A Basic Guide On Industrial Rope Access

With high-rise buildings and complex, contemporary structures becoming the norm, it is mandatory to find a workforce that can help you in keeping these structures shining and gleaming forever. In order to do so, it is important to ensure that all the right materials are used by the workers and care is taken to ensure that the work and the equipment used fall under the safety guidelines. Industrial Rope Access is one such safety measure which is extremely essential. Here is a basic guide on what is rope access, why is a rope access training required, why one should get trained, what are the uses of rope access, and more. 

What Is Rope Access?

Rope access is basically a kind of work positioning that helps workers to maintain and inspect buildings and areas which are hard-to-reach. The main accessory is of course a rope and the techniques used are similar to the techniques used in climbing and caving. These are primarily used in areas where one cannot use a ladder, scaffold, aerial work platform, etc. It is more cost-effective than using scaffold or mechanical platforms. Some of the major advantages of using rope access include:

1. Less time to set-up the equipment

2. Quick mobilisation

3. Minimal disruption while working

4. Reduction in carbon footprints while doing maintenance work

Uses Of Rope Access

There are a number of uses for rope access. The most common uses are:

1. Maintenance

2. Construction

3. Inspection

4. Civil engineering

5. Surveying

6. Non-destructive testing

7. Cleaning

8. Painting

9. Welding

The workers use rope access to harness themselves so that they can ascend or descend the structures and perform their work. The rope access is mainly used to provide fall protection and it also contains a back-up system which is used in case the primary support measure doesn’t work. It basically involves two ropes – a safety line and a working line.

Rope Access Training

Workers who are involved in these kinds of jobs should undergo rope access training. It is extremely useful for them to gain jobs as well, both onshore and offshore, if they are rope access training certified. In this training, the workers are trained to ensure that they are fit and strong enough and possess the required skills to do the job successfully. This rope access training has to adhere to the rules and regulations set up by the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA).

What Is IRATA?

The Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) is a trade association which outlines mandatory rules and policies related to rope access and working at heights. They are responsible for introducing the International Code of Practice which needs to be adhered by all the companies providing Industrial Rope Access training.

The IRATA is responsible for:

1. Promoting and maintaining high standards of rope access training

2. Ensuring that the training activities include factors such as safety and quality of work

3. Providing direction about the various IRATA training and certifications

4. Publishing work on topics such as training, ideal working practice, safety, etc.

Since the time IRATA has been formed, the association, along with its member companies, has ensured that:

1. They improve the industry’s safety

2. Outline a standard set of rules and guidelines

3. List down all the training requirements

It is absolutely essential for companies that provide services such as working at heights, to ensure that their workers are certified in industrial rope access, as they will not only guarantee good and quality work but will also boost up the confidence of your clients. Industrial rope access is an efficient way to supervise and maintain hard-to-reach areas. It is one of the most flexible and cost-efficient methods as well.