Descent

Overview

The act of coming down! One of the most basic yet fundamental techniques used in rope access is descending ropes (abseiling). Candidates shall demonstrate safe attachment, use and control of a descending device.

Important Considerations

• Device is suitable for the task and compatible with other equipment used

• Device is subject to a pre-use check

• Correct attachment of device to harness

• Function check to ensure correct loading of working line in the device

• One hand must be in control of the tail rope whenever descending or the device is unlocked

• Device must be made safe or “locked-off” prior to releasing control rope from grip

• Further safety measures taken when descending with heavier loads or two person loads

Method

1. Ensure there are no tangles in the working and back-up ropes

2. Attach the back-up device to the back-up line, function check and then place at a suitable height

3. Attach the descending device to the working line, function check and remove any excess slack from above the descender

4. Carefully lower weight onto the descending device, and organise working and back-up lines

5. With the right hand in control of the tail rope, operate the descender and manage the back-up device using the left hand

6. Keep descent speed controlled and always lock off the device prior to removing hand from the tail rope.