SPRAT Rescue and Emergency Procedures 2

Question 1

A 3:1 (Z-rig) haul system is commonly used in rope access rescue primarily because:

Accepted Answer

It provides a 3:1 mechanical advantage, tripling the hauling force relative to input force

Answer

It allows the rope to be rigged without any additional equipment beyond standard ascenders

Answer

It is the only haul system approved by SPRAT for rescue operations

Answer

It automatically locks if the haulers release the rope

Question 2

When lowering an incapacitated casualty during a rope access rescue, the descending device should be:

Accepted Answer

Controlled and operated so descent speed remains slow and steady throughout

Answer

Set to the maximum safe descent speed to minimize time the casualty hangs in the harness

Answer

Operated only by a Level 1 technician to free Level 3 for other rescue tasks

Answer

Detached once the casualty is below the main anchor and the rope allowed to run free

Question 3

What is a 'passing knot' technique required for during a rope access rescue haul operation?

Accepted Answer

Passing a knot through a redirect pulley or edge when raising a casualty whose rope has knots in it

Answer

Tying the casualty's two ropes together to form a single rescue line

Answer

Creating a non-slip loop for attaching the casualty to the haul system

Answer

Securing the tail of the rescue rope to prevent it from running through the descender

Question 4

When a rope access technician becomes unconscious while on rope, the IMMEDIATE priority of the rescue team is to:

Accepted Answer

Initiate the site rescue plan and reach the casualty as quickly as safely possible to prevent suspension trauma

Answer

Contact emergency services first and wait for professional rescue teams to arrive

Answer

Lower all other technicians off rope before beginning the rescue operation

Answer

Document the incident in writing before taking any physical rescue action

Question 5

In a rope access rescue, edge protection is critical during a haul operation primarily because:

Accepted Answer

The rope running over a sharp edge can be cut or severely damaged by the load and movement of hauling

Answer

Edge protection pads are required by OSHA for any haul system over 10 feet

Answer

It prevents the casualty from being injured if they swing into the structure face-first

Answer

Edge rollers double as redirect pulleys, improving the mechanical advantage of the haul system

Question 6

After completing a rope access rescue operation, the SPRAT site supervisor (Level 3) is required to:

Accepted Answer

Document the incident thoroughly, including causes, actions taken, and any equipment that was used or damaged

Answer

Immediately return all technicians to work to complete the shift schedule

Answer

Verbally debrief the team and resume normal operations without written records

Answer

Destroy all rigging used in the rescue as it is considered compromised and unfit for further use

Question 7

During a rope access emergency, all equipment used in the rescue operation should be:

Accepted Answer

Tagged, quarantined, and removed from service until fully inspected and cleared by a competent person

Answer

Cleaned, repacked, and returned to the equipment kit immediately after the rescue

Answer

Retired and destroyed regardless of apparent condition to prevent future liability

Answer

Logged only if the rescue involved a fall-arrest event; routine rescues require no equipment action