Understanding the IRATA Syllabus: Re-anchors

A secondary set of anchors may be installed on your rope system below the primary anchors. This is a re-anchor (aka a re-belay). Wide re-anchors are commonly referred to as a ‘loop’. You would consider rigging a re-anchor if you want to avoid any hazards, position the ropes for work, or to reduce rope stretch. Strength and rigging methods for re-anchors are the same as the primary anchors. 

Both double-anchor deviations and re-anchors can be used to avoid a hazard, but re-anchors are the safer option if your primary anchors are placed at a wide angle. As we mentioned in our blog about deviations, one of the cons of a re-anchor is that, unlike a deviation, it cannot be rigged for rescue.

During your IRATA Assessment, all levels will be asked to demonstrate competence passing a re-anchor, whose offset shall be less than 1.5 m, in both ascent and descent modes. A level 2 or level 3 candidate shall demonstrate passing a re-anchor, whose offset may be any distance a part.  

Your IRATA assessor will be watching to make sure that you:

• Protect against an out-of-control swing, by maintaining the appropriate number of attachment points.
• Wide re-anchors share many similarities with rope-to-rope transfers, and you may need to use two backup devices during this maneuver in order to protect against an out-of-control swing.

Remember, that a small out-of-control swing is considered a minor discrepancy, and a large out-of-control swing (that could hurt yourself, others, or cause damage to the structure or equipment) is a major discrepancy – ie. an automatic fail. For a complete list of all major and minor discrepancies, refer to 9.6.3 - 9.6.4 in the TACS.

There is no single way to perform this maneuver and multiple techniques will be okay with your assessor, so long as they are performed safely and using best practices.

Rigging Considerations

For level 2 and 3 candidates, you will be required to demonstrate the correct rigging of a re-anchor at height. Level 2 candidates, the offset shall be less than 1.5 m. For level 3 candidates, the offset could be any distance. 

Important points when rigging re-anchors:

• Consider the ease of use
• Consider the options and methods for rescue. Generally, shallow re-anchor loops can make access and rescue more difficult. 
• Consider the consequences of failure of any one item of equipment 

Additional resources to check out:

TACS 6.6.10 for the source material for this blog.

TACS 6.4.7 for rigging requirements.

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: