Is Rigging Work & Rope Access the Same Thing?

The Industrial Access project managers often get asked whether rigging work is the same thing as rope access work. While both rigging and rope access work are often used to complete jobs at height or in tight quarters, the capabilities of the two are quite different. Strictly speaking, rigging work and rope access are not the same. But, high level rope access techniques can encompass rigging competencies. In fact, many rope access technicians are also qualified riggers.

So, which is better? Let’s take a closer look at the two.

Rigging work is defined as any task that involves the use of mechanical load shifting equipment & the associated gear to move, place, or secure a load. This can include installing large plant equipment, assembling a building structure, or removing large debris from work spaces. It also includes assembling and dismantling of cranes and hoists that will be used to move or place a load. Rigging also requires a license. There are three classes of rigging licenses. The level required will depend on the type of rigging work that needs to be performed. Technicians will need to have a license for high risk rigging like:

• Erecting structural steel & precast tilt-up panels
• Assembling cranes, excavators, dredges, or conveyors
• Performing a multi-crane lift
• Installing static lines or safety nets
• Demolishing a structure
• Assembling suspended or hung scaffolding

Rope Access work is a form of work positioning. It is a safe method of working at height by utilizing ropes & associated equipment to suspend a technician at just the right height and location to complete work. Rope access technology relies on modern engineered systems of ropes and pulleys to safely and efficiently position technicians for tasks like inspections, structural testing, cleaning, painting & coatings, and more. For many industrial structures like smokestacks and cooling towers, rope access equipment is mounted to the top of the structure and the technicians descend down the side walls in order to inspect, repair, paint, or clean the unit.

There is little in the way of fall protection or height safety components in rigging. Rope access, however, is quite safe and is regarded to be safer than scaffolding or elevated platforms for many types of industrial service tasks. Riggers are not trained to use rope access methods in any way. On the other hand, the crossover between rigging competencies and high level rope access skills is quite large. Many rope access technicians are licensed riggers that can perform rigging duties with the benefit of rope access techniques that will keep them safer and complete jobs quicker.
If you would like to speak with our rope access specialists to find out how your facility can benefit from a custom engineered rope access maintenance program, call us today. (770) 370-7055.