12. Rope Access Systems

Question 1

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 1

12.1. Anchorage Systems

Question 2

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 2

12.1.1. Anchorage systems used as the primary support within a main or backup system shall have a minimum strength of either 12 kN (2700 lbf), or two times the maximum arrest force of the backup system when used in accordance with manufacturer specifications, whichever is greater.

Question 3

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 3

12.1.2. A minimum of two anchorage systems shall be used to establish the main and backup systems.

Question 4

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 4

12.1.2.1. One anchorage may be used to establish multiple anchorage systems.

Question 5

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 5

12.1.2.2. Main and backup systems should utilize independent anchorage systems.

Question 6

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 6

12.1.3. Anchorage systems shall accommodate the range of direction of pull.

Question 7

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 7

12.1.4. Anchorage systems shall be protected appropriately.

Question 8

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 8

12.1.5. Load-sharing Anchorage Systems

Question 9

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 9

12.1.5.1. Load-sharing anchorage systems may be used to:

Question 10

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 10

12.1.5.1.1. Utilize multiple anchorages to achieve the required anchorage system strength.

Question 11

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 11

12.1.5.1.2. Achieve a desired direction of pull or fall line.

Question 12

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 12

12.1.5.2. Load-sharing anchorage systems should distribute forces appropriately between the anchorages.

Question 13

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 13

12.1.5.2. Load-sharing anchorage systems should distribute forces appropriately between the anchorages.

Question 14

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 14

12.1.5.3. A table of loads applied to anchorage systems where the forces are distributed equally based on the interior angle is provided in Table 1.

Question 15

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 15

12.1.6. Directional Anchorage Systems

Question 16

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 16

12.1.6.1. The minimum strength of a directional anchorage system is determined by:

Question 17

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 17

12.6.1.1. The interior angle created by the rope passing through eh directional anchorage system.

Question 18

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 18

12.1.6.1.2. The anticipated load.

Question 19

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 19

12.1.6.2. A table of loads applied to a directional anchorage system based on the interior angle is provide in Table 2.

Question 20

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 20

12.2. Two-Rope Systems

Question 21

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 21

12.2.1. Two-rope systems should be installed in a manner that minimizes lateral movement along sharp and/or abrasive surfaces.

Question 22

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 22

12.2.2. Two-rope system shall be installed in a manner that if a component of one system were to fail, there would be minimum pendulum swing.

Question 23

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 23

12.2.3. Rope and/or edge protection shall be used when appropriate.

Question 24

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 24

12.2.3.1. Consideration should be given to protect each rope individually from any potential damage.

Question 25

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 25

12.3. Backup Systems

Question 26

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 26

12.3.2. Backup systems shall be designed and implemented to:

Question 27

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 27

12. 3.2.1. Minimize free fall distance and clearance requirements.

Question 28

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 28

12.3.2.1.1. Free fall distance refers to the distance fallen before the engagement of the backup system.

Question 29

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 29

12.3.2.1.2. Clearance requirements are determined form the total fall distance including freefall, deceleration distance of the backup system, rope stretch, and harness stretch.

Question 30

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 30

12.3.2.2. Limit the arrest force on the user.

Question 31

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 31

12.3.2.2.1. Both maximum and average arrest force should be considered.

Question 32

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 32

12.3.3. Backup systems shall be separately fixed to an appropriate harness attachment point.

Question 33

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 33

12.3.4. The backup system may be attached to the same harness attachment point as the main system.

Question 34

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 34

12.3.5. Fixed backup systems shall be attached to anchorages meeting the requirements of Section 12.1.

Question 35

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 35

12.4. Dual Main Systems

Question 36

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 36

12.4.1. Utilizing dual main systems, where two systems are used to share the load, is an acceptable technique when the anchorage systems for each main system are separated horizontally by no more than 1 m (3.2ft), and the interior angle from the load to the anchorage systems in less than 90 degrees.

Question 37

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 37

12.4.2. Dual main systems are typically used in:

Question 38

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 38

12.4.2.1. Aid climbing.

Question 39

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 39

12.4.2.2. Interchanging the ropes within a two-rope system as main and backup systems.

Question 40

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 40

12.4.2.3. Long descents.

Question 41

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 41

12.4.2.4. Long lowering or raising applications.

Question 42

12. Rope Access Systems

Answer 42

12.4.3. If a single piece of equipment is used to support the load in this scenario, a backup system shall be incorporated within the two-rope system.