FEATURE SPONSOR
ROPE ACCESS
HARNESSING ROPE ACCESS TO REDUCE ACCIDENTS IN THE WIND SECTOR
The International Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) defines a rope access system as ‘a safe method of working at height, where ropes and associated equipment are used to gain access to and from the work place and to be supported there’. Rope access systems allow workers to quickly access hard- to-reach locations without the use of equipment, such as scaffolding, cradles or an aerial work platform, that could impact operations in the surrounding area.
Rope access is therefore useful in helping workers gain entry to elevated locations or isolated equipment in the renewable energy sector. Common modern rope access applications include inspection, surveying, maintenance, and the construction of wind turbines and towers.
TYPICAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDES… • Climbing helmet – to protect the skull against falling debris or impact
• Anchorage point / Anchorage connector
• Body wear – 2 or 3 point full body harness
• Intermediate attachment – static line with rope grab and static rope with ascenders and controlled descent devices
All equipment must adhere to the EN 12841:2006 standard for personal fall protection equipment.
TRAINING
Working at height or in locations that present difficult or limited access requires both skill and practical training. IRATA International has an independent, formal training and certification scheme that all rope access technicians must complete.
The technical grades range from one to three; with those at the higher level able to work without supervision. The training covers rigging, rescue and rope access skills, as well as relevant legislation and compliance. IRATA also has a policy whereby member companies must submit all accident, incident and near miss occurrences.
This highlights any accident trends and assists in the improvement of equipment and working procedures.
GLOBAL WIND ORGANISATION (GWO) Workers in the renewable wind energy sector can also turn to the GWO for specific information on standards and best practice. The GWO is a non-profit organisation, comprised of wind turbine owners and wind turbine manufacturers, that strives for an injury-free work environment.
The organisation developed a basic safety training standard that includes training on first aid, manual handling, fire awareness, working at height and sea survival. The GWO hopes that by developing common industry training and best practice procedures, it will reduce risks for personnel in the wind industry working on site.
Arco Training and Consultancy offers general training on the dangers of working at height, control measures, equipment and care, whilst its partner vendors, who are all IRATA and GWO certified, can also offer specific working at height safety courses.
Arco
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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