Guidelines
Guidelines on the use of rope access methods for industrial purposes. Compiled using the experience of established rope access contractors in co-operation with the Health and Safety Executive. The fully indexed document recommends known good working practice and covers: General principles and Methods for a safe and effective system of work using rope access: Selection, training and supervision of workers; Selection, certification and traceability, inspection and care and maintenance of equipment; Legislation and references. The use of IRATA's Guidelines has been commended by the HSE.
International Guidelines on the use of rope access methods for industrial purposes. Published to provide an operational basis for industrial rope access worldwide, this document is a distillation of the current UK IRATA Guidelines book, with references to UK laws and regulation removed. The fully indexed document recommends known good working practice and covers: General principles and Methods for a safe and effective system of work using rope access: Selection, training and supervision of workers; Selection, certification and traceability, inspection and care and maintenance of equipment; Legislation and references.
Downloads
HSE's 5 steps to risk assessment - leaflet download
HSE's guide to PPE - leaflet download
HSE Working at Height Regulations 2005 - leaflet download
HSE Question and answer brief from the construction industry on the Working at Height Regulations 2005 - download
Shunt Rescue Guide
Date: 11/01/2008
Notice summary: 'TESTS ON BACKUP SYSTEMS UNDER RESCUE LOADS TO REPLICATE RISKS ENCOUNTERED DURING ROUTINE TRAINING' were carried out, during an IRATA Assessors Workshop
The following advice is given even though the situation described below is highly unlikely to occur
SHUNT GUIDANCE
WARNING: If there were working rope failure during a two-person rescue, a shunt is likely to slip many metres if used in a regular way (ie. slack back-up lanyard/approx fall factor 1)
For users of ALL back-up devises [but particularly shunts] the following advice would be helpful: -
It is good practice at all times to minimise slack in the back-up lanyard, but especially during a two-person rescue. Keep the potential fall distance to an absolute minimum by having minimal slack in the back-up lanyard. [January 2008]
