Technical Escort (L3) Confined Space Ops –
COL UPDATED ACTUAL Questions and
CORRECT Answers
How do knots affect rope strength and efficiency? - CORRECT ANSWER - Knots will
cause a loss of 30% rope strength overall. Sharp/acute bends increase loss of efficiency as only
part of the rope is supporting the load.
What are the three procedures to tie a knot? - CORRECT ANSWER - Dress, load, and
safety the knot.
What are the min and max tail lengths for webbing and rope? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Rope: 2-10"
Webbing: 3-5"
What reference developed the standards for safety concerning rope, harnesses, and equipment for
rope rescue practices? - CORRECT ANSWER - NFPA 1983
What reference established safety practices and protocols for Permit Required Confined Spaces?
- CORRECT ANSWER - 29 CFR 1910.146
What is the minimum breaking strength (MBS) for one and two person rope? - CORRECT
ANSWER - One: 4500lbf MBS
Two: 9000lbf MBS
This type of rope is surrounded by a woven sheath or _____. The internal core or _____ is made
of synthetic fibers. - CORRECT ANSWER - Outside: Mantle
Inside: Kern
, What are the two types of kernmanle rope? What are the differences in their stretching capacity?
- CORRECT ANSWER - Static is a taught rope that stretches around 5% with a 220lb
load. Dynamic stretches around 20%, making it better for rappelling and mountaineering.
NFPA 1983 states that rope must be inspected before and after use by
_______________________ - CORRECT ANSWER - Inspect the ropes by sight and
touch. Run the entirety of the rope through your bare hands to feel for any damage.
When must rope be retired? - CORRECT ANSWER - After 10 years, severe shock or
degradation (dropping or overloading), misuse, contamination, internal fibers are visible through
the mantle, unsure history
What is the Static System Safety Factor (SSSF)? What is the ideal ratio? - CORRECT
ANSWER - SSSF is the ratio of load to the strength of individual components of the
system (ropes, pulleys, harnesses, etc.);
10:1
Define Auxiliary Equipment - CORRECT ANSWER - Anything other than ropes, belts, or
harnesses (pulleys, carabiners, etc.)
Define Hard-Linking - CORRECT ANSWER - Using multiple hard (metal) pieces
together restricts movement, causing dangerous torquing and system damage/failure.
Ex: Carabiner on carabiner on an anchor strap.
What are the classes of Harnesses? - CORRECT ANSWER - Class I (1-person, goes
around waist and thighs or under buttocks, emergency or personal use only)
Class II (2-person, goes around waist and thighs or under buttocks, structural use)
COL UPDATED ACTUAL Questions and
CORRECT Answers
How do knots affect rope strength and efficiency? - CORRECT ANSWER - Knots will
cause a loss of 30% rope strength overall. Sharp/acute bends increase loss of efficiency as only
part of the rope is supporting the load.
What are the three procedures to tie a knot? - CORRECT ANSWER - Dress, load, and
safety the knot.
What are the min and max tail lengths for webbing and rope? - CORRECT ANSWER -
Rope: 2-10"
Webbing: 3-5"
What reference developed the standards for safety concerning rope, harnesses, and equipment for
rope rescue practices? - CORRECT ANSWER - NFPA 1983
What reference established safety practices and protocols for Permit Required Confined Spaces?
- CORRECT ANSWER - 29 CFR 1910.146
What is the minimum breaking strength (MBS) for one and two person rope? - CORRECT
ANSWER - One: 4500lbf MBS
Two: 9000lbf MBS
This type of rope is surrounded by a woven sheath or _____. The internal core or _____ is made
of synthetic fibers. - CORRECT ANSWER - Outside: Mantle
Inside: Kern
, What are the two types of kernmanle rope? What are the differences in their stretching capacity?
- CORRECT ANSWER - Static is a taught rope that stretches around 5% with a 220lb
load. Dynamic stretches around 20%, making it better for rappelling and mountaineering.
NFPA 1983 states that rope must be inspected before and after use by
_______________________ - CORRECT ANSWER - Inspect the ropes by sight and
touch. Run the entirety of the rope through your bare hands to feel for any damage.
When must rope be retired? - CORRECT ANSWER - After 10 years, severe shock or
degradation (dropping or overloading), misuse, contamination, internal fibers are visible through
the mantle, unsure history
What is the Static System Safety Factor (SSSF)? What is the ideal ratio? - CORRECT
ANSWER - SSSF is the ratio of load to the strength of individual components of the
system (ropes, pulleys, harnesses, etc.);
10:1
Define Auxiliary Equipment - CORRECT ANSWER - Anything other than ropes, belts, or
harnesses (pulleys, carabiners, etc.)
Define Hard-Linking - CORRECT ANSWER - Using multiple hard (metal) pieces
together restricts movement, causing dangerous torquing and system damage/failure.
Ex: Carabiner on carabiner on an anchor strap.
What are the classes of Harnesses? - CORRECT ANSWER - Class I (1-person, goes
around waist and thighs or under buttocks, emergency or personal use only)
Class II (2-person, goes around waist and thighs or under buttocks, structural use)
