Passing mid-rope protection

Overview

In many cases where ropes may come into contact with minor sources of abrasion, it can be suitable to use wrap around canvas style rope protectors to protect the lines. These can be secured directly to the ropes using small diameter cord and a prussik knot (or similar), or alternatively can be fixed in position using the structure.

This rope manoeuvre will involve ascending and descending a set of ropes that are protected from a minor abrasion hazard with rope protectors, technicians will have to pass, remove and replace the rope protection, ensuring the lines remain protected during and after ascent and descent of the lines.

Important Considerations

• Is there a requirement for rope/edge protection?

• Are canvas style rope protectors sufficient to protect the ropes against the hazard?

• Would it be better to attach them to the structure or to the rope?

• If attached to the rope, rope stretch should be taken into account

• If attached to the structure, lateral movement of the ropes should be taken into account

• When using rope protectors, you must use one rope protector on each line!

Method

(Ascent)

1. Set up for ascent

2. Ascend the lines until your hand ascender and back up device are touching the bottom of the rope protectors

3. Begin to open the Velcro closure on the protectors

4. Continue ascending the lines until you can reach the cord attached to the rope protectors and are able to untie them

5. Position yourself comfortably, maintaining the back-up device in a high position

6. Remove the rope protector from one line and re-attach it below your equipment on the same line, taking care to close it back up around the rope and set it in the right position

7. Repeat this process for the other rope protector

8. Ensure both lines are protected from the hazard below you, and continue the ascent.

(Descent)

1. Descend the lines until you encounter the rope protectors, if necessary move the rope protectors further down the rope and continue descending until you are in a comfortable position to remove them.

2. Ensure your descending device is locked off, and the back-up device maintained in high position

3. Remove one of the rope protectors from the rope below your equipment, and re-at tach above using the cord

4. Repeat this process for the other rope pro tector

5. Using the cord on the rope protectors, position them on the lines to protect the ropes from the hazard

6. As you descend, close the rope protectors back around the lines above your equipment – taking care to lock off the descender if you need to remove hand from the tail rope

7. Once the rope protectors are fixed in position, continue the descent.