Rope Access

Interpreted Requirements

Templates, Examples

• Competent Persons, Competent Rescuers, and Qualified Persons shall be specifically trained to engage in rope access work.
• A Competent Person specifically trained in rope access shall:

o         Determine appropriate anchorage and rigging,

o         Establish hazard zones, and

o         Identify the means of protecting the Authorized Person from fall hazards while entering and exiting the work zone and while on the rope.

• When engaging in rope access work, Authorized Persons shall work in teams of not less than two, at least one of whom is competent and responsible to supervise.

§          All rope access equipment shall be purchased in new condition, and records maintained on use and storage.

§          An appropriate sit harness or appropriate full body harness shall be used to connect the Authorized Person to both the working line and the safety line.  The two lines shall be connected to the same point on the harness.  The primary connection to the authorized person of both the working line and the safety line shall always be via the harness, even if a work seat is being used.

§          Ropes used for any purpose in rope access operations shall be constructed of synthetic fiber and specifically designed and intended for life safety use.

§          All ropes used for life safety applications shall meet Cordage Institute requirements for Life Safety Ropes (CI-1801) or equivalent.

§          Any secondary system used (on the safety line) shall be capable of withstanding any foreseeable forces resulting from the rope access activity, without catastrophic damage to the safety line or the device.

§          Descender devices or systems shall allow a controlled descent bearing in mind the:

o         Mass of the Authorized Person,

o         Length of descent,

o         Considerations for safety (eg. fail-to-safe features, adjustable friction, heat dissipation) and

o         Stopping along the line for the purpose of hands free work.

§          Rope access equipment may be used to protect the authorized person from a fall in entry and exit zones.

§          Any supplemental equipment and/or tools used during rope access shall be protected from falling.

Link to More Rope Information

Link to More Emergency Bag Information

Link to More Emergency Descender Information