FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is Rope Access?
"Rope Access" describes a variety of advanced access techniques where ropes and specialized equipment are used as the primary method for providing access and support to technicians in their jobs at high or difficult access locations. Abseiling (rappelling or descending), ascending, aid climb, through rebelays are the most common types of access manoeuvres in the system. The rope access system allows operatives / technicians to gain access to otherwise inaccessible locations as a safer and more efficient solution. Modern rope access system was developed mainly from the ropework techniques in caving SRT (Single Rope Technique) and has been modified into a Double Rope System in order to target the needs for high angled operations in the vertical environment. Rope access is not a type of sport activity, instead, it is a set of applied skill used for high angled work and rescue operations in the vertical environment / difficult access locations.
Standards and Code of Practices for Rope Access:
● BS 7985:2002 Code of Practice for the Use of Rope Access Methods for Industrial Purposes
● IRATA International Code of Practice (ICOP)
● ISO 22846-1 Personal Equipment for Protection Against Falls - Rope Access Systems -
Part 1:Fundamental Principles for a System of Work (Draft)
● ISO 22846-2 Personal Equipment for Protection Against Falls - Rope Access Systems -
Part 2: Code of Practice (Draft) - What are the benefits of rope access?
There are many benefits for rope access. Unlike traditional access methods, custom rope access solutions can be designed to fit various applications. Among other benefits, rope access is:
Versatile - rope access professionals can apply the techniques to a wide variety of environments, from confined-space penstocks to tower structures to complicated steel installations.
Cost-effective - rope access is very economical. Because fewer personnel can accomplish faster completion it means minimal downtime which effectively means lower costs.
Efficient - rope access systems are installed and dismantled quickly and require fewer personnel than traditional access methods. Less interference with other facility operations means less disruptions and minimized downtime.
Environmentally friendly - rope access techniques and equipment has minimal effect on the surrounding environment compared to traditional access methods.
Safe - independently certified rope access technicians uphold an exceptional safety record which makes it one of the safest jobs in the whole construction industry.
- What are rope access services used for?
Rope access services provide a variety of solutions. With rope access support, technicians can perform visual and photo inspection of buildings, bridges or any high structures.
Subsequently, technicians can use rope access for maintenance of these structures such as painting, leak repair, window glass replacement and many other tasks which require safe and reliable support for the completion of the project.
Rope access services are also used in the film industry to provide support for cameramen and actors. The same is true for photographers.
Furthermore, rope access techniques are used for systems installation such as antennas, transceivers, weather stations...
One of the most common uses for rope access service is banners, decorations and artwork installation.
email: project@dimensionsaccess.com