There are two parts to this section of your evaluation.

During your SPRAT evaluation, ALL LEVELS (*see below if you're a L3) must demonstrate that they understand how to use rope protection and are able to pass it.

You will be asked to pass rope and sling protection that has been installed on both the main and backup ropes -- these ropes may be protected either individually or together. This requirement is usually done on the edge negotiation, although it can also be set up elsewhere. 

Your use of the appropriate rope, sling, or edge protection for a given situation will be observed throughout your evaluation. Which types of rope protection you will be tested on is not specified by SPRAT, and will be suitable to the site where you're completing your evaluation -- potentially at our Pacific Ropes training centre in Vancouver.

Some important points to consider with regard to rope protection:

To protect the working lines against abrasion and other hazards, wrap around canvas rope protectors can be used if the hazard (generally a minimally sharp or abrasive edge) falls in the mid part of the rope.

Canvas rope protectors are NOT sufficient protection against razor sharp edges at any steep angle. They should only be used when minimal prolonged contact will take place between the rope and the abrasive edge, otherwise you should be using a steel edge roller, steel slings or some other appropriate manufactured rope protector. 

Use a mid-rope protector in defence of external hazards. If the rope itself has minor damaged, a suitable knot can be tied as a temporary safety measure. Damaged ropes should always be retired and replaced ASAP. See our related post about passing mid-rope knots.

Mid-rope protectors are simple enough to pass. The maneuver involves removing, passing, and then reinstalling the protection back into its intended/ appropriate position on the rope(s). Your working and safety line will have their own separate mid-rope protections, and sometimes part of the protection may be attached to the structure itself, in a rig for rescue situation when the ropes will need to move freely through the protectors while lowering or hauling to ensure they stay in the most effective position.

Your SPRAT Evaluator will specifically be watching to ensure that you:

• follow the remove, pass, and reinstate sequence detailed above.
• Always ensure your ropes do not contact the edge unprotected.
• are able to identify the need for rope protection, and when another method would be better suited for protecting against a hazard.
• can limit lateral movement of rope protection on sharp or abrasive surfaces.

They’ll also be watching for the correct installation of all forms of rope protection, and that the rope remains protected for the full duration of the exercise. 

We’ll go into further detail on all the different types of rope and sling protection 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.

Most Common Discrepancies to Avoid:

1. Your rope has not been properly seated within the protection you've installed.(minor)
2. The rope protection has been left unfastened or unclosed. (minor)
3. The rope protection is ineffective and the ropes contact with the external hazard has not been addressed. (major) 

Additional resources to check out:

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

7.14 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: