Retrievable rigging methods (aka pull-through anchors) give technicians the temporary option of installing or retrieving the ropes of a system, remotely. We’d like to stress the word ‘temporary.’ This style of rigging has been designed primarily for access and egress from a location, and is not meant for sustained activity in suspension. Since this system cannot easily be rigged-for-rescue, if a tech got into trouble you’d likely have to use an intervention rescue which could be challenging as this system is not normally “considered appropriate for rescues" (TACS 6.4.9.1). Keep this in mind, and only use with experienced techs and for its specified use.
During your IRATA Assessment, L2 and L3 certifying techs will be asked to demonstrate competence correctly rigging a pull-through from both the ground and from the anchor points.
Your IRATA assessor will be watching for good rope management as you complete this manoeuvre. This involves:
- Ensuring two independent rope systems are maintained.
- Avoiding cross loading of connectors.
- Protecting the ropes against potential abrasion.
- Successful, clean and safe retrieval (don't forget to remove stopper knots before attempting to retrieve!)
There isn’t just one way to complete this rigging set up, and will often depend on what kind of structure, or anchor point, you are rigging from. You’ll be asked to demonstrate one pull-through using your preferred method on assessment day – we’ll go over the acceptable methods you can choose from during your training week.
Additional resources to check out:
TACS 6.4.9 for the source material for this blog.
ICOP 2.7.10 and 2.11.3.2 for more information on edge and anchor line protectors and protection.
TACS 9.6.3-9.6.4 for a full list of major and minor discrepancies.
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This is part of an ongoing series, where we’re breaking down IRATA’s syllabus and clarifying exactly what ‘demonstrating competence’ and ‘demonstrating awareness’ means, and what will be expected of you on assessment day. As an IRATA L2 certifying tech, you’re expected to be fully competent with the L1 Syllabus. To return back to the IRATA L2 Study Guide or IRATA L3 Study Guide, click below:
