What is Industrial Rope Access?
Industrial Rope Access is a proven method of achieving a safe work position at height or in areas of difficult access. It was initially 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 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 and facade cleaning and general maintenance to repair, geotechnical and inspection work on some of the world's most iconic structures.
Through IRATA International - the only worldwide association in the sector - rope access companies have delivered:
- An exemplary safety record based on a commitment to thorough training and diligent operational procedures
- A complete service that usually removes the need for the involvement of the majority of other access machinery or work equipment
- A minimal environmental footprint and the ability to work without disrupting public access or other work nearby
The main features of rope access in operation are:
- The IRATA 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
- All IRATA technicians receive extensive training and independent assessment and are required to undergo re-training every three years
- Training includes rescue procedures even though IRATA has an unrivalled record of safe working
- All equipment is regularly inspected and well maintained
- All IRATA training and operational work is conducted in line with Association Guidelines, wherever in the world it is conducted
