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{{short description|Form of industrial climbing}}
'''Rope access''' is a form of work positioning, initially developed from techniques used in [[climbing]] and [[caving]], which applies practical [[ropework]] to allow workers to access difficult-to-reach locations without the use of [[scaffolding]], [[cradle]]s or [[mobile elevated work platform]]s MEWPs. Many companies worldwide can supply workers such as inspectors, window cleaners, welders, painters and cleaners who are trained in these techniques.
{{Multiple image|perrow=2|total_width=300 | header=Forms of rope access

| image1=Rope access window cleaning of Portside Tower in Cape Town.jpg|caption1=[[Window cleaner|Window cleaning]] [[Portside Tower]]
⚫
[[Image:Spasskaya Uhrmacher.jpg|thumb|Rope access to a [[turret clock]]]]
| image2=Viuna jackup .jpg|caption2=Repairing on oil platforms and rigs in Iran
The industry is characterised by rigorous adherence to the several key safety characteristics which include such criteria as:
⚫
| image3=Spasskaya Uhrmacher.jpg|caption3=Cleaning a [[turret clock|clock]]
* When working a rope access technician always has at least 2 attachments, each having an independent anchorage point.
| image4=Technicien cordiste purge.JPG|caption4=Carrying out maintenance work on the facade of a building}}
* When the worker is supported by ropes, each of the worker's ropes will have a fail-safe descent mechanism.
'''Rope access''' or '''industrial climbing''' or '''commercial climbing''', is a form of work positioning, initially developed from techniques used in [[climbing]] and [[caving]], which applies practical [[ropework]] to allow workers to access difficult-to-reach locations without the use of [[scaffolding]], cradles or an [[aerial work platform]]. '''Rope access technicians''' descend, ascend, and traverse ropes for access and work while suspended by their harnesses. Sometimes a work seat may be used. The support of the rope is intended to eliminate the likelihood of a fall altogether, but a backup fall arrest system ([[Personal protective equipment]]) 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rope Access {{!}} SPRAT|url=https://sprat.org/rope-access/|access-date=2021-04-23|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=What is Rope Access {{!}} IRATA International|url=https://www.irata.org/page/what-is-rope-access|access-date=2021-04-23|website=www.irata.org}}</ref>
* All secondary tools and equipment (e.g. [[drill]]s, [[sealant]], etc.) are attached by [[lanyard]]s to the worker's [[safety harness|harness]] to avoid danger to people below.
* A minimum of two trained technicians are required for any job, each with the ability to rescue the other if needed.
* All technicians are independently assessed.
* All equipment is regularly inspected and maintained.
* Carefully refined codes of practice and working systems are used.

This approach has meant very [http://irata.org/health_and_safety.htm#03 few accidents] since the beginning of this activity around 1980s.

==Typical Applications==
Typical applications include:
* Inspection, painting and light construction on offshore [[oil platform]]s
* Window cleaning, repair and aircraft warning light maintenance on high-rise buildings
* Maintenance on aerials, telecommunication and electrical transmission towers (pylons)
* Construction assist on stadiums, spires, and other unique shape structures
* Rock stabilisation on cliff faces above roadways
* Inspection, documentation and access to large building façades



<gallery>
Image:1033race.jpg| Rope Access technician painting a building

</gallery>



==See also==
*[[Fixed rope]]


== References ==
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
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*[http://ataltus.com/rope-access/rope-access-overview.asp Ataltus] - Overview of equipment used in Rope Access
*[http://www.irata.org IRATA International] - Industrial Rope Access Trade Association
*[http://www.irata.org IRATA International] - Industrial Rope Access Trade Association
*[https://irata.org/publications#collapse110 IRATA International Code of Practice (ICOP)]
*[http://www.sprat.org SPRAT] - Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians
*[http://www.rigg-access.com Rigg-Access] - Useful source for information on Rope Access, employment, and career advice.
*[https://sprat.org/ SPRAT - The Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians]
*[https://sprat.org/publications/ SPRAT Safe Practices for Rope Access Work]
*[http://www.dragonsafetysystems.com/remote_access_videos.asp] videos of industrial rope access
*[http://www.rope-access-photos.com Rope Access Photos] - Spectacular Rope Access photos
*[https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:std:iso:22846:-1:ed-1:v1:en ISO 22846 - International Standard for Rope Access]
*[http://www.totalaccess.co.uk/Training/IRATA/guidelines International Guidance Documents on the use of Rope Access]


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[[de:Seilunterstützte Zugangstechniken]]
[[fr:Cordiste]]
[[hr:Industrijski alpinizam]]
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[[pl:Alpinizm przemysłowy]]
[[ru:Промышленный альпинизм]]
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Latest revision as of 09:42, 21 July 2024

Forms of rope access
Window cleaning Portside Tower
Repairing on oil platforms and rigs in Iran
Cleaning a clock
Carrying out maintenance work on the facade of a building

Rope access or industrial climbing or commercial climbing, is a form of work positioning, initially developed from techniques used in climbing and caving, which applies practical ropework to allow workers to access difficult-to-reach locations without the use of scaffolding, cradles or an aerial work platform. Rope access technicians descend, ascend, and traverse ropes for access and work while suspended by their harnesses. Sometimes a work seat may be used. The support of the rope is intended to eliminate the likelihood of a fall altogether, but a backup fall arrest system (Personal protective equipment) 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.[1][2]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Rope Access | SPRAT". Retrieved 2021-04-23.
  2. ^ "What is Rope Access | IRATA International". www.irata.org. Retrieved 2021-04-23.
[edit]
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