Product category:
Slip, trip and fall protection
News Release from: The Access Group | Subject: Industrial rope access
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 01 September 2005
Rope access is safe option for working
at height
Since its introduction some 25 years ago, industrial rope access has firmly established itself as one of the most popular - and safest - approaches to working at height.
Since its introduction some 25 years ago, industrial rope access has firmly established itself as one of the most popular approaches to working at height Kate York of working at height specialist and IRATA-certified training organisation The Access Group, explains the benefits of hanging around
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 8 Jul 2005 at 8.00am (UK)
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"At a time when the emphasis on safe working at height is greater than ever, it is refreshing that one of the most popular and safest solutions is still relatively simple and devoid of complex mechanical issues, expensive upgrades and multi-team or multi-disciplinary expertise.
"Of course, industrial rope access is not suitable for all working-at-height requirements, but the scope for its use is impressive.
"From commercial to residential developments, entertainment venues to national landmarks and the offshore industry, industrial rope access provides a clear and concise option that avoids the need for ladders, powered access equipment, scaffolding, cradles, time-consuming set-up and security-threatening overnight structures and equipment.
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"Instead, rope access represents an effective solution for a huge range of tasks, from important construction, inspection and remedial work, to non-destructive testing (NDT), engineering and installation work.
"Nowhere is this more so than in an offshore environment, where ease and speed of access are essential and space is often at a premium.
"Operating offshore, the use of scaffolding is feasible but, in the case of complex NDT work, one of the two cranes usually sited on a platform would need to be isolated, thus raising potential logistic and operational problems.
"In comparison, an NDT-qualified three-man rope access team can use the crane structure as their means of access, moving off equipment quickly when required.
"No matter where or what the job, or the difficulty of access, a small team can be mobilised at short notice to carry out the work.
"And as the equipment is lightweight and can be transported by hand, it can be easily transferred, ensuring everything from general and close visual inspections to photographic surveys, ultrasonics and corrosion monitoring on the likes of towers, drilling derricks, splashzones, legs, jack-houses and pontoons can be carried out with relative ease.
"While the IRATA training of rope access operatives, which we carry out at our Mowbray Street training centre, incorporates a thorough grounding in rescue procedures, in practice these are rarely required.
"Rope access workers create and/or test their own anchor points, bring their own equipment to the work site and check it for themselves.
"As a result, they know they are in control of their own work positioning without recourse to powered equipment or a metal structure that is, or has been, in the hands of others.
"In addition, workers ascending or descending static ropes do so through their own physical efforts rather than being lifted or lowered by mechanical means, and so the potential adverse consequences of the failure of motorised equipment, damage to the climbing structure or to the person while operating such equipment are eliminated.
"Admittedly, when a work solution has such little reliance on mechanical technology, some scepticism is bound to exist.
"The most natural comment when seeing technicians working from ropes at great height is, 'but isn't it dangerous?' - the answer, of course, is no; its track record, standards of excellence and codes of practice on health and safety are superb, so much so that it has made significant advances in relation to the governing of industry.
"While most related industries are governed, or at least overseen, by the manufacturers working in the field, the rope access trade is actually administered by the companies who undertake the work - a situation that helps promote a continuous improvement in standards.
"It is this self-governance and focus on safety that allows the industry to make its proudest claim - not one death on ropes has occurred since safety records began 15-years ago.
"Talk about the benefits of hanging around!" For further information on The Access Group, visit the company's website.
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