlights the essential do’s and don’ts of safe zip line construction.

The Don’ts: Avoid These Mistakes

Don’t Use Small Trees for Anchors

Some backyard kits suggest using trees as anchor points. While this seems convenient, it can weaken the tree and compromise the cable’s stability. A rotting tree or insufficient diameter can create catastrophic risks. Only certain tree species with proper diameters should be used, and tie-backs may be needed to prevent movement in wind or severe weather. For all scenarios, following zip line building safety standards is critical.

Don’t Use Small Platforms with Low Clearance

Low-clearance landing platforms can cause accidents. Riders might hit their arms or legs if platforms are too small. Cable height, sag, and rider weight must be calculated carefully to prevent impact. Ignoring these factors risks injuries and violates zip line building safety principles.

The Do’s: Follow Best Practices

Skyline follows a seven-step process to ensure every zip line meets the highest zip line building safety standards. We also comply with ACCT, CSA, TSSA, and Canadian Z98 Ropeway regulations.

7 Phases of Safe Zip Line Builds

1. Site Discovery – Evaluate location feasibility, potential setbacks, and profitability.

2. Site Design – Plan the course layout while preserving natural beauty and exceeding safety standards.

3. Engineering Take-off and Landing Zones – Calculate structural forces, rider velocities, and cable tension.

4. Fabrication – Manufacture hard goods in-house, meeting strict quality and safety standards.

5. Construction and Installation – Assemble towers, cables, and anchors on-site with precision.

6. Training and Operational Support – Train operators to manage the zip line safely and efficiently.

7. Annual Safety Inspections – Inspect all structures, anchors, and cables to maintain zip line building safety and optimize performance.

Use Trusted Equipment

Using certified, DOSH-approved equipment is a must. Harnesses, carabiners, pulleys, and fall arresters from trusted brands like Petzl ensure safe operations. Skyline also produces its own DOSH-approved harnesses and equipment, prioritizing zip line building safety at every stage.

Trusted fabrication of equipment and structures

All Skyline’s structures are designed in-house and fabricated by an accredited steel fabricator before being transported and assembled/ installed on-site. The engineers must take many factors into account when designing these structures. Dynamic and static force analyses are completed to ensure the towers and anchors can withstand any weather events and potential extreme forces while maintaining the necessary tensions of the zip line cable(s).

Equipment such as trolleys, launchers, and catchers are designed and manufactured at Skyline headquarters in Pemberton, British Columbia. The Skyline technician’s critical eyes and attention to detail are crucial to the safest-manufactured zipline products on the market. Every product that leaves the skyTECH machine shop is ACCT accredited and exceeds all safety standards.