Understanding the work-scope in context

Every rope access project is unique, not only in its objectives but also in the environment in which it takes place. A pre-start site visit allows us to fully understand the work-scope within the specific context of your site. This includes evaluating both the technical requirements of the job and the physical layout and conditions of the location.

Key benefits of this assessment include:

• Determining whether rope access is the most effective and efficient method for the job.
• Customising our approach to the unique challenges presented by the site.

By conducting this visit, we avoid assumptions that could lead to delays or inefficiencies later. Instead, we approach each project with a clear, tailored plan that takes all variables into account.

Site-specific hazard evaluation

Safety is always our top priority. During the pre-start site visit, we thoroughly evaluate potential hazards that could affect the safety of our team or others. Every site presents its own set of risks, and these need to be identified and mitigated before any work begins.

Some of the key hazards we assess include:

• Site-specific risks: Structural weaknesses, obstructed areas, Radio Frequency hazards from antennas, or proximity to other active work zones.
• Availability of anchors: We assess whether existing anchors are adequate for our rope systems or if we need to install permanent or temporary anchors.
• Safe access and exit routes: We carefully plan how our teams can safely access and exit the work areas to minimise risks.
• Falling debris: We identify potential areas where falling objects could pose a threat and establish a plan to remove them and create exclusion zones to mitigate these hazards.

Environmental factors

Another important part of the pre-start site visit is evaluating environmental factors that could impact the operation, such as weather conditions, temperature extremes, or the proximity of hazardous materials. These factors significantly influence how we approach the job and determine the necessary precautions.

Rescue readiness

Rescue procedures are a fundamental aspect of rope access planning. During the pre-start visit, we verify that rescue operations can be swiftly and effectively implemented if required. We ensure that all the necessary plans and equipment are in place for a fast and effective response should an emergency arise.

Third-party protection

It’s not just the rope access technicians who need to be protected—third-party safety is also a crucial consideration during any rope access job. Whether it’s site personnel, contractors, or the public, those in or around the worksite must be safeguarded from potential risks. During the pre-start visit, we develop plans for exclusion zones and other safety measures to ensure non-involved individuals are protected from falling objects or unauthorised entry into hazardous areas.

The process industry footprint: Maximising every square metre

Process industries, including sectors like oil and gas, petrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals, are defined by complex infrastructures and tightly packed sites. Every square metre of a facility’s footprint is optimised for production, leaving little room for bulky access solutions like scaffolding or MEWPs. This compact layout makes traditional access methods not only challenging but sometimes impossible.

Rope access, however, requires minimal equipment that can be quickly installed and removed, even in restricted and confined spaces. Workers are suspended from ropes, allowing them to reach virtually any part of the structure without taking up valuable ground space. This flexibility is invaluable in environments where operational areas are already crowded with essential machinery, pipework, and equipment.

Speed and efficiency: Reducing downtime to boost productivity

In process industries, every hour of downtime leads to significant losses issues, not only in revenue loss, but also in production backlogs and project delays. Traditional access methods like scaffolding often take days or even weeks to set up and dismantle, prolonging shutdown periods and hampering overall productivity.

In contrast, industrial rope access offers a faster solution. Setup is quick, often requiring just a fraction of the time needed for scaffolding or powered platforms. Once the work is complete, ropes and equipment can be removed just as swiftly, enabling normal operations to resume with minimal delay. This rapid deployment and teardown are crucial for maintaining the operational efficiency that process industries demand.

Safety first: Why rope access is trusted by professionals

When working at height, safety is a top priority. Industrial rope access is one of the safest methods available, boasting an impressive safety record. According to the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA), rope access has a significantly lower incident rate than other forms of work at height.

This exceptional safety is the result of strict operational guidelines, rigorous training, detailed planning, specialist equipment, and continuous supervision. A major advantage of industrial rope access is the built-in rescue planning and capabilities that come with every team. Unlike traditional access methods, which may require dedicated rescue teams, rope access professionals are fully equipped to handle rescue situations as part of their standard operating procedure.

At the heart of this approach is the presence of an IRATA Level 3 technician on every job. These highly skilled professionals are not only specialists in rope access techniques but are also trained in advanced rescue operations, ensuring a quick response to any incidents. Their training includes rope rescue skills, making them an integral part of the safety plan, reducing response times and minimising risk. This integrated safety approach gives asset managers peace of mind, knowing that a robust and effective rescue plan is always in place.

1. Planning

Effective planning is at the core of safe rope access work. Every project must begin with a well-structured plan, managed by a designated individual, or individuals, with the necessary knowledge, experience, and training.

This includes:

• Pre-work analysis: Assessing whether rope access is the most appropriate method for the task.
• Risk assessment: Identifying potential hazards, evaluating the likelihood and consequences of incidents, and implementing control measures to minimise risks to acceptable levels.
• Safety method statement: Clearly documenting the work procedures before starting, outlining every step and specifying any necessary safety measures.

2. Training and competence

Proper training is critical to the safety and success of any rope access project. Technicians must be trained for the specific rope access techniques they will use, including rescue procedures. Evolve Rope Access only employ technicians who have been trained to the IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) standard. This training follows strict standards set by IRATA, who are the global authority on industrial rope access safety.

Under the IRATA framework, technicians are classified into three levels based on experience and competence. Each technician must:

• Complete extensive hands-on training.
• Be skilled in rescue techniques, with increasing levels of complexity, and demonstrate competence in basic workmate rescue and retrieval.
• Be able to inspect their equipment before use. Any questionable equipment should be removed from service for thorough examination by a competent person.

3. Management and supervision

Effective management and supervision are vital for maintaining safety on a rope access worksite. Managers must be competent in overseeing rope access procedures and have sufficient knowledge to manage the project effectively.

Rope access supervisors must:

• Be skilled in supervisory duties and rope access techniques appropriate to the site and task.
• Be able to identify hazards and assess risks associated with rope access tasks.
• Be capable of organising and executing workmate rescue or retrieval operations.
• Ensure that any potential risks are managed and mitigated throughout the project.

4. Equipment selection and care

Choosing the right equipment is crucial for safe rope access work. All equipment must meet rigorous standards and be able to handle the loads and stresses involved during operations.

Key considerations include:

• Compatibility: Equipment must be compatible with the task and with other gear in use, and capable of withstanding expected loads without failure.
• Intended user: Users of equipment must be trained in it’s use.
• Inspection: Equipment must undergo regular and thorough pre-defined inspections, with records maintained for some of these inspections. Pre-use checks should must be carried out before each task.
• Maintenance: Equipment must be stored and maintained properly, and maintenance records kept up to date.

Safe, well-maintained equipment is fundamental to the success and safety of any rope access project.

5. Work methods and safety measures

The primary safety principle in rope access is redundancy: Maintaining two independent attachments to suitable anchorage. In the unlikely event that one attachment were to fail, the other ensures the technician’s safety.

Other important work method considerations include:

• Connection to the system: Technicians must connect to the rope access system or personal fall protection in an area where there is no risk of a fall.
• Redundancy: Technicians should be secured with two independent attachments via a suitable harness.
• Rope length: Ensure that ropes are long enough to allow technicians to reach a place of safety, and where the ropes don’t reach a place of safety, have suitable knots in the ends to prevent descending off the ends.
• Teamwork: As a minimum, and only if the access and rescue methodology and task allow, rope access teams should consist of at least two members, including one IRATA Level 3 supervisor.
• Communication: A reliable communication system between team members and any other parties involved is essential for safe and efficient operations.
• Rescue planning: A workable rescue plan must be in place for every team member, at every at-height stage of the project.

6. Exclusion zones

Exclusion zones are essential to protect workers and the public from hazards associated with rope access operations. They serve to:

• Prevent falls where technicians must attach to the rope system (e.g., at an unprotected edge).
• Protect against falling objects.
• Keep unauthorised personnel from entering the work area.

Exclusion zones may also protect technicians from exposure to radiation, radio frequency hazards (e.g., from RF antennas), high temperatures, or chemical pollution. Exclusion zones should be established wherever they are needed, and may need to be installed at various levels including: anchor points, intermediate levels, for example balconies, and at ground level below the work area.

7. Emergency procedures

Every rope access site must have clear, site-specific emergency procedures in place. These procedures include having the right equipment and training to conduct workmate rescues quickly and effectively. Technicians should always be positioned to allow for self-rescue or rapid team intervention in an emergency.