Course Description
Gravitec's Rope Access Worker Level I Course is designed for personnel responsible for technical rope access work in high-angle environments. This course combines interactive classroom sessions with extensive hands-on fieldwork to maximize the learning experience. Participants are trained in the latest techniques using equipment developed for high-angle environments commonly encountered by rope access personnel.
Problem solving exercises form the basis of practical scenarios using ANSI/ASSE Z359.2 criteria and adhering to the Code of Safe Practices for Rope Access Work, published by the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT). In addition, a heavy emphasis is placed on team performance and the ability to assess situations, select the most appropriate procedures and effectively utilize both traditional equipment and new technologies to execute safe operations.
This course meets the Criteria for Accepted Practices in Safety, Health, and Environmental Training (ANSI/ASSE Z490.1-2009), the highest industry standard for training, and the Level I Technician requirements in the Certification Requirements for Rope Access Work (2009).
Note: This course trains students to SPRAT Level I requirements. The curriculum is designed to prepare the participant for certification testing by a SPRAT Evaluator. An independent evaluator separate from the training provider, employer and candidate must certify the student.
It is recommended that students bring their own rope access equipment, however, Gravitec can supply all necessary rope access equipment for this course.
No cameras, camcorders, cell phones, pagers, personal digital assistants or similar devices will be permitted during training.
Pre-Requisites
No previous experience with rope access is necessary. Familiarity with rope (recreational climbing, arborist, window cleaning, rescue teams, etc.) is desirable but not required. However, it is recommended that a medical examination is performed prior to the start of the class because this course does include a moderate to high level of strenuous exercise.
Note: If bringing personal gear, please ensure that weight capacities are not exceeded. Gear provided by Gravitec has weight capacities no higher than 310 lbs.
Course Duration
Rope Access Worker – Level I Course – Four Days (32 Hours)
Rope Access Worker – Level I Evaluation & Testing – One Day (8 Hours)
Note: If students are being tested for SPRAT certification, the testing and evaluation will be conducted by an independent SPRAT evaluator on the last day of the course.
Class Size
Minimum 8, Maximum 10Learning Objectives
Students completing this course will be able to use basic rope access techniques to access a wide array of work areas where traditional means of access are unavailable. Additionally, this course prepares rope access workers to be evaluated and tested for their Level I SPRAT certification. This program is not a comprehensive rescue course and does not include rescue in industrial settings (ie: towers, warehouses, power plants), alternative self-rescue techniques, packaging or the use of attendants. If these skills are required, Gravitec's Industrial Rescue Course is the proper course. Students will be required to successfully demonstrate all certification criteria for Rope Access Level I Technicians. In addition, emphasis is placed on utilizing work permits and the ability to assess situations, select the most appropriate procedures and effectively utilize both traditional equipment and new technologies to execute safe operations.
Students will be familiar with the following elements of rope access:
- Fundamentals of Rope Access
- Regulatory Requirements for Rope Access & Fall Protection
- Responsible Persons
- Hierarchy of Fall Protection
- Anchorage Requirements
- Energy-Absorbing Lanyards
- Function and Purpose of Energy Absorbers
- Hardware Compatibility
- Work-Positioning Systems
- Donning a Full-Body Rope Access Harness
- Vertical Lifelines Rope, Knots & Hitches
- Belaying Descent Control
- Personal Rope Access Equipment
- Inspecting Rope Access Systems
- Ascending
- Change Over (Switching from Ascent to Descent)
- Passing Knots
- Rope Transfers
- Deviations
- Rebelays (Short and Long)
- Edge Negotiation
- Lowering
- Rescue of Casualty on Descent