Rope Access Techniques & Applications Flashcards

In a two-point load-sharing Y-hang, what happens to the load on each anchor as the angle between the legs increases?

Answer: The load on each anchor increases

Wider angles increase the force on each leg; at about 120 degrees each anchor carries roughly 100% of the load.

What is the generally recommended maximum internal angle for a Y-hang anchor?

Answer: About 90 degrees, and never more than 120 degrees

Keeping the angle at or below about 90 degrees keeps leg forces well under the full load.

Which knot is commonly used to create a mid-line attachment loop that can be loaded in multiple directions?

Answer: Alpine butterfly

The alpine butterfly forms a secure mid-line loop that can be loaded in three directions.

Why is a 'stopper knot' tied in the end of rope access ropes?

Answer: To prevent the technician from descending off the end of the rope

An end-of-rope stopper knot keeps the descender or back-up device from running off the end.

What is the main advantage of a 3:1 Z-rig in rope access rescue?

Answer: It reduces the force needed to raise a load to about one-third, ignoring friction

A 3:1 Z-rig provides a theoretical three-to-one mechanical advantage for hauling a casualty or load.

Which work task is commonly performed by rope access technicians on bridges in the US?

Answer: Non-destructive testing and structural inspection

Rope access lets inspectors reach girders, cables, and piers for visual and NDT inspection without heavy equipment.

Before loading a newly rigged system, what should a technician do?

Answer: Perform a buddy check of anchors, connectors, and device orientation

Pre-use buddy checks catch rigging errors such as unlocked connectors or backward devices before they are loaded.