Working edges, or access zones, present all sorts of hazards. That’s why we set up exclusion zones around them (an established work area that is barred from access – to prevent untrained people from potentially fatal fall hazards). As a rope tech, you’ll be geared up and regularly working around and over that working edge. Here’s what you should know...
.png?width=560&name=Negotiate%20Edge%20(1).png)
The edges of roofs, platforms, cliffs, cavities (etc.), might have edge protection (guardrails or parapet walls), but they also might not. Each scenario presents its own access challenges, but if your anchor point is on the other side of that edge, creating a 90-degree angle to the line of descent, there are a few hazards that come into play.
Specifically contact hazards like rope stretch and abrasion, and the edge obstructions that have either been installed to protect against those contact hazards, or are permanent safety features on the structure.
During your SPRAT Evaluation, ALL LEVELS (*see below if you're a L3) will be asked to demonstrate competence passing a top edge obstruction while in descent and ascent mode.
For this exercise, the anchorage should be at least 2m (6.6 ft) from an unprotected edge and on (or no more than 2m above) the horizontal surface.
If the edge is protected by a railing, you may be required to climb over or through that obstruction. Similarly, the field conditions which would require various forms of edge protection should be simulated as you perform this maneuver.
Your SPRAT evaluator will specifically be watching to make sure that you:
- Attach your equipment correctly before approaching the edge.
- Are using the appropriate safe controls.
- Avoid impact loads and cross loads on equipment.
During your training week, we’ll go into further detail on how to safely execute this rope maneuver, as well as going into further detail on appropriate rope protections.
*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.
Most Common Discrepancies to Avoid:
1. An uncontrolled transition (slip) over an edge.
2. Side-Loading of your device(s) on the edge.
3. Exposing your backup lanyard to the edge, so that it's not protected during transition.
4. Climbing over the edge in your ascending equipment.
We recently posted a blog, where we listed the 6 most common reasons L1 techs fail their SPRAT evaluation, and #4 on our list was forgetting to switch to descent mode while climbing over an edge. This is considered a major discrepancy if the slack is not properly managed through the chest ascender, so it’s a step you’re going to want to remember.
Additional resources to check out:
7.13 of the SPRAT Evaluation Guidelines for the source material for this blog (includes a very helpful diagram).
7.13 of the SPRAT Certification Requirements for a concise evaluation summary.
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:
