SPRAT Rescue and Emergency Procedures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: According to SPRAT standards, what must be established before any rope access work begins on a project?
- A written rescue plan specific to the worksite (Correct answer)
- A list of nearby hospitals and emergency rooms
- A verbal agreement among team members about rescue roles
- A mandatory 30-minute safety briefing with all site workers
Correct answer: A written rescue plan specific to the worksite
SPRAT requires a site-specific written rescue plan to be in place before any rope access operations commence, ensuring the team can respond to emergencies systematically.
Question 2: In a counterbalance rescue technique, how does the rescuer reach the incapacitated technician?
- The rescuer descends on a separate rope connected through a top anchor while the casualty's rope acts as a counterweight (Correct answer)
- The rescuer is lowered directly by other team members using a haul system
- The rescuer free-climbs to the casualty's position using anchor points
- The rescuer ascends the casualty's rope using mechanical ascenders
Correct answer: The rescuer descends on a separate rope connected through a top anchor while the casualty's rope acts as a counterweight
In a counterbalance rescue, the rescuer descends on their own rope rigged through the top anchor, using their body weight to counterbalance and raise the casualty.
Question 3: What SPRAT certification level is required to serve as the on-site supervisor for every rope access project?
- Level 3 (Correct answer)
- Level 2
- Level 1
- Any certified level with 5 years of experience
Correct answer: Level 3
SPRAT requires at least one Level 3 technician (rope access supervisor) to be present and responsible for supervising all rope access operations on any project site.
Question 4: What is the minimum number of rope access technicians SPRAT requires on any active rope access project?
- Two technicians (buddy system) (Correct answer)
- One technician with a safety observer on the ground
- Three technicians including one Level 3
- Four technicians for Class 2 and above hazard environments
Correct answer: Two technicians (buddy system)
SPRAT mandates a minimum of two rope access technicians (buddy system) on every project so that one can assist or rescue the other in an emergency.
Question 5: Suspension trauma (also called orthostatic intolerance) is a serious medical risk for incapacitated rope access workers because:
- Blood pools in the legs when hanging motionless in a harness, restricting return to the heart and brain (Correct answer)
- The harness compresses the lungs, preventing adequate oxygen intake
- Elevated position causes increased blood pressure leading to stroke
- Continuous vibration from the rope disrupts the vestibular system
Correct answer: Blood pools in the legs when hanging motionless in a harness, restricting return to the heart and brain
Suspension trauma occurs when a motionless person hangs in a harness, causing venous pooling in the lower limbs that reduces cardiac return and can lead to unconsciousness or death.
Question 6: During a pick-off rescue, after a rescuer descends to an incapacitated casualty, what is the FIRST action the rescuer should take?
- Assess the casualty's condition and establish a connection between the rescuer's system and the casualty (Correct answer)
- Immediately cut the casualty's safety line to reduce load
- Radio the ground team to prepare a haul system before touching the casualty
- Remove the casualty's harness and transfer them to the rescuer's harness
Correct answer: Assess the casualty's condition and establish a connection between the rescuer's system and the casualty
The rescuer must first assess the casualty and secure a connection between their rescue system and the casualty before taking any further action to ensure the casualty is controlled.
Question 7: What is the purpose of providing foot loops or stirrups to a conscious casualty suffering from suspension trauma while awaiting rescue?
- Allowing the casualty to stand and restore blood circulation to reduce shock symptoms (Correct answer)
- Providing a handhold to keep the casualty from rotating on the rope
- Elevating the casualty's feet to reduce harness pressure on the torso
- Securing the casualty's feet so rescuers can pull them horizontally to an anchor
Correct answer: Allowing the casualty to stand and restore blood circulation to reduce shock symptoms
Foot loops allow the conscious casualty to periodically stand and pump blood back from the legs, combating the venous pooling that causes suspension trauma.
SPRAT Rescue and Emergency Procedures 1
According to SPRAT standards, what must be established before any rope access work begins on a project?