Edge Obstructions

Overview

The edges of roofs, platforms, cliffs, cavities and other structures may be unprotected or surrounded by edge protection such as guardrails or parapet walls. In many cases, the edge presents both an awkward obstruction for the rope access Technician and a contact hazard to the ropes.

Whenever a rope is rigged and in contact with something, the need for rope protection must be thoroughly assessed and if required suitable protection must be used!

Edge obstruction involves passing an edge obstruction at the top, where the ropes rigged over it are at or near a right angle to the edge in both ascent and descent.

Important Considerations

• Is there a requirement for rope/edge protection?

• Do you have suitable rope protection available?

• The difficulty of physically negotiating the edge should be assessed

• The potential for shock loads on toothed devices should be considered when climbing over edges

• Devices should be function checked to ensure correct orientation prior to descending over an edge

• Rope stretch should be taken into account when descending over the edge

Method

Passing edge obstructions method (Ascent)

1. Set up for ascent and check that any rope protection is in place

2. Ascend the lines until you are obstructed by the edge

3. Keep using the hand ascender and foot loop to ascend to the point that your back-up device and hand ascender are up to the highest part of the obstruction

4. Move the back-up device past the obstruction

5. Move the hand ascender past the obstruction and bring the chest ascender up to the edge

6. From here, use the structure or the foot loop to lift your weight up, and climb over the edge – take care to manage the slack below the chest ascender to reduce the potential for a shock-load on the device

7. Once over the edge and in a safe position, remove climbing equipment and back-up device and ensure ropes are correctly protected

Passing edge obstructions method

(Descent)

1. Set up for descent, ensure both back-up and descending device have been fitted correctly by carrying out a function check

2. Taking into account any rope stretch, give enough slack on the working line to allow the descender just past the edge

3. Organise working line and back up line so as not to cause trip hazards whilst climbing over the edge and check rope protection is correctly placed

4. Using the structure, or foot loop, climb over the edge until all of your weight is resting on the working rope – make sure any rope protection is correctly placed!

5. Clean up ropes and reposition them if necessary

6. Descend.