Rope Access Safety & Procedures Flashcards

A technician is about to descend and notices the safety line backup device is positioned at waist level rather than above the harness attachment. What is the main concern?

Answer: A fall would cover more distance and produce a higher impact force

Keeping the backup device high reduces potential free-fall distance and the resulting shock load.

Which situation produces the most severe fall factor in a rope access system?

Answer: Falling 2 m from 1 m above the anchor on 1 m of lanyard

Fall factor equals fall distance divided by rope length, so a 2 m fall on 1 m of lanyard gives a factor of 2, the worst case.

Before a team leaves the ground, what is the purpose of a buddy check?

Answer: To have a second technician verify harness, connectors and device setup are correct

A buddy check uses a second set of eyes to catch setup errors before anyone is exposed to height.

A rope runs over a sharp concrete parapet. What is the correct response before loading the line?

Answer: Install edge protection or re-rig to avoid the edge

Edges must be protected or avoided because a loaded rope over a sharp edge can be cut quickly.

When setting a Y-hang between two anchors, why should the angle at the master point be kept small?

Answer: Wider angles increase the load on each anchor

As the included angle grows, the force on each leg increases, exceeding the applied load beyond about 120 degrees.

What is the main reason an exclusion zone is set up below a rope access work area?

Answer: To protect people below from dropped objects

An exclusion zone keeps the public and other workers out of the drop zone where tools or debris may fall.

A technician hanging motionless in a harness after an incident is at risk of which condition?

Answer: Suspension intolerance (orthostatic intolerance)

Prolonged motionless suspension can pool blood in the legs and lead to loss of consciousness, so prompt rescue is essential.