Learning the SPRAT Curriculum: Changeovers

Written by Josh Delefortrie | Nov 18, 2019 10:56:23 PM

Switching from ascent to descent mode (and vice versa) is one of the foundational rope access techniques and involves switching between your descending and ascending devices so that, while you’re in suspension, you can change direction easily at any point. This technique also serves as the basis for other complicated maneuvers such as rope to rope transfers and re-belays. Simply put, it is the only technique you will utilize in every maneuver you will be asked to demonstrate.

Changeovers take some practice, and you’ll be closely supervised by your instructors while you’re in the learning stage, but it shouldn’t take very long for you to get the hang of it. That said, this maneuver will always require your full attention no matter how long you’ve been at this. Mistakes happen when we go into autopilot and get complacent, so stay sharp. Things like: cross-loading the carabiner that attaches your descender to your harness, or leaving to much space between your equipment and getting hung up on your hand ascender with your foot over your head!

During your SPRAT evaluation, ALL LEVELS will be asked to demonstrate competence switching from ascent to descent mode and vice versa.

You'll use change-overs in every maneuver you perform during your evaluation. Instead of getting you to complete this maneuver in isolation, you'll be evaluated on all the changeovers you complete as part of your demonstration of other relevant maneuvers on the syllabus.

During your SPRAT evaluation, your Evaluator will be watching to make sure that you:

Load both of your main attachments so that you have an attachment to change into, before committing to leaving the first attachment (it’s a major discrepancy if you ever go down to one point). Basically, do not take anything off before putting something on first.
Properly load the carabiner.
Avoid spreading your gear too far apart along the rope system. If your hand ascender is too high, or your descending device too low, you're going to have a bad time.
Correctly manage your backup device while changing direction.

When in the middle of a changeover, your descender should be below the chest ascender with minimal rope between them.

Here's a quick tip: to minimize elevation loss when completing this maneuver, you can back feed your descender to move it closer to your chest ascender, (use your thumb to keep the rope away from the anti-error teeth).

And that’s it. This is a pretty basic one, but like we mentioned above, it will inform a whole lot of other maneuvers you do as a rope tech.

The Most Common Discrepancies to Avoid:

Having your chest ascender loaded and taut below the descender. (CROLL always goes ABOVE the I'D)
Removing your chest ascender before installing your descender (an immediate fail).

Additional resources to check out

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

7.8 of the SPRAT Certification Requirements for a concise evaluation breakdown.

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 learn more about the SPRAT's Technician Evaluation Form, click below:

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