IPSQA 3002:2022
Standard for Public Safety Qualification: High Angle Operator
Standard: 3002
Version: 2022
Level: 4
Credit: 120
Subject Area: Rope
Awarding Qualification: IPSQA Certificate in Public Safety (High Angle Operator)
Awarding Postnominal: CertPubS®(HAO)
Graduate Profile
Graduates of this certification are able, as part of a small team, rig and operate high angle angle litter operations including performing the roles of attendant, edge-person, safety officer and system operator. Graduates are able to establish simple load-sharing anchors and execute system change-overs and knot passes.
Knowledge Outcomes
K1. Recognised rope rescue hazards and identify suitable risk management controls.
K2. Identify equipment used for high angle rescue and describe their use.
K3. Recognise hand, voice and whistle signals used in rope rescue.
K4. Recall command tactics for rope rescue operations.
Range: May include, but not limited to designation of zones (hot, warm, cold), phases of rescue (size up, pre-rescue, rescue, termination).
Skill Outcomes
S1. Demonstrate tying of knots used for high angle rescue.
Range: Figure of eight rethreaded, figure of eight bend, double fisherman’s, tape/water knot, classic 3 wrap prussik hitch, alpine butterfly.
S2. Construct simple load-sharing anchors.
Range: tensionless hitch, wrap 3-pull 2, 3 bend.
S3. Construct mechanical advantage systems suitable for high angle rescue.
Range: A minimum of two from: 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1.
S4. Perform safety check on high angle rescue systems.
Range: May include, but not limited to touch check, buddy check, ARCHER check.
S5. Demonstrate packaging of patient into litter and ready for high angle rescue.
Range: patient medically assessed and stabilised, transfer onto litter, securing patient to litter, patient protected from hazards.
S6. Construct and operate edge-restraint system.
S7. Rig litter for high angle rescue system and attendant connection.
Range: single attendant, spider/bridle, adjustable attendant position.
S8. Rig belay and main, or twin tension rope system for high angle rescue.
Range: control devices, two rope system attachment to litter, edge-protection.
S9. Operate high angle rescue system.
Range: lower, raise, stop, changeover lower to raise, changeover raise to lower, knot pass on lower, knot pass on raise.
S10. Perform key roles at high angle rescue.
Range: Edge-person, Safety Officer, Device Operator, Litter Attendant.
S11. Inspect and maintain rope rescue equipment following high rescue.
Range: visual inspection, cleaning, drying, documentation.
Professional Requirements
P1. Verified logged experience as high angle litter attendant at 5 operational and/or training activities.
P2. Verified logged experience as high angle edge-person at 5 operational and/or training activities.
P3. Verified logged experience as high angle device operator at 5 operational and/or training activities.
P4. Verified logged experience as high angle safety officer at 5 operational and/or training activities.
P5. A total of 75 verified logged hours experience in high angle rescue operations and/or training activities.
P6. A total of 5 high angle operations and/or exercises, verifiable through formal after action report.
P7. Verified logged experience as high angle operator at 5 different locations.
P8. Holds current first aid qualification.
Discrepancies
Minor (O): the assessment shall end upon three or more the following minor discrepancies made by the candidate.
O1. Poor or slow technique that may lead to safety issue
O2. Bunching, tangles or marginal slack in rope
O3. Excessive time to perform task
O4. Incorrect or poor use of equipment
O5. Fails to wear helmet in warm zone
O6. Equipment left behind
O7. Equipment dropped not causing injury
O8. Uncontrolled movement of load – minor
O9. Helmet not secure in hot zone (i.e. unfastened chin strap)
O10. Fails to interpret commands specified in briefing
O11. Equipment used against manufacturer caution notice.
Major (X): the assessment shall end upon any of the following major discrepancies made by the candidate.
X1. Excessive time taken to complete task
X2. Task not completed
X3. Excessive slack in edge-restraint when in warm zone
X4. Control device not tested prior to use
X5. Uncontrolled movement of load – major
X6. Action or inaction that causes or likely to cause injury
X7. Inadequate edge-protection where unprotected edge is a hazard
X8. Equipment used against manufacturer warning notice
X9. Candidate instructed to stop by Assessor due to medical concern.
X10. Breach of IPSQA Code of Conduct.
Special Notes
N1. Skill and knowledge performance must be consistent to approved industry references.
N2. This standard shall be assessed in a simulated high angle rescue scenario (>60 degree incline or vertical).
N3. Low or steep angle evidence may not be used for high angle evidence.
N4. The English version of this standard takes precedence over any translated version.
Recertification Requirements
3 yearly
Approval
Approved on 16 June 2022 by the Secretary-General on the recommendation of the Certification Commission.