You won't need to demonstrate continued hauling as part of this requirement, but many of the same techniques used for establishing a hauling and lowering system will play a role in your execution of a Pitch Head Break in and Lower.
During your SPRAT Evaluation, L2 techs will be asked to demonstrate how to break into a two-rope system and lower a casualty suspended 1 m above grade, in ascent or descent mode, to the ground. A similarly weighted load could be used to simulate a casualty for this exercise.
You can use the same two-rope system (and anchor) that's suspending the load to execute this maneuver, but it is widely accepted an encouraged that the use of an extra hauling rope is added to the system. This way you ensure the integrity of the rescue rope and there is no need to physically "break in" to the tensioned rope the casualty is suspended from.
Sending down the extra line will require the use of a rope grab to act on the casualty's main rope. Choosing an appropriate rope grab will differentiate an 'acceptable' rescue from a 'best practice' rescue. As part of this requirement, you should understand how extending an additional rope grab from a fixed anchorage system can allow a mechanical advantage system to be established with the main rope that's suspending the load. This is how you'll be able to convert a fixed anchorage system into a hauling and lowering system -- an important technique your Evaluator will want you to demonstrate.
A pre-rigged system (like a Petzl Jag, or another pre-established 4:1 or 6:1) may be used for this exercise, as long as you can explain its mechanical advantage. Your demonstration of a cross-haul could also be combined with this requirement.
Most Common Discrepancies to Avoid:
- Cross loading any of the connectors in your system, typical in the Pitch Head Haul. Use a barrel knot set nicely on the connector to ensure good orientation.
- Forgetting an extra rope and not having the required skills for a traditional break-in of a tensioned rope.
- Putting the simulated casualty on one point during the transition at the anchorage.
- Not rigging a proper or effective mechanical advantage system.
- Improper loading of either the I'D or ASAP Lock, both of which will be inverted on the anchor system.
Additional resources to check out
8.14 of the SPRAT Evaluation Guidelines for the source material for this blog.
8.14 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:
