What is Industrial Rope Access?
Industrial Rope Access
Industrial Rope Access is a confirmed method of achieving a safe working position at height or in areas of difficult access. It was originally developed from techniques used in caving to answer the need for a simple, safe and adaptable means of access with its first large scale use being for inspections on the UK oil and gas platforms of the North Sea. As its value as a work solution grew rope access has also developed onshore where it is to be seen undertaking all manner of work from high-rise window cleaning, general maintenance and inspection work on some of the world’s most tallest structures.
The main features of rope access are:
- The rope access worker works from two ropes – a working rope and a back-up, safety rope – and is permanently attached to both
- Each rope has a separate anchorage point
- In the unlikely event of the working rope becoming damaged or unusable, the safety rope prevents a fall
- To prevent accidental dropping all tools of a suitable weight are attached to the technician at all times; heavier items are independently suspended.
- A minimum of two technicians are required for any job so as to enable mutual surveillance – an extra safety feature
- Rope access technicians receive extensive training and independent assessment and are required to undergo re-training every three years
- Rope access training includes rescue procedures
- All equipment is regularly inspected and well maintained
- Training and operational work is conducted in line with Association Guidelines, wherever in the world it is conducted
- Guidelines have been endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive
