Industrial rope access technicians are trained and certified by the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT). These technicians use a two-rope system with the capability to both descend and ascend. Industrial rope access is not the same as rope descent systems or bosun’s chair access. Industrial rope access is specifically excluded from OSHA 1910.27: Walking-Working Surfaces, which limits the use of rope descent systems to 300 feet above grade. Therefore, RDS is able to utilize industrial rope access to inspect any building or other structures at any height.
Industrial rope access is a method of reaching inaccessible places using a system of ropes and pulleys. The rope access technician can use this system to allow maintenance workers, repair professionals and cleaners to reach areas that would otherwise be impossible to access. It’s more than just a simple means of lift service.
We are able to ascend and descend ropes to put technicians in spots that cannot be reached via scaffolding, rope descent or boom lifts. Industrial rope access provides a way to get to buildings and structures that don’t have certified structural points, like many mid-century structures, without the need of modern anchorages. The safety training and rescue methods of Rope Access are more thorough and applicable in many different surroundings compared to RDS. This method of operating at height uses ropes and related equipment to access and exit the working area, and gives support while onsite. The benefits of using rope access systems are mainly in the safety and speed that workers can access or depart from difficult locations to perform their work.
Industrial rope access was developed and perfected by the offshore oil exploration industry for inspecting and maintaining oil rigs. This system does not use motorized components and includes two-line rope anchors for secure job positioning. In comparison to conventional methods, industrial rope access rigging can be set up and taken down rapidly, leading to minimal interference with facility functions or equipment downtime. Furthermore, industrial rope access is being employed in several industries all over the world and boasts an outstanding safety record of more than 15 million hours of labor. Industrial rope access is proven to be an effective way to establish a secure work position in areas that are difficult to reach or at heights.
The structures of today are taller, more advanced, intricate, and spacious than ever before. As a result, the safety technology to work on these high-rise buildings must be well-developed and adjustable. For this reason, agile and dynamic rope access technology is becoming more and more popular. This method combines the beauty and safety of facades while offering users maximum flexibility to complete facade activities like cleaning, maintenance, or repairs. Our comprehensive overview of rope access technology provides all the necessary details and knowledge of this modern safety system.
Industrial rope access technology is an accepted method to complete work in hard to reach places, such as building facades. For what is known as industrial or facade climbing, the international name of “rope access” is usually used. Common uses for workers at height include inspection, repairs, and services.
Industrial rope access is the preferred method to navigate historic buildings with projecting building elements that are very common in midcentury architecture. We access hard-to-reach areas and reduce any impact or disturbance to the buildings.
We aim to reduce as many costs as possible, so our services are available for everybody that needs them. We charge each client individually depending on the size of the surface as well as the type of work.
Our competitive prices are calculated based on the type of approach, labor and equipment needed to complete your project. Our services replace cranes and scaffolding therefore greatly reducing costs.
A Rope Descent System is a non-motorized system that uses gravity, with the worker controlling their rate of descent to access the interior and exterior facade of a building. The system’s friction device also allows workers to stop the descent and remain suspended at any location along their rope to perform their work. This system is commonly used by window cleaners.
Below are questions and answers to OSHA’s definition of an RDS, as defined in OSHA Subpart D. It is important that the designer understand OSHA’s use of these definitions to avoid confusion when designing an RDS.
Rope descent systems usually consists of a roof anchorage, support rope, a descent device, carabiner(s) or shackle(s), and a chair (seatboard). A rope descent device does not include industrial rope access system. (OSHA Subpart D. Section 1910.27 section (b)(l)(i)). This system is commonly used by window cleaners working on buildings under 300 feet.
Each employee uses a separate, independent personal fall arrest system that meets the requirements of subpart I of this part.” (OSHA Subpart D. Section 1910.27 section (b)(2)(vi))
OSHA restricts a rope descent to 300 feet, unless there isn’t another way to do the work or it poses a greater hazard by not performing a 300-foot rope descent. See OSHA’s 300-foot rule below:
“Use of rope descent systems. The employer must ensure: No rope descent system is used for heights greater than 300 feet (91 m) above grade unless the employer demonstrates that it is not feasible to access such heights by any other means or that those means pose a greater hazard than using a rope descent system…” (OSHA Subpart D. Section 1910.27 section (b)(2)(i))”
We’re able to ascend and descend ropes positioning our technicians in all types of environments not accessible via scaffolding, rope descent, boom lifts or any other techniques of approach.
Industrial rope access allows for the approach of buildings and structures without certified anchorages.
Industrial rope access’s safety training and rescue procedures are more detailed driven and applicable in most environments, where RDS is not. Industrial rope access is a safe method of working at height where ropes and associated equipment are used to gain access to and from the work position, and to be supported there. The advantage of using Industrial rope access methods mainly lies in the safety and speed with which workers can get to or from difficult locations in order to carry out their work, often with minimal impact on other operations, surrounding areas and the environment. Another major benefit is the reduction of the combination of the total man-hours and perceived level of risk for a particular task (man-at-risk hours) when compared with other means of access and their associated risks and costs. The primary objective when using Industrial rope access methods is to carry out the work efficiently and safely. In order to ensure a safe system of work is maintained at all times, whilst avoiding damage to property or harm to the environment, careful planning and documented risk assessments are undertaken for each operation.
Industrial Rope Access, LLC has a skilled crew who can access and inspect even the most hard-to-reach areas of your building or structure. Our rope access inspection services guarantee cost and time savings, with a goal to reduce the downtime of your asset. This kind of inspection is carried out safely, effectively, and economically, and eliminates the requirement for scaffolding or lifts, resulting in fewer labor hours needed to complete the inspection. Employing industrial rope access services is much more cost-effective than relying on lifts or scaffolding as the primary access method. Awareness of the issue is the initial step in solving it, and our mission is to make buildings and structures happy. Get in touch with Industrial Rope Access, LLC for additional information or to request a proposal for a rope access inspection. We inspect for: Insulation issues, torque testing of landing bolts, substrate cracks and flaws, corrosion, paint/coating condition, sealant and waterproofing issues, leaks and water intrusion sources.
Yes, we do! The safety training of Industrial Rope Access, LLC technicians is professionally administered by a certified third-party off-site training program. We send technicians for refreshers and industry specific training. We also hold in house training and we are in the process of developing an in-house training center to practice and continue our knowledge of rope access rescue and rigging situations. View our safety resources.
Industrial Rope Access, LLC is headquartered in and services the Mid-Atlantic Region. However, we provide our services from coast to coast. We have and will travel across the United States to provide rope access services for our clients.
