The SPRAT I certification level assumes no prior rope experience and instructs a candidate on all the basic skills required to work safely on a two-rope system. In addition, Rope Partner has developed custom curriculum to help prepare candidates for the written portion of the SPRAT Evaluation.
This course covers the following topics and skills:
Equipment use and inspection
Job Safety Analysis awareness
Level 1 Knots
Back-up device use and handling
Use of ascending system for ascent and short descents
Use of a descender for descent and short ascents
Use of work seat/Bosun’s chair
Passing Knots in ascent and descent
Rope-to-rope transfers
Negotiating a rope deviation (redirect)
Short rebelay
Long rebelay
Negotiate an edge
Installing and Passing Rope Protection
Configurations and Strengths of Simple Structural Anchors
Awareness of load-sharing anchors and force magnification charts
Climbing with shock-absorbing Lanyards
Belaying – Methods and communication
Lowering a load with a two rope system
Pick-off rescue with victim in descent
Theoretical rope concepts such as fall factors, safety factors, min. breaking strengths, and safe working loads
The SPRAT II certification level is open to SPRAT Level I certified technicians who have 500 documented hours of rope access work and have been a level I technician for at least six months. At this level, several significant new skills are introduced and the proficiency of all level I skills are verified with an increased emphasis on speed and efficiency.
The Rope Partner level II rope access course reviews all level I skills and introduces the following new skills and topics.
Management and communication awareness
Job Safety Analysis proficiency
Principles of mechanical advantage systems
Load sharing anchor mastery
Pull-through anchors
Rope systems analysis
Cross hauling – (platform and pitch head)
Rescue hauling – (platform and pitch head)
Aid climbing
Pick-off rescue with victim in ascent
The SPRAT III certification level is the highest level under the SPRAT system and represents a large jump in complexity from the level II course. Obtaining a level III SPRAT certification means that a technician has the ability to perform advanced level operations and rescues fluidly. Because of the amount of new information delivered and the difficulty of the rescues, achieving a Level III certification is a significant achievement and a milestone in any rope access professional’s career. A level III certification is open to any level II certified technician who has 500 documented hours of rope access work as a level II technician and has been a level II technician for at least six months.
The Rope Partner Level III rope access course covers the following new skills and topics:
Job Safety Analysis mastery
Anchors pre-rigged to lower
Advanced rescues – Pick off through knots
Advanced rescues – Rescue From Aid Traverse
Advanced rescues – Pick off through rebelay
Advanced rescues – Pick off through rope-to-rope transfer
Advanced rescues – Pick off through Deviation
Highlines/Guidelines
Team Rescue Work Scenario – Management of a Team
Mechanical anchor systems awareness
Provisions are made for direct entry for skilled technicians who have gained certifications under other standards such as IRATA, FISAT, and PRAT or in special cases for technicians who have significant work experience on two-rope systems without certification. A direct entry candidate must complete all skills tests and requirements for the level at which they are testing and all lower levels. If you believe you are eligible for this option contact us and we’ll help you navigate the process.