Rigging of Systems in Rope Access and How Technicians Use Them

Working at height will always be defined by the local regulatory body and is the legal definition. I these circumstances are met the user and company must plan for and use fall protection.

“Working at Height” is defined by the Presiding regulatory body, which in BC is WorkSafeBC and is found in Part 11: Fall Protection.

11.2 Obligation to use fall protection

(1) Unless elsewhere provided for in this Regulation, an employer must ensure that a fall protection system is used when work is being done at a place

(a) from which a fall of 3 m (10 ft) or more may occur, or

(b) where a fall from a height of less than 3 m involves a risk of injury greater than the risk of injury from the impact on a flat surface.

Work at or above 3m is an easily understood number to define “Working at Height” but we must not forget the second point of our Obligations. When there is any sort of risk other than hitting the ground we must consider systems, methods or techniques to remove or reduce these risks as if we were working over that 3m threshold.

Rope access equipment is infinitely configurable to give the user the safest, most tailored system for Task, Scope, Location, Hazards and a combination of all. Below are the basics of systems and setup.

Basic System

Simple

As a minimum, a basic anchor system consists of two ropes, two carabiners and two Anchors that are attached independently of each other. These lines will be in most circumstances labelled as the working and backup lines.

This is commonly referred to as a “Rope System”.

Load share

Whenever possible working and backup Lines should be linked to both independent anchors.

A common name for load sharing Is a Y-Hang

Reasons behind load sharing include the reduction of the potential load on an individual point and achieving a desired direction of pull or fall line

When Load-sharing, tension should be on all parts of the system and anchors which will distribute forces appropriately between them.

When load-sharing anchors do not have to be level, symmetrical or perfectly line up and the pull direction can be adjusted as long as tension remains to each anchor.

Deviations

Deviations are a method of rigging which allows re-direction of the path of the ropes.

There are two types of Deviation being:

Single-anchor – which are only appropriate for work positioning, where their failure would not result in serious consequences. Set up using a single anchor, devices and/or system creating no redundancy.

Double-anchor – which is used to protect against hazards. Such a deviation utilizes a double anchor system to protect against failure of any one item and can be seen as a complete secondary system.

Re-Anchor

Re-anchors are created when a rope system is re-attached to a secondary set of anchors creating a loop in the rope path.

Ropes may be re-anchored for a number of reasons, including positioning the ropes for work, avoiding hazards, reducing rope stretch or aiding in horizontal movement.

Anchors used and set up requirements in a re-anchor system must meet all anchor requirements.

loops should hang at least 1m below the anchor point to ensure the manoeuvre can be carried out easily during both normal and rescue operations.

A large re-anchor is created when the lateral distance between the anchors is greater than 1.5m / 5ft.

Rope To Rope Transfer (Two Rope Systems)

Technicians change from one Rope System to another in a way that a minimum of two points of contact/attachment are maintained at all times.

If the distance between systems is over a large area technicians are required to maintain four points of attachment

The transition between these systems is controlled in a manner that allows for lateral movement and static positioning anywhere in between the two Rope systems.

Tension Lines

Ropes can be tensioned between two sets of anchors to facilitate horizontal or diagonal movement.

This can also be used to position other Rope systems below areas  where no anchors are available

Descent

Descent moves down a line using a descending device attached to the technician and the working line.

When doing, pay particular attention to:

• Pre-descent safety and function checks;
• Safe control of the descending device and correct use of the backup device;
• The effects of differing conditions (e.g. environmental) on the rope’s properties and their effect on controlling the descent;
• Awareness of obstructions and checking of anchor points before attaching equipment;
• The correct threading of the descending device and the security of connector gates;
• Avoiding tangles in ropes and lanyards;
• Access to the ropes, which may be from a number of different positions, e.g. direct from a safe area, from an aid climb or a work restraint system.

Ascent

Ascent is carried out using appropriate ascenders attached to climb up the working line.

Technicians pay attention to:

• Correct attachment to the rope using ascending devices,
• The need to avoid impact loading of ascending equipment.
• When descending using ascending devices not allowing release of the device from the rope.

Rope-to-rope transfer

The technician changes from one set of working and safety lines to another in a way that a minimum of two points of contact/attachment are maintained at all times.

Technicians must be aware of:

• The range of distance transfers can be done over, and the subsequent hazards created.
• The possibility of out-of-control swings, and the need for four points of attachment where necessary.
• Using an appropriate knot as the secondary backup if needed

Aid Climbing

In this rope access technique, the technician is connected to the structure via the harness using lanyards. It allows a technician to move in any direction on a structure, either in tension, suspension or by using the structure for support.

There should always be a minimum of two points of connection and, generally, three to series of fixed anchors or moveable anchors such as strops or slings.

Technicians must be aware:

• Having a minimum of two independent safety attachments at all times; therefore, the use of at least three lanyards is required.
• The need to select suitably positioned and unquestionably reliable anchors
• Planning of the route to ensure that a potential workmate retrieval can take place;
• Lanyard length concerning minimizing the potential fall distance;
• Sharp edges, which can cause damage to equipment;
• Technician fatigue.