Rope access definition: Rope access is a safe and efficient work-at-height technique that uses ropes, harnesses and other specialist equipment to access difficult to reach areas.
Rope access techniques were originally developed from techniques used in climbing and caving, whereby practical ropework allows workers to access locations without the need to use scaffolding or an aerial work platform. Workers are usually suspended from a safety harness, allowing them to descend, ascend and traverse a structure while working.
To learn more about the different rope access equipment on offer and which work situations best suit rope access, keep reading this blog!
How Does Rope Access Work?
Rope access technicians are always attached by their safety harness to a twin-rope system: one ‘working line’ for movement and one ‘safety line’ for backup. This ensures that the worker has continuous fall protection and is complying with safety standards like ISO 22846, which mandates double protection for workers at height.
The key principle for rope access work is maintaining these two points of attachment at all times. Both ropes should be anchored separately to secure, load-tested structures. Technicians can then use ascenders and descenders to control the ropes and move around the worksite.
When Is Rope Access Equipment Used?
Rope access equipment can be used for a wide range of different tasks, including:
- Window cleaning and repairs on high-rise buildings
- Inspecting, cleaning and repairing buildings
- Roof inspections and repairs
- Gutter maintenance
- Industrial work like wind turbine repair and offshore platform work
- Geotechnical surveys on rock faces
- Adding bird proofing to buildings
What Risks Are Associated With Rope Access Work?
All work at height has a level of risk, so rope access work is no different. Before completing any rope access work, make sure you are aware of the following risks:
- Equipment Failure: One key risk associated with rope access work is the failure of anchor points, ropes or harnesses. This can happen due to improper installation, inadequate inspection or from using damaged gear.
- Falls from Height: All work at height carries the risk of serious falls from height. If workers are poorly trained or the rope access set up is faulty, there is a serious risk of falling from height, which can cause serious injuries and death.
- Dropped Tools and Equipment: All tools and equipment must be secured in order to prevent them from falling. Falling tools can not only damage property below, but also seriously injure and even kill people.
Rope Access Safety Tips
- Avoid work at height where possible. Falls from height are one of the most common causes of workplace fatalities, and therefore you should always avoid doing any work at height that isn’t totally necessary.
- Conduct a thorough risk assessment. Before carrying out any rope access work, make sure you evaluate potential hazards and identify any safety issues.
- Always use equipment made for rope access. Never try to improvise a rope access system using equipment that isn’t specially designed for rope access.
- Have a rescue plan in place. Always have a detailed rescue plan and all necessary equipment ready, just in case anything goes wrong.
- Ensure all equipment is inspected before use. Inspecting all equipment for any damages before use can reduce the risks of equipment failure.
- Make sure everyone involved is appropriately trained. Only properly trained and certified technicians should be carrying out rope access work.
At Safety Harness Direct, we stock a wide range of rope access gear and equipment.
Simply use the button below to browse our collection or get in touch with us today and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Browse Rope Access Equipment
