What is Industrial Rope Access?

Industrial Rope Access is a proven method of achieving a safe work position at height or in areas of difficult access. It was initially developed from techniques used in caving to answer the need for a simple, safe and adaptable means of access with its first large scale use being for inspections on the oil and gas platforms of the North Sea. As its value as a work solution grew rope access has also developed onshore where it is to be seen undertaking all manner of work from high-rise window and facade cleaning and general maintenance to repair, geotechnical and inspection work on some of the world's most iconic structures.

Through IRATA International - the only worldwide association in the sector - rope access companies have delivered:

• an exemplary safety record based on a commitment to thorough training and diligent operational procedures
• a complete service that usually removes the need for the involvement of the majority of other access machinery or work equipment
• a minimal environmental footprint and the ability to work without disrupting public access or other work nearby

The main features of rope access in operation are:

• the IRATA rope access worker works from two ropes - a working rope and a back-up, safety rope - and is permanently attached to both
• each rope has a separate anchorage point
• in the unlikely event of the working rope becoming damaged or unusable, the safety rope prevents a fall
• to prevent accidental dropping all tools of a suitable weight are attached to the technician at all times; heavier items are independently suspended.
• a minimum of two technicians are required for any job so as to enable mutual surveillance - an extra safety feature
• all IRATA technicians receive extensive training and independent assessment and are required to undergo re-training every three years
• training includes rescue procedures even though IRATA has an unrivalled record of safe working
• all equipment is regularly inspected and well maintained
• all IRATA training and operational work is conducted in line with Association Guidelines, wherever in the world it is conducted
• these Guidelines have been endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive

Where is industrial rope access used?

There are five main areas of work undertaken by IRATA rope access companies:

Inspection/Testing of Structures
Structural Surveys
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)

Various Maintenance and Repair, including
Localised Concrete Repair
Sealant Installation and Re-instatement 
Secondary Fixings
Replacement Cladding and Glazing

Cleaning and Painting
Jet spray, grit blasting and three-tool method
Spray Painting
Rollerbrush Paining
Full surface Preparation

Facilities Management Building Services
General Window Cleaning
Glazing Inspection Replacement and Repair
Services Repair Fitting and Maintenance
Pest Control
Façade Survey, Coating, inspection and maintenance
Banner and Sign Erection

Geotechnical/Civil Engineering
Permanent Rock Anchorage
Soil Nailing
Sprayed Concrete
Rockfall Prevention Meshing
Pressure Pointing

The benefits of using IRATA rope access

The certainty of safe working and a single point of contact - IRATA teams provide both the safe means of access and undertake the work.

Rapid set-up and dismantling, minimal disruption to building occupants, pedestrians and traffic flow.

No security risk on site with all equipment removed overnight and no structure that might allow criminal use or vandalism.

The assurance that comes from employing a well-trained and supervised work force operating to effective and proven guidelines.