SPRAT Level I Rope Access Training

Two weeks ago I attended SPRAT Level I rope access training in Chicago. Going into the class I thought it was be easy and at most be fighting off boredom while hearing about the dangers and procedure of rope access for hours before actually getting on the ropes.

It only took 60 minutes before I knew this class was unlike any I had ever taken before. After going over the fundamentals we strapped on our climbing harness and headed out to the "hazard zone".

Day 1:

First we were shown what equipment is used for ascending and descending, we also went over our back-up devices (fall protection). Next our instructors went over how to ascend and then switch over to descending. Then we were shown how to descend. It sounds very easy but seeing it for the first time looked and was more difficult than they made it look.

After practicing for a while we took a break and went over some of our equipment (helmet, harness and carabiner).

Next we were shown how to switch from one rope set up to another. First ascending one rope setup, switching to descending and finally ascending on the second rope setup. After reaching a stopping point or your area of work/inspection you descend from your first rope setup which makes you plum over your second anchorage. 

Day 2:

Our second day we started off learning how to do a long re-belay which is close to switching from one rope to another but accentually doing it one four rope setups. This will be used a lot for inspections over areas which can not have hanging ropes or do not have anchor points directly above your point of inspection.

Next we were shown how to pass a mid-line knot. Not much to explain here but like everything else it was a little tricky at first.

Next we took a break and learned more about our back up devices (Kong and ASAP) and our I'D (industrial descender).

After we went over deviations which is where your ropes are pulled away from the anchor point to avoid an object such as a cantilevered overhang.

With a nice lunch break we gained back some strength and learned how to perform a rescue with a person in descent. This was one of the more difficult processes with lots for steps. Our first attempts took a while but were all successful.

Day 3:

Today we started off with a long commute to class due to flash flooding in the Chicago area. After passing through roads with up to two feet of standing water we finally made it to class.

Once in class we reviewed our up coming test questions and practiced some of the techniques we had learned in previous days.

Next we were shown how to do edge negotiations, which is the process of ascending up and over an end or descending down from an end. For most of our inspections we will be using this multiple times and it uses up a lot of energy.

After lunch we started off with learning how to set up anchorages and set-ups.

Next we learned more about our handled ascender, pulley and sling and reviewed the information in each pieces manual. 

Day 4:

Practice makes perfect! Today we worked hard practicing everything we learned and perfecting anything we felt needed improvement. For me I practiced rescues, edge negotiations and long re-belays.

Day 5:

Test day.

Written 40 question multiple choice. (Slipped up and got one wrong)

Oral Test I had to explain everything there is to know about helmets (there is more than you think there is)

Finally we get on the ropes and show them everything we know.

Everyone in our class passed with flying colors.

If you're looking into taking a SPRAT rope access class I highly recommend Elevated Safety they have a great group of instructors who are friendly, knowledgeable and have work experience in multiple fields. Just in our class we had 5 bridge and transportation engineers, 2 rock fall guys and a historical façade restoration.