Learning Objectives

Following the course the technician should be able to:

·         evaluate the safety of rope access and rescue systems

·         perform basic and advanced rope access techniques

·         be an effective participant in a small team rescue utilizing mechanical advantage systems, lowering, and tripods (AHD).

 

Safety Standards and Documentation

·         Documentation including job safety analysis

·         Consistent safety checks

·         Proper and effective communication between team members

·         Care, inspection, and use of equipment

Technical Skills

·         Knot Review: Figure 8, Double-figure eight, Butterfly, Prusik, Barrel Knot, Double Fisherman's, Clove Hitch, Muenter (Italian) Hitch w/mule knot

·         Review basic skills including passing knots, deviations, and re-belays.

·         Belay and lowering review

·         Review of horizontal aid climbing: point to point and shuffling

·         Practice advanced rigging skills (load sharing multi-point anchoring) taking into account fall line, rigging angles, area of work, and terrain

·         Pre-rigging anchors for lowering or pull-through

·         Utility lowering and hauling systems

 

Rescue  Skills

·         Risk management & rescue protocol

·         Managing suspension trauma

·         Single person rescue pick-off of a descending and ascending casualty (including 1:1 pick off with foot loop)

·         Descending with casualty past obstructions (redirect, knots, or rebelay)

·         Mechanical advantage systems utilizing standard equipment and pulley systems

·         Pitch-head hauling

·         Rescue hauling w/rescue rope

·         Two-person attended rescue lowering/hauling

·         Use of artificial high directional (AHD/Multi-pod/tripod)

·         Litter management

·         Cross-hauling

·         High-line and guideline rescue systems

 

Prerequisites

Rope Access Level I Course is a pre-requisite. Participants will be asked to perform moderate to strenuous activities.  A physical examination by a doctor is strongly recommended. Candidates will be required to sign a Liability Release Form and a Statement of Medical Condition confirming the absence of known medical conditions that might preclude their ability to safely work at height.  Please see Physical Requirements for Work at Height.