Rope access is a form of work positioning, initially developed from techniques used in climbing and caving, which applies practical manoeuvers to allow workers to access difficult-to-reach locations without the use of scaffolding, cradles, or MEWPs.
Rope access technicians descend, ascend, and traverse ropes for access and work while suspended by their harness. The support of the rope is intended to eliminate the likelihood of a fall altogether, but a separate back-up fall arrest system is used in case of the unlikely failure of the primary means of support. This redundancy system is usually achieved by using two ropes – a working line and a safety line.
The most common applications for modern rope access include inspection, surveying, maintenance, and construction on bridges, dams, wind turbines, towers, buildings, and industrial plants. While maintenance is the most common application, painting, welding, inspection and heavy material handling can be accomplished by rope access professionals using specialised procedures. The industry adheres to safety characteristics including:
Using IRATA-trained rope access technicians ensures that all work at height is carried out with the highest levels of safety, skill, and professionalism. These technicians complete comprehensive training and assessment to develop the advanced capabilities required for complex access and positioning tasks. Their expertise not only minimises on-site risk but also improves overall efficiency. Thanks to this proven approach—combined with IRATA’s structured, safety-focused system—rope access has maintained an exceptional safety record since its introduction in the 1980s, often providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional access methods like scaffolding.
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