What is Rope Access? | Benefits | Who Uses it | Training & Courses

What is Rope Access?
Simply put, it’s the answer to these questions...

Rope access is a system used to reach remote or high angle areas for work such as inspections and repairs of buildings, bridges or dams, cleaning, painting, window washing, installing anchor systems, installing signs or banners and many other tasks. (click here for uses of rope access.) And, rope access systems are more economical than traditional methods of executing high angle tasks.

Recognized as a safe work technique for more than twenty years, rope access is modeled after systems used in rock climbing and caving. Rope access employs the use of ropes and specialized hardware to access remote locations and to carry out the work required.

Rope access technicians use a two rope system – the first rope serves as the main support system / working line and the second acts as a safety / fall restraint line. When rope access systems are assembled to support workers, each worker’s line will have a fail-safe descent mechanism.

Safety First
Sure, anyone can purchase ropes and hardware... that’s why it’s vital to check a company’s credentials when considering a hi-angle project. Our technicians are certified by the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) – the most prestigious certification available. Internationally, IRATA is recognized as a leader in the rope access industry.

After undergoing a rigorous training program, each technician is individually assessed by a third party IRATA assessor. Technicians receive certification only after demonstrating their ability to perform rope access techniques in a safe and professional manner under a variety of conditions, including those that simulate harsh environments and worst case scenarios such as rescue situations. All of our rope access systems are in full compliance with international standards, for more in-depth information visit www.irata.org.

Benefits of Rope Access
Rope access gets the job done using fewer resources (human & financial) while providing a safe environment …what’s not to like about that?

It’s more economical
The bottom line… rope access saves on two precious commodities: time & money. Budgets can swell quickly when factoring in the cost of accessing remote areas. Since rope access systems require less manpower and equipment to install, they reduce the overall cost of your project.

It’s flexible
Some locations seem impossible to reach without wiping out the budget. But rope access systems are designed specifically to meet the needs of each individual project and can allow access to the most remote locations faster and while using less of the budget than its traditional counterpart.

Rope access systems will not disrupt daily business surrounding the work site. And since there are no bulky structures blocking emergency exits or entrances to the building or work site, these systems eliminate the risk of infringing on insurance coverage stipulations while your project is underway.

It’s safer
Utilizing rope access exposes fewer people to the “work at height” situation. And, unlike scaffolding or other traditional methods, rope access lessens the security threat to the work area.

Rigging Technologies can provide an IRATA certified technician to oversee your project - ensuring that the safest systems are in place and are being used correctly while your team executes the work at hand. Whether it’s a bridge, dam or building project, we can create a system to enable workers to perform their jobs in a safe, efficient and more economical manner.

As onsite project consultants, while overseeing your project you can feel comfortable knowing that Rig Tech’s rope access technicians are trained in high angle rescue situations. RigTech’s rope access technicians are like added insurance for the success of your project.

Who Uses Rope Access?
Rig Tech is available for consultation, on-site project management and to provide rope access training for your crew, so they can perform the job while utilizing a safe rope access system. If you have a high-angle project that does not appear on this list, please contact us and we can design a system to meet your needs.

Rope access systems can by or applied to any of the following projects:

Rope Access Training and Courses
Rigging Technologies can provide training and support for your third-party service companies so that you too can apply the most cost-effective, fast and flexible rope access techniques to your next project. Below is a list of our up-coming courses, which can be specially designed to train your team.

For a list of our rope access courses, click here.