Passing Deviations

Overview

A deviation is a method of rigging ropes to allow the re-direction of anchor lines, either to provide more accurate positioning or to avoid potential causes of damage to the rope or the user.

Deviation rigging methods can be split into two main categories; single anchor and double anchor. As the names suggest, a single anchor deviation will have only one point of attachment between the deviation anchor point and the ropes, whereas a double anchor will have two independent points of attachment to the ropes.

See “rigging deviations” in this manual for more information.

Important Considerations

• Ensure the deviation rigging method used is fit for purpose

• When used to avoid hazards, a double anchor deviation must be used

• When passing double anchor deviations, the user should remain protected from a swing into the hazard by two independent attachments to or from the deviation anchor

• When passing single or double deviations, out of control swings should be avoided

• When passing deviations in ascent with a larger offset distance, considerations should be taken to enable users to get back to the deviation in descent – a hitch in the lines below the deviation often provides this without complicating rescue

• Users should ensure that any connectors providing protection to the user/rescuer are screwed closed or secured

Method

Passing Single anchor deviations (Ascent)

1. Set up for ascent (see Ascent)

2. Ascend the lines until you have reached the deviation anchor, and with your hand push the deviation connector into a horizontal position

3. Take a spare device lanyard (cowstail) and connect it to the deviation anchor point – taking care to secure the karabiner

4. Unscrew the karabiner attaching the deviation connector to your ropes

5. Pull your bodyweight toward the deviation anchor, this should remove the tension from the deviation connector

6. Remove the deviation connector from the lines above your equipment, relax and allow the cowstail to take your weight

7. Lift up the ropes below all of your equipment and clip the loose deviation connector around both lines – taking care to secure the karabiner

8. Pull your bodyweight toward the deviation anchor and remove the cowstail connection

9. Use the ropes below the deviation anchor to control your swing

10. Tidy and store the spare cowstail back to your gear loop and continue the ascent.

Passing Single anchor deviations (Descent)

1. Descend the lines until you reach a position that your descending device is sitting just below the deviation anchor point

2. Ensure descending device is locked off prior to releasing the tail rope

3. Ready a spare cowstail, pull your bodyweight toward the deviation anchor and connect the spare cowstail to it – taking care to secure the karabiner

4. Remove the deviation connector from the lines below your equipment

5. Pull your bodyweight toward the deviation anchor and re-connect the deviation connector to both lines above your equipment – taking care to secure the connector

6. Remove cowstail from the deviation anchor, tidy and store on gear loop

7. Continue the descent.

Passing Double anchor deviations (Ascent)

1. Set up for ascent (see Ascent)

2. Ascend the lines until you have reached the deviation anchor, and with your hand push the deviation connector into a horizontal position

3. Take a spare device lanyard (cowstail) and connect it to both connectors of the deviation anchor point – taking care to secure the karabiner

4. Unscrew the karabiner attaching one of the deviation connectors to your ropes

5. Pull your bodyweight toward the deviation anchor, this should remove the tension from the deviation connectors

6. Remove the deviation connector from the lines above your equipment, relax and allow the cowstail to take your weight

7. Lift up the ropes below all of your equipment and clip the loose deviation connector around both lines – taking care to secure the karabiner

8. Repeat this process for the deviation connector that remains above your equipment

9. Pull your bodyweight toward the deviation anchor and remove the cowstail connection

10. Use the ropes below the deviation anchor to control your swing

11. Tidy and store the spare cowstail back to your gear loop and continue the ascent.

Passing Double anchor deviations (Descent)

1. Descend the lines until you reach a position that your descending device is sitting just below the deviation anchor point

2. Ensure descending device is locked off prior to releasing the tail rope

3. Ready a spare cowstail, pull your bodyweight toward the deviation anchor and connect the spare cowstail to both connectors of the deviation – taking care to secure the karabiner

4. Remove one of the deviation connectors from the lines below your equipment

5. Pull your bodyweight toward the deviation anchor and re-connect the deviation connector to both lines above your equipment – taking care to secure the connector

6. Repeat this process for the deviation connector that remains below your equipment

7. Remove cowstail from the deviation anchor, tidy and store on gear loop

8. Continue the descent.