What is rope work?
IRATA International's Rope Access System is a safe method of working at heights, using ropes and associated equipment to reach and support the work location.
The main advantage of using rope access methods is that workers can perform work safely and quickly in difficult locations, and generally with minimal impact on other operations, the surrounding area and the environment. Another major advantage is the reduction in the combination of total task-specific man-hours and risk perception level (human danger time) compared to other ancillary work methods and their associated risks and costs.
The main goal of working with ropes is to work efficiently and to minimise accidents, incidents or hazardous situations. To ensure a safe work regime is maintained at all times while avoiding property damage or environmental damage, each operation is carefully planned and documented with a risk assessment.
IRATA International has an evolving system of work procedures that members must follow and monitor for compliance to ensure a safe work system is established and maintained. This sets IRATA International member companies apart from those who do not follow this stringent monitoring, control and IRATA's robust Training, Assessment and Certification Scheme (TACS).
As with any other method of working at heights, working with rope access should be considered as a complete system in which planning, management, capabilities and appropriate equipment should be given equal attention, as each link depends on the others to ensure a safe work regime.
The IRATA International Code of Practice (ICoP) provides advice and guidance on working with ropes in order to provide a safe system of work for appropriately trained readers (parts should be read together, especially Parts 1 and 2):
part 1
• Fundamentals and controls.
part 2
• Provides more detailed guidance following the previous section.
part 3
• Appendices provide advice on rope access sessions related to work practices and information on other relevant topics. (Several of these appendices are still in development.)
part 4
• Relevant national laws.