Rope Access Techniques & Applications Flashcards

What is a rope-to-rope transfer used for?

Answer: Moving horizontally from one set of ropes to an adjacent set

Rope-to-rope transfers let a technician move laterally between separate rope systems while staying attached.

During a changeover from descent to ascent, which step comes first?

Answer: Attaching the ascending device above the descender while still on the descender

The ascender is fitted above the descender before weight is transferred, keeping attachment at all times.

What is a key characteristic of a descender suitable for rope access work?

Answer: Auto-locking with a panic or anti-panic function

Auto-locking descenders stop the user if control is released, and anti-panic features stop descent if the handle is pulled too far.

What is the main hazard of a high fall factor on the safety line?

Answer: High impact forces on the technician and system

Higher fall factors produce greater impact forces, especially on low-stretch rope.

Aid climbing in rope access is used mainly to:

Answer: Progress horizontally or upward along structures using placed anchors or lanyards where ropes cannot be pre-rigged

Aid climbing uses successive anchor points and lanyards to reach places where ropes cannot be pre-rigged, such as under girders.

Which feature makes rope access often more cost-effective than scaffolding for facade work?

Answer: Fast setup and teardown with minimal footprint

Rope access needs little equipment and quick rigging, cutting time, cost, and disruption compared with scaffolding.

What is the function of a foot ascender during rope ascent?

Answer: It improves ascending efficiency by letting the legs push more effectively

A foot ascender helps keep the rope running and lets the legs do more of the climbing work.