Climbing a rope (ascending an anchor line) is one of the first techniques that we teach during L1 training, and is accomplished by alternating between two different ascending devices. You’ll push/pull yourself further up the rope system using a handled ascender and foot loop, while a chest ascender follows your progress. You are expected to navigate this motion while maintaining your back-up device.
This is one of the most basic rope maneuvers we use in rope access, and all levels are required to demonstrate competence while performing it. What does ‘demonstrate competence’ mean?
During your IRATA assessment, your assessor will primarily be watching to make sure that you:
Demonstrating Competence while Ascending Using a Descending Device
It is also possible to ascend the rope system using a descending device and a foot loop. This maneuver is an example of a very specific re-positioning technique that is only used for short descents.
To demonstrate competence with this maneuver, your IRATA assessor will be watching to make sure you’re keeping an eye on the tail rope (the part of the rope that exits the descending device), and that your backup device is being properly controlled. Many of the points we covered above are also relevant, and should be observed for any ascent up an anchor line.
Additional resources to check out
ICOP Part 3, Annex K – Typical method of descending and ascending using IRATA International rope access.
TACS 6.6.4 and 6.6.7 for the source material for this blog.
This is part of an ongoing series, where we’re breaking down IRATA’s syllabus and clarifying exactly what ‘demonstrating competence’ and ‘demonstrating awareness’ means, and what will be expected of you on assessment day. To access the IRATA study guides, click below: