Tying knots is a core skill in rope access work, and you will use it regularly. Amongst their many uses, in emergencies the appropriate knot can temporarily isolate minor rope damage, or join two ropes together.
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Before we continue, let’s zero in on the word temporary. Knots used for the above purposes are not a long term solution, but only an emergency temporary measure. As soon as its identified, damaged rope should be replaced and then properly quarantined/disposed of.
Passing a mid-rope knot is a potentially challenging manoeuvre, and makes both normal operations and rescues more difficult to carry out. There are several precautions you'll need to take to keep yourself safe (and in the case of your evaluation, avoid a discrepancy).
During your SPRAT evaluation, L1 techs and *L3 techs (see below) will be asked to demonstrate competence:
- Ascending and descending past knots that have been tied into both your back-up and main rope system. These knots will be tied at a similar height.
- Any mid-rope knot you encounter in this exercise will represent an isolated section of damaged rope.
Your SPRAT evaluator will specifically be watching to ensure that you...
- Keep your free fall potential below 30cm (or 1 foot), keep you back up high.
- Do not use any of the knots you're passing (which are simulating rope damage; you'll have to use your imagination) as an attachment point. This would lead to an immediate fail.
- Ascending past a knot with no descender or other form of back up attached to main line.
- Low back up device on safety line after passing knot on main line (creating a potential free fall distance of 60 cm, or 2 feet)
- Back-up device too close to a knot with a device that requires clearance above obstacles and room to slip, like the Duck, or Kong.
Additional resources to check out:
7.9 of the SPRAT Evaluation Guidelines for the source material for this blog.
7.9 of the SPRAT Certification Requirements for a concise evaluation breakdown.
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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 learn more about the SPRAT's Technician Evaluation Form, click below:
