Why use Rope Access?

Speed is of the essence in reducing business interruption costs after a commercial disaster such as a fire. Because rope systems are quick to install and dismantle rope access techniques allow the commencement of decontamination of buildings, plant and machinery almost immediately after the incident, avoiding the inevitable delays incurred when scaffolding would otherwise be required. Rapid rigging and de-rigging allows for very flexible working; work can start and stop at very short notice allowing changes in the building recovery plan to be easily accommodated.

Rope access solutions allow safe access to contaminated surfaces that mobile elevated working platforms cannot physically reach and the alternative; fixed scaffolding, would be prohibitively expensive to erect.

There is minimal disruption at ground level using rope access techniques thus allowing other decontamination technicians and trades to continue working especially when compared with the disruption caused by scaffolding. 

Is Rope Access safe?

Rope access is statistically safer than scaffolding and uses fewer operatives. The rope access industry has an excellent safety record that has been achieved by strict adherence to health/safety and training protocols. Codes of practice and working systems have been carefully refined by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA).

Specifically:

• A rope access technician always has 2 attachments, each having an independent anchorage point.

• When the technician is supported by ropes, each of the technician's ropes will have a fail-safe descent mechanism.

• All secondary tools and equipment (e.g. vacuums) are attached by lanyards to technician's harness.

• A minimum of two technicians are required for any job.

• All technicians are independently assessed.

• Training includes rescue procedures.

• All equipment is regularly inspected and maintained.

Main Benefits of Rope Access

Rapid Rigging/De-rigging : Allows immediate work start

Highly Flexible System : Combines vertical and horizontal access

Lightweight Equipment : Hand-transportable equipment means rapid redeployment around work sites is possible

Low Operational Impact : minimal interference with other ongoing operations

Increased safety : reduced operational time minimizes risk exposure

Case Studies: (click on text to open, please allow a few seconds for uploading)

1. 'Time Critical Situation' , Metal Improvement Company (MIC), Broughton, Cheshire 

2. 'High Level Decontamination', Seabank Power Ltd, Hallern, Bristol

3. 'Very Awkward Access', Corus Colours, Shotton, Deeside

4. Rope Access Technicians in action - Rope Access

5. Frequently asked questions about Rope Access

For further information on BELFOR’s 'Rope Access Solutions' Contact us by clicking the link below:

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