Safety Myths about Rope Access
Industrial chimney & smokestack inspections and repairs can be performed a number of ways. Some methods include heavy equipment; others include scaffolding or cumbersome platform construction. Arguable the quickest, most efficient, and most economical way is to utilize rope access technicians. Rope access is one of the safest ways to carry out many different types of high access maintenance and repairs, yet there are still a lot of myths regarding the safety of rope access. Although it appears perilous, rope access is a completely safe method that is not only innovative but also saves time and money.
Here are a few things we’d like you to know about rope access:
More than Just a Rope
When most people think of rope access, they imagine crew members dangling at extreme heights from tiny ropes. While this may be the first thought in your head, it’s far from the truth. To begin with, all of the equipment used is specially designed to properly support and anchor workers safely from any height.
Secondly, technicians are attached to two separate ropes. Each rope is independently anchored to the structure to ensure that there is a backup safety feature should one anchor come loose. Also, technicians work in teams. There is never simply one technician performing a job at any time. The crew works together to assist each other in the event of an incident. We perform extensive planning and preparation, and execute every job with the proper precautions in mind.
The tools used during any repair, inspection, or cleaning are attached to the technician, removing the risk of passersby being struck by falling objects. A member trained in first aid is always present on our work sites & we have safety standby should any incidents occur.
Technicians Go Through Rigorous Training
When it comes to working at height, rope access is recognized as the safest method for project completion due to the high standard of required training. Our technicians are SPRAT certified and OSHA compliant, and safety is our number one priority and we maintain a high level of safety standards on every job. 
The Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) is an organization that is dedicated to advancing the safe use of rope access through education, developing standards, and administering certifications for companies who utilize industrial rope access techniques. Technicians must meet rigorous standards and pass tough evaluations that will insure each individual is fully prepared for performing work at height safely and efficiently.
IA’s rope access training courses are taught by SPRAT certified Level III Technicians. The SPRAT III certification is the highest level of completion under the SPRAT system. Obtaining a Level III SPRAT certification means that a technician has the ability to perform advanced level operations and rescues fluidly. Each instructor must carry out a considerable amount of training, including over 500 documented hours of rope access work. The trainers undergo a strict selection process prior to taking their place as certified trainers for Industrial Access.
Modern Equipment is of the Highest Standards
Rope access equipment is consistently monitored and inspected to ensure safe operation. Modern innovations have made it so that less equipment is needed which means more time can be spent on proper set up and execution. All equipment is inspection & examined before each job is started to ensure that nothing appears faulty or worn down.
Rope Access has an Exemplary Safety Record
Every crew member & rope access technician that is descending or climbing structures has undergone strict training and has spent many hours working towards a SPRAT certification, not to mention hundreds of work hours on the job. Rope Access has an enviable safety record. Statistically speaking, it truly is the safest way to carry out high access work because of the training and safety precautions put in place. That means it’s safer than utilizing scaffolding or heavy equipment. The environment of each work site is focused entirely on safety; this includes not just the safety of the individuals on the work crew, but also the people working in the general surroundings.
Industrial Access realizes the importance of having each employee strictly follows both the Occupational Safety and Health administration (OSHA) & the Mine and Safety Health Administration (MSHA) procedures. Our crew members and technicians are constantly evaluated on their adherence to safety procedures & standards. As you can see, rope access is not only an economical feasible option for industrial work, but it is also the safest choice among all of the alternatives.