Knots are integral to rope access work, and have a wide variety of uses. Even though sewn terminations are now available, tying and recognizing different knots is a skill that will never become obsolete. It’s an important one. Among other things, knots give techs a lot of flexibility when rigging ropes to anchors, and can help reduce impact loads and absorb force in the case of a fall.

During your SPRAT Evaluation, ALL LEVELS (*see below if you're a L3) will be asked to demonstrate competence tying, dressing, and setting the following knots:

1. An End or Termination Knot
Such as:
- Figure of 8 on a bight
- Figure of 9 on a bight
- Bow-line

2. A Knot for Joining Two Ropes of Similar Diameter Together
Such as:
- Double Fisherman
- Flemish Bend

3. A Midline Knot
Such as:
- Alpine Butterfly

4. A Stopper Knot
To prevent descending off the end of your rope.

This list represents SPRAT's minimum requirement for the knots a L1 tech should know and be able to demonstrate. L2 and/or L3 tech must be able to demonstrate these knots as a separate exercise as well as during maneuvers. Which knot you choose to use within each category is up to you.

During your Evaluation, your SPRAT evaluator will be watching to make sure that you:

• Tie, dress, and set the above knots correctly.
• Are able to identify the knots you’re using by name.
• Are aware of the main applications, strengths, and limitations of each knot, and are able to choose a suitable knot for the required application. 
• Are aware of the hazards associated with improper gain or tails on a knot. 

Keep in mind, the general rule of thumb when it comes to strength reduction when tying a knot is ~30-50% loss from overall rope strength. (Depending on how well the knot is dressed).

We’ll go into further detail on all of the above during your training week.

*This is one of 15 manoeuvres on the L3 syllabus (coloured grey) that are primarily there for review. On assessment day L3 techs will be tested on only 50% of these items. 

1. A small tail (<2") on the end of a stop knot.
2. An excessive tail (longer than 12") that is not addressed to prevent misuse. ie. attaching a descender to the tail rope as opposed to the actual working line.
3. Capsizing of the mid-line knot.
4. Leaving a knot undressed.
5. Lack of an appropriate stopper knot (rope ends do not touch the ground, tails <4 feet from the ground). If the tails > 1 m (3.3 ft) above grade, this would be an immediate fail.

Practice tying these knots every opportunity that you have. Especially as you progress through the SPRAT levels, your assessor will be watching for proficiency and a certain amount of ease (lack of hesitation) with this exercise. Over time, tying these knots should be basically second nature.

Additional resources to check out

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

7.4 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: