The purpose of this requirement is very specifically to haul a casualty suspended under knots that've been tied into a two-rope system. Your Evaluator will not substitute a knot for another type of obstacle; you will not be asked to pass a directional anchorage system as part of this exercise.
During your SPRAT Evaluation, L3 techs will be asked to demonstrate competence hauling a load or casualty through two similarly placed knots in the main and backup ropes. Once the load has reached the anchorage system, you will need to pass the knots again as you lower the load to the grade.
You may perform this skill from a platform or while in suspension. The original location of the load you're hauling can similarly be on the ground or in suspension. So that there is sufficient distance between all three elements (knot, load, and anchor) in this exercise, the knots you'll be passing should be placed 2 m above the load, and 2 m below the fixed anchorage system. This placement means you'll need to use a rope grab on the main rope, and once you reach the knot, some funky maneuvering is necessary to continue the haul from the other side of the knot, in order to properly execute this maneuver -- which is a technique your Evaluator wants to see you use!
Other techniques for completing this maneuver include using a second backup device or a tied-off load-releasing hitch to pass the knot that's been tied into the backup rope. You may also decide to use a dual main system.
On Evaluation Day, your SPRAT Evaluator will specifically be watching to make sure that you...
- Manage both the main and backup system.
- Consider and protect against rope stretch.
- Avoid using one of the knots (which could be simulating damage) as an attachment point.
- Practice good casualty management
While completing this exercise, do not connect yourself to the two-rope system supporting the load, or the load itself, until you've reached the anchorage system. Find a way of accessing the anchor that makes sense for the scenario you've been given. SPRAT is open to variations.
We’ll go into further detail on all of the above during your training week.
Most Common Discrepancies to Avoid:
- Complete a transfer without connecting the casualty to a transfer descender.
- Transfer yourself into ascent mode while completing this maneuver -- your ascender is not built to catch a dynamic load.
Additional resources to check out
9.10 of the SPRAT Evaluation Guidelines for the source material for this blog.
9.10 of the SPRAT Certification Requirements for a concise evaluation summary.
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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:
