In some situations, you may have to do some climbing in order to reach your work position. Vertical aid climbing is a more advanced technique, and could be used to climb a steel lattice tower, a series of bolt anchors in a wall, or even choked slings around an HSS or i-beam structure.
During your SPRAT Evaluation, L2 and *L3 (see below) certifying techs will be asked to demonstrate competence performing a vertical aid climb on anchor systems spaced a maximum of 45 cm apart, and covering a vertical distance of at least 3 m. Two independent safety attachments should be maintained at all times.
You probably won't be demonstrating this technique as a separate exercise. Be prepared to demonstrate vertical aid climbing as part of another requirement on the SPRAT syllabus, like as part of a rescue from the aid climb.
For the purpose of this assessment, you should be progressing in a primarily upward direction. This should be easy enough to do in the controlled space of our training facility; however in real-world situations keep in mind that hazards, obstacles, and the need to find a vertical route that is less fatiguing, may necessitate a small diagonal or even horizontal detour to reach your work position.
Your SPRAT evaluator will specifically be watching to make sure that you:
- Minimize potential fall factors, distances, and impact loads.
- Choose a short work positioning lanyard that simplifies any potential rescue and maneuverability.
- Use an effective back-up system.
Your evaluator will also be watching how you transition into and out of aid climbing. You may be asked to use a rope access system as your starting point, or your position on a structural climb.
There isn’t just one way to safely execute this, and a variety of lanyards and techniques can be used. We’ll go over a handful of these methods, and how to choose the technique/gear most appropriate for both the scenario and your ability, 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:
- Maintaining a Fall Factor of no higher than 1. This is especially difficult in the vertical as you are always moving upward away from your lowest point. Managing your points effectively will be the key to success in this maneuver.
- Both independent safety attachments connected to the same anchorage system (fail). Still, stay on two points!
Additional resources to check out:
8.10 of the SPRAT Evaluation Guidelines for the source material for this blog.
8.10 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:
