WHAT IS INDUSTRIAL ROPE ACCESS?

Industrial Rope Access is a complete system of training, techniques and equipment used to work in difficult-to-reach places. A simpler alternative to scaffolding, Industrial Rope Access offers unparalleled versatility, cost efficiency and safety to every industry working at-height or in vertical environments.  

Industrial Rope Access technicians use ropes to descend, ascend or traverse to the area where work will be performed.

All technicians are trained and assessed to stringent standards by the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) and/or the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT).

All anchors and equipment used must be capable of withstanding a static load of 5000 pounds.

Technicians use two ropes, one to support the worker’s bodyweight and the second as a backup in the unlikely event that the first becomes compromised.

Ropes are 11 millimeter polyester or nylon, and of kernmantle construction. The inner core filaments support weight, while the outer sheath serves to protect the core. Ropes must always be capable of supporting a static load of 5000 pounds. At East River Rigging we use ropes rated to over 6700 pounds. Ropes are retired after 3 years of regular service, or sooner as deemed necessary by our safety supervisors.

Industrial Rope Access level 3 supervisors have a minimum of 2000 logged rope hours, and must undergo rigorous training to demonstrate capability of rescuing from all conceivable emergency scenarios. Industrial Rope Access teams always consist of at least two technicians, one of whom is a level 3.

Developed in the 1980s by cavers and mountain climbers, Industrial Rope Access has developed steadily into a modern, worldwide industry. In many parts of the world Industrial Rope Access (also known as industrial abseiling) is well known, and used for almost all work-at-height applications.

In the United States Industrial Rope Access is most widely used in the petrochemical industry, both offshore and onshore. Bridges, wind turbines, skyscrapers, communications towers and dams are also regularly inspected and maintained using Industrial Rope Access.

Industrial Rope Access systems are quick to install, extremely versatile, unobtrusive, and most important, when coupled with the training and supervision of a rope access team, exceptionally safe!