
Birmingham
Birmingham
Newcastle
Glasgow
London
Manchester HQ
Industrial rope access is a professional form of abseiling, and/or difficult high-level access using specific ropes and equipment, conducted by highly qualified technicians who have passed the rigorous levels of training provided and accredited by the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA).
Any and all multi-level buildings, commercial or residential, and sometimes single-storey buildings as well, for instance in tackling complex canopy systems where other forms of access are impractical. Quality rope access provision is now widely accepted as an industry standard, hassle and disruption free and safe method of high-level access when undertaken by qualified and experienced professionals.
Industrial rope access provides a wide range of safe access solutions to many building issues and defects occurring at height. These range from high-level glass damage to missing and faulty seals and components, peeling or faded external finishes, cladding defects or problems with pests and vermin at height.
Rope access is often called upon to tackle defects in enclosed spaces such as lift shafts or industrial duct work where more cumbersome access techniques are impracticable. In addition, it is often safer, less disruptive and more cost-effective to use rope access than, for instance, large-scale, fixed scaffolding.
An initial survey by a IRATA Level 3 qualified supervisor or experienced project manager is required in order to assess initial requirements and design appropriate rope rigs. Following this, meticulous risk assessment must be provided and rig-design and control measures implemented. A qualified team of IRATA technicians will then undertake the works, consistently following struct IRATA safety guidelines.
If emergency works are required the Level 3 supervisor will design the rig, risk assess and implement on the emergency attendance and the team carry out the works once this has been prioritised.
Rope access works vary in scope and duration as much as any other type of work. Typical shifts are in line with other forms of access and repair works, although IRATA qualified technicians are generally very dedicated professionals who work extremely diligently and to high standards.
A single make-safe or pest deterrent installation can be completed in a matter of hours. The duration of ongoing contracts is limitless and specific to the contract at hand.
Safety is paramount in rope access works and as a result, and due to the high level of training and experience required to attain IRATA level 3 status, rope access is extremely safe.
Working lines, connections, harnesses and equipment are self-inspected by every technician and inspected and approved each shift by the level 3 supervisor. In addition, all working and safety lines, connections, protectors and every other component and aspect of the project and method are reinspected and verified by the level 3 supervisor after every break from work, whenever rigs are moved or reconfigured and in the event of any circumstantial changes, such as weather or busier periods.
In addition, rope works are always fully isolated, with hard barrier cordoning and signage and often implementing IRATA qualified ground marshals at every work location.