Which of the following considerations are important when navigating an edge in rope access?

Being aware of rope stretch and shock load potential is crucial when navigating an edge in rope access because these factors directly impact safety during a descent or ascent. When ropes are subjected to a load, such as a fall, they can stretch, potentially increasing the distance of the fall and resulting in a greater risk of injury. Understanding the dynamics of rope behavior, especially around edges where the rope may rub and encounter changes in angle, is essential.

Rope stretch can lead to unpredictable results if the technician is not aware of how much the rope could stretch under load. Similarly, shock loading occurs when a rope is suddenly loaded instead of being loaded gradually; this can cause a significant increase in forces experienced by both the technician and the equipment. Thus, recognizing and anticipating these factors helps to ensure that technicians are equipped to manage their safety effectively and mitigate any risks associated with navigating edges during rope access work.

Other considerations, while they may have some relevance to rope access, do not directly impact the critical safety aspects of navigating an edge as the awareness of rope dynamics does.