Rope Access

Industrial Rope Access Solutions

Rope Access is a method of achieving a safe work position whilst working at height or working in or around areas with difficult access.

Rope Access was initially developed from techniques used in caving and adapted for the use of simple, safe and adaptable means of access whilst working at height.

The first Industrial use of Rope Access was for the inspection and maintenance of the offshore oil and gas platforms in the North Sea.

As Rope Access became more acceptable  as a safe offshore access solution, the onshore Industry also became conscious of a need for rope access solutions. Undertaking all manner of work from high level window and facade cleaning, maintenance, installations and repairs, to geotechnical and inspection work, Rope access is now a popular Industry standard solution and has been used on some of the world's most iconic structures.

IRATA International (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) is the only worldwide association in the sector and was formed in the late 1980's , as the result of an initiative by a number of leading companies involved in industrial rope access techniques, to provide a safe working environment for the industry.

Rope Access techniques in operation:

• 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.
• all teams are required to be self-sufficient in terms of rescue with one technician always being suitably qualified to supervise. A minimum of two technicians are required for any one job so that one can rescue the other if necessary. If two technicians might be required for a rescue then the minimum team number would be three.
• 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
• these Guidelines have been endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive

TOTAL ACCESS ROPE ACCESS SOLUTIONS

We are UK's leading provider of Height Safety Support Services and deliver first class Rope Access Training, Operational and Technical services across many Industry sectors. We have over 16 years of unrivalled experience in providing safe, quality Rope Access solutions to difficult access problems.

If you would like any further information on our Rope Access Services or you have an access problem and need help, please contact us on 01785 850333 or email sales@totalaccess.co.uk for a free none obligatory chat or consultation.