ROPE ACCESS
FEATURE SPONSOR
INDUSTRIAL ROPE ACCESS
WHAT IS ‘ROPE ACCESS’ Rope access techniques can only be carried out in a reliably safe manner where those undertaking the work are competent, i.e. suitably experienced and trained, particularly in the method(s) of access and equipment that they will actually be using. They must have knowledge of and be able to recognise any limitations of their equipment, in order to avoid misuse. In addition, the work is properly planned, managed and supervised by competent person(s).
HISTORY
Industrial rope access, started in the early to mid-80s using a technique based on a system developed by cavers during the late-60s and 70s. Whilst a safe system it relied on the use of a single rope. A second rope (the ‘back up’) was therefore added, in order to provide a level of security (or ‘fall protection’).
The application of rope access techniques on buildings, etc. transferred naturally to offshore work, where it was used to solve difficult access problems on North Sea oil rigs. In 1987, six companies started the world’s first rope access trade association, the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was involved from the outset and was influential in ensuring that rope access would be a safe system of work. Today, industrial rope access is used for a wide range of work all over the world.
STANDARDS
IRATA International, Code of practice for industrial rope access (September 2013) (ICOP)
Comprising four elements the ICOP - based originally on the IRATA Guidelines4- reflects current best working practices on safe rope access.
BS 7985: 2013
When read in conjunction with BS ISO 22846-1: 2003 and BS ISO 22846-2: 2012, this standard gives practical advice on the duties placed on employers, employees and self-employed people who use specialist rope access methods for work at height, and gives recommendations for good practice. The first edition of BS 7985 was published in 2002 (and revised later, in 2009).
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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk ISO 22846
This comprises two parts: Part 1 (Fundamental principles for a system of work) and Part 2 (Code of practice).
ISO 22846-1gives the fundamental principles for the use of rope access methods for work at height. It is applicable to situations where ropes are used as the primary means of access, egress or support and as the primary means of protection against a fall.
ISO 22846-2 was expands on the fundamental principles outlined in ISO 22846-1 and gives recommendations for: planning and management; operative competence and responsibilities of personnel; supervision; the selection, use and care of equipment; and advice on how to implement a ‘safe system of work’.
EQUIPMENT
Since its inception, industrial rope access has used equipment predominantly designed and manufactured for caving. Initially, with no applicable industrial product standards, equipment was chosen because it provided the minimum level of safety that was considered for the then workforce experienced in caving and climbing. A number of industrial product standards now exist within Europe.
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