Changeovers

Overview

A changeover is the process of changing from ascending equipment to descending equipment on the working line, or vice versa. Along with ascent and descent it is a fundamental skill required to perform even basic rope access tasks.

Important Considerations

• Ensure devices are installed on working line, to avoid all items of equipment ending up on the back-up rope

• Ensure slack between devices is kept to a minimum to reduce the “drop” distance when changing from ascent to descent

• Ensure hand ascender and foot loop are in the correct position when changing from ascent to descent to avoid the hand ascender becoming “stuck” or weighted when chest ascender is removed

• When changing from ascent to descent, ensure the chest ascender is attached to the working rope above the descender – not on the tail rope!

Method

Ascent to Descent

1. Attach the descending device to the working rope below the chest ascender

2. Once installed, pull the slack rope through the descender to bring it close the chest ascender

3. Place the hand ascender on the working line above the chest ascender and put foot in the foot loop

4. Position the hand ascender just high enough to de-weight the chest ascender when stood in the foot loop

5. Check back up device position and account for the “drop” taken when removing the chest ascender to prevent the back-up becoming “stuck” or weighted

6. Stand in the foot loop, supporting weight by gripping hand ascender or high on the working line and with the right hand remove the chest ascender from the rope

7. Control the lowering of your weight onto the descending device using your leg in the foot loop

8. Close the chest ascender, remove the hand ascender from the working line and store in equipment loop on harness.

Descent to ascent

1. Place hand ascender on the working line above the descending device, and position high – leaving space to attach the chest ascender between hand ascender and descender

2. With your foot in the foot loop and hands on the hand ascender or high on the rope – stand up and attach the chest ascender to the working line

3. Once the chest ascender is secured on the working rope, the descending device can be removed.