During rope bondage you should always have safety shears within immediate reach, the ability to check circulation and sensation, a clear communication method, and water nearby. Trauma shears can cut a tie off in seconds if something goes wrong and are non-negotiable for any rope practice.
Several items and conditions are non-negotiable for rope bondage practice. Safety shears, specifically trauma shears or EMT shears, must be within immediate reach at all times. These shears can cut through rope in seconds and are the only reliable way to release a tie quickly if nerve compression, circulation loss, or other emergency occurs. Standard scissors, pocket knives, and regular shears are inadequate. The rigger must have clear visual access to the tied person's fingers, hands, feet, and face to monitor color, sensation, and expression. Water should be accessible because both partners may become dehydrated during longer scenes. A method for the tied person to communicate must be in place, including verbal safe words and, if the mouth is covered or the person is non-verbal, a non-verbal signal such as a held object that can be dropped. A low-noise environment allows monitoring of breathing and verbal cues. For suspension, additional items are required: rated hardware, proper anchor points, and a spotter. Phones should be accessible in case of emergency.