- Application – A rope access system can always be created to reach an ‘inaccessible’ place, whether it is in height or depth.
- Safety – Working at height is safe when conducted according to IRATA and SPRAT guidelines and local legislation. The core safety value within rope access is always having two points of connection. The intent is to always back up and protect against misuse, malfunction or failure of the main support system.
- Certified – IRATA and SPRAT certification systems are backed and certified by Local legislation and regulations such as WSBC part 34. And courses are known to be thorough and rigorous creating highly skilled and knowledgeable technicians.
- Flexibility – Systems are created using a combination of simple devices that are compatible and interchangeable. This allows easy adjustment and adaptation to the needs of the access, site and scope.
- Speed – A rope access system can be quickly constructed and dismantled, as well as can be made in unison with the labour and task work. This creates a highly efficient cost-saving workflow.
- Surrounds and Space – Compared to other methods rope access takes up very little space and can be adapted around obstructions. It doesn’t pose a significant disruption to a work site and can be made to fit.
- Environmental impact – Rope methods are considered environmentally friendly because they don’t require the transportation of large machinery, create no pollutants from fuels and chemicals, allow people to reach worksite locations without clearing or adapting land and are visually unobtrusive.
- Reduced Labor – The people who build the access systems also the labor and will complete the scope reducing time loss due to trade swapping and scheduling issues.
- Simple equipment – Less can go wrong as Rope access systems and equipment are fundamentally simpler than powered, motorized and engineered equipment. Mobilization and rigging of powered equipment is more complicated, presenting greater potential for human error and/or equipment failure. failures can also occur in the mechanical or electrical systems causing the need for external rescue or repair with large amounts of lost time and production
Pros & Cons, or the misconceptions of the Rope Access System
Pros of the Rope Access System
Cons of Rope Access and how to overcome them
- Perception – Many companies still feel wary about it because they have a perception that it is dangerous.
History and analysis show rope access has a better safety and incident record than most in the Construction and Industrial sectors. With constant efforts to address shortcomings through required technician re-certification training & assessment safety and risk management are at the core of rope access.
- Equipment limits – Ropes do not allow access to every single area where a person might need to go for work.
Rope Systems are limited, but we are not limited to rope access alone. The use of other working at height methods are trained and integral to a complete solution for site and Scope. Examples of Integration are elements such as platforms that can be suspended from rope systems or structures as a means for easier access and task completion.
- Fatigue – Working on ropes limits the ability of a person to do certain types of maintenance work, making some kinds of more intensive work impossible.
Fatigue is a constant when it comes to manual labour. But as you do on the ground management can come in many forms. An appropriate plan, crew size and selection of equipment negate most issues. As well, rigging of tools and equipment can be easily achieved to eliminate the load on the worker.
- Directional limitations – Rope access systems are not powered, which means that they only allow a technician to go down, and not back up.
Rope Access Technicians have the ability to climb to ascend ropes using mechanical devices so this is no limitation. Currently, there are a wide variety of powered ascending devices available so fatigue can be reduced when ascending. - Little room for tools – Tools used with rope access are typically those that can fit in a bucket, while powered platforms typically have sufficient space for many and/or larger tools, including power tools.
Buckets get pretty big these days. But jokes aside, all equipment can be suspended, be it on the technician’s system or a separate system allowing for positioning, control and easy access. - Less flexibility regarding who can use the system – Rope access systems are difficult to impossible for less experienced personnel to use. Only specially trained staff members are permitted to perform the investigation.
True only trained Rope Technicians can be in control of their system. However, systems can be created for use by personnel trained to use other more traditional working at height techniques. Or completely passive forms or access can be set up allowing access by untrained users with complete safety access and ability retained.
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