Rope Access Certification Scheme and Requirements

SPRAT was established in the mid-90s to address the needs of a growing number of companies and operators employing rope access techniques in North America. While various forms of rope access had been used in industry for decades, the development of modern rope access systems collided with the growth of industries that provided conventional means of access such as scaffolding and swing-stages.

SPRAT’s mission is to advance the safe use of rope access through education, standards development, and administering certifications. Currently, SPRAT supports companies and technicians using rope access with regulatory support, networking, and opportunities to participate in developing industry-consensus standards.

IRATA was formed in the UK in the late 1980’s, to solve maintenance challenges in the offshore oil and gas industry. Its formation was the result of an initiative of several leading companies, who had begun to use industrial rope access techniques, to provide a safe working environment for the industry.

The rope access technique developed by IRATA is used in a wide range of repair, maintenance, inspection and access work.

Rope access methodology boasts an unrivalled safety record, short set-up and dismantling time, positive environmental benefits and removes the need for invasive access equipment or disruption to a work site.

IRATA directs and regulates, through its members, the training of all workers seeking its qualifications. These member companies provide training, operational services, or both.

Rope access was formed by governing bodies from within the industries they serve. This is common as it ensures the best fit for the task, but during the creation of rope access, it still had to adhere to the local government legislation.

This had a positive effect as when creating and using the new systems they had to meet all minimum requirements for the legislation and regulation.

Rope access far exceeded the requirements for safety and in turn, it became recognized by Legislation in many countries, states and provinces and is the new minimum standard for safety when suspended via rope.

Part 34 of the WSBC Regulations, is Solely used for Rope Access and it uses. Contents include:

  34.1 Definitions
  34.2 Scope of application
  34.3 Rope access plan
  34.4 Training and certification
  34.5 Safe work practices
  34.6 Two-rope system
  34.7 Personal log
  34.8 Rescue
  34.9 Equipment
  34.10 Inspection and maintenance
  34.11 Anchors and anchorages
  34.12 Permanent anchors
  34.13 Temporary anchors
  34.14 Safety headgear
  34.15 Maximum arrest force, clearance
  34.16 Removal from service
  Schedule 34-A Standards for Equipment Used in Rope Access Systems

This part provides definitions, outlines obligations, certifications and references standards applicable when designing, assembling and using ropes as a fall protection system. For a greater definition see the Scope below.

34.2 Scope of application

• (1)     Subject to subsection (2), this Part applies to the use of rope access in a workplace.
  • (2) This Part does not apply to the following:
    • (a) scaling operations described in sections 20.96 to 20.101;
      • (a.1) a qualified arborist or a trainee arborist, as defined in section 26.1;
    • (b) a climber, as defined in section 26.7.1(1);
    • (c) firefighters and firefighting activities under Part 31;
    • (d) evacuation and rescue, and training in such procedures, under Part 32.
• (2)     The use of rope access in a workplace is subject to section 11.2
  (Link 34.2 Scope of Application – Part 34 Rope Access)

Within the two certification schemes is a common division being; levels 1, 2 and 3. They are trained and assessed over a minimum of 4 days with a 5th day of assessment administered by An Assessors certified by the governing bodies. A supervisor’s accreditations is common and it is a company-provided and certified designation.

This is a rope access Technician who can perform a specified range of rope access tasks under the supervision of a rope access supervisor. They are:

• a) able to understand and follow the rope access procedures, method statements and associated risk assessments;
• b) responsible for pre-use checks of his/her rope access equipment;
• c) able to assist in rigging and other operations, under the guidance of a higher grade;
• d) able to undertake a simple rescue in descent, and assist in rescue operations.

This is an experienced rope access Technician who can perform more complex tasks under the supervision of a Level 3 rope access safety supervisor. They are:

• a) able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required of Level 1;
• b) capable of more complex rigging, including re-anchors, deviations and tensioned lines;
• c) able to undertake rescues from a variety of situations;
• d) able to assemble and implement hauling systems.

This is a highly experienced rope access Technician who is responsible for understanding and implementing the rope access procedures, method statements and associated risk assessments, and:

• a) can demonstrate the skills and knowledge required of Levels 1 and 2;
• b) understands the elements and principles of IRATA’s safe system of work;
• c) is conversant with relevant work techniques and legislation;
• d) has an extensive knowledge of advanced rope access rigging and rescue techniques;
• e) holds an appropriate and current first-aid certificate.

Being Certified as a Level 3 Rope access technician does not automatically grant Supervisor status. These should be seen as different skill groups that require their training and competencies. The onus, no matter the certification level is on the company to evaluate this and endorse a technician’s supervisor status.

Progression through the levels requires logged and verified hours.

Logging is done through a log book or digitally as defined by the governing bodies.

These entries are subsequently verified by the supervisor on site.

The equipment used Differs from commonly found height safety equipment. It is also commonly thought that you can use recreational climbing or mountaineering equipment which is not the care.

The equipment used in rope access is designed and certified around its own sets of standards for industrial use.

Training is done on the inspection, care and use of such equipment ensuring all users understand the abilities and hazards associated.

The list below from WorkSafe BC of the recognized equipment standards for use in rope access. How this differs from regular fall protection is the inclusion of European Standards (EN) as well as the ability to tie knots in ropes rather than relying on pre-engineered terminations.

Schedule 34-A
Standards for Equipment Used in Rope Access Systems