Learning the SPRAT Curriculum: Ascent Using Ascenders and Descenders

Climbing a rope (ascending an anchored 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 and captures your progress. You are expected to navigate this motion while continuously maintaining your back-up device.

This is one of, if not the most basic rope maneuvers we use in rope access, and ALL LEVELS are required to demonstrate competence while performing it. 

During your SPRAT evaluation you will need to demonstrate competence ascending at last 10m (33 ft) and down climbing at least 2 m (6.6 ft) using an ascender. Your use of an ascender must always be in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

With the oral part of your examination, each level has different evaluation requirement. See below, for additional resources to review.

1. Correctly orient in the direction of travel and attach both ascending devices and your back up device to a set of pre-rigged ropes (L2 and L3 may have to rig the ropes themselves).
2. Complete a pre-ascent safety check, which involves checking the position of all devices, and making sure that the anchor point is unobstructed.
3. Ascend the rope system using safe practices, and with the correct management of your backup device. It is also important that (for your own sake) you use proper climbing technique to avoid unnecessary fatigue or elbow injuries.
4. Detach both ascending devices from the ropes after reaching your destination, and safely move onto another system (ex. changeover) or onto a safe area. Take care to properly attach the ascender to your harness after detaching them from the rope system. You do not want to accidentally drop anything.
5. Think through your maneuver and understand your system. When it comes to ascenders, you need to avoid impact, or shock loading your ascending equipment. Your ascender should never be relied upon to catch a dynamic fall (see 'discrepancies' section below). Remember: an ascending device is only considered one of your two points of attachment (which you must maintain at all times) if it is loaded statically.  

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 ascents.

To demonstrate competence with this maneuver, your SPRAT evaluator 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.

Most Common Discrepancies to Avoid:

1. Handling where device could be accidentally removed from rope
2. *Potential fall onto toothed ascender of 30cm< x < 60cm (minor) or > 60 cm (major)
3. Side-loading over an edge (minor)
4. Loading your chest ascender in the bottom of a loop (major)
5. Intentionally using your ascender as a backup device (major)

*We put together a blog about the most common discrepancies L1 techs make during their assessment, and one of them was forgetting to switch from ascent to descent mode when negotiating an edge. Ascenders are not manufactured to take on the impact of a dynamic fall, and if you were to slip you would shock load your whole system. Always remember to perform a changeover before climbing onto that edge. 

Additional Resources to Check out:

7.7 of the SPRAT Evaluation Guidelines for the source material for this blog.

7.7 of the SPRAT Certification Requirements for a concise evaluation summary. 

Appendix 1 from the SPRAT Evaluation Guidelines for the Equipment Criteria for Field Oral Evaluation -- Ascender (e.g., Chest and Hand Ascenders)

This is part of an ongoing series, where we’re breaking down the SPRAT Syllabus and clarifying exactly what will be expected of you on your evaluation day. To continue exploring this series and learn more about SPRAT's Technician Evaluation Form, please click below: