SPRAT Rescue and Emergency Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A 3:1 (Z-rig) haul system is commonly used in rope access rescue primarily because:
- It provides a 3:1 mechanical advantage, tripling the hauling force relative to input force (Correct answer)
- It allows the rope to be rigged without any additional equipment beyond standard ascenders
- It is the only haul system approved by SPRAT for rescue operations
- It automatically locks if the haulers release the rope
Correct answer: It provides a 3:1 mechanical advantage, tripling the hauling force relative to input force
A 3:1 Z-rig triples the mechanical advantage, meaning three pounds of pull at the hauling end lifts one pound of casualty weight, making it feasible for a small team to raise a casualty.
Question 2: When lowering an incapacitated casualty during a rope access rescue, the descending device should be:
- Controlled and operated so descent speed remains slow and steady throughout (Correct answer)
- Set to the maximum safe descent speed to minimize time the casualty hangs in the harness
- Operated only by a Level 1 technician to free Level 3 for other rescue tasks
- Detached once the casualty is below the main anchor and the rope allowed to run free
Correct answer: Controlled and operated so descent speed remains slow and steady throughout
A slow, controlled descent protects the casualty from additional trauma and allows rescuers to stop at any time to adjust or address changing conditions.
Question 3: What is a 'passing knot' technique required for during a rope access rescue haul operation?
- Passing a knot through a redirect pulley or edge when raising a casualty whose rope has knots in it (Correct answer)
- Tying the casualty's two ropes together to form a single rescue line
- Creating a non-slip loop for attaching the casualty to the haul system
- Securing the tail of the rescue rope to prevent it from running through the descender
Correct answer: Passing a knot through a redirect pulley or edge when raising a casualty whose rope has knots in it
A passing knot technique allows the team to transfer the load through a pulley or past a redirect point when a knot in the rope would otherwise prevent the system from operating.
Question 4: When a rope access technician becomes unconscious while on rope, the IMMEDIATE priority of the rescue team is to:
- Initiate the site rescue plan and reach the casualty as quickly as safely possible to prevent suspension trauma (Correct answer)
- Contact emergency services first and wait for professional rescue teams to arrive
- Lower all other technicians off rope before beginning the rescue operation
- Document the incident in writing before taking any physical rescue action
Correct answer: Initiate the site rescue plan and reach the casualty as quickly as safely possible to prevent suspension trauma
An unconscious person hanging in a harness can develop life-threatening suspension trauma within minutes, making immediate initiation of the rescue plan the top priority.
Question 5: In a rope access rescue, edge protection is critical during a haul operation primarily because:
- The rope running over a sharp edge can be cut or severely damaged by the load and movement of hauling (Correct answer)
- Edge protection pads are required by OSHA for any haul system over 10 feet
- It prevents the casualty from being injured if they swing into the structure face-first
- Edge rollers double as redirect pulleys, improving the mechanical advantage of the haul system
Correct answer: The rope running over a sharp edge can be cut or severely damaged by the load and movement of hauling
Hauling a load causes significant friction and pressure on the rope at the edge, and a sharp or rough edge can cut through a rope under tension, causing catastrophic failure.
Question 6: After completing a rope access rescue operation, the SPRAT site supervisor (Level 3) is required to:
- Document the incident thoroughly, including causes, actions taken, and any equipment that was used or damaged (Correct answer)
- Immediately return all technicians to work to complete the shift schedule
- Verbally debrief the team and resume normal operations without written records
- Destroy all rigging used in the rescue as it is considered compromised and unfit for further use
Correct answer: Document the incident thoroughly, including causes, actions taken, and any equipment that was used or damaged
SPRAT standards require thorough incident documentation after any emergency or rescue to support post-incident review, equipment quarantine decisions, and regulatory reporting.
Question 7: During a rope access emergency, all equipment used in the rescue operation should be:
- Tagged, quarantined, and removed from service until fully inspected and cleared by a competent person (Correct answer)
- Cleaned, repacked, and returned to the equipment kit immediately after the rescue
- Retired and destroyed regardless of apparent condition to prevent future liability
- Logged only if the rescue involved a fall-arrest event; routine rescues require no equipment action
Correct answer: Tagged, quarantined, and removed from service until fully inspected and cleared by a competent person
Any equipment subjected to shock loading, unusual stress, or emergency use must be quarantined and thoroughly inspected before being returned to service, per SPRAT equipment standards.
SPRAT Rescue and Emergency Procedures 2
A 3:1 (Z-rig) haul system is commonly used in rope access rescue primarily because: