Frequently Asked Questions About Rope Access
What is a Rope Access Technician?
A rope access technician is a highly skilled expert in the world of industrial abseiling. The best technicians are qualified with an IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) certificate.
A rope access technician is a multi-disciplined individual capable of performing many industrial abseiling tasks, such as high-level window cleaning, leak detection, glazing, gutter cleaning, cladding cleaning and roof repairs. The defining skill for a roof access technician is to manoeuvre with precise position from a great height using a static working rope, backup rope, harness equipment and anchors.
Can Rope Access Save You Money?
One of the most expensive aspects of building maintenance and cleaning is accessing the building, especially when the building or parts of it are difficult to reach. Due to the options and flexibility available to rope access, many of our clients have saved hundreds of thousands of pounds in access costs alone.
Depending on the project, rope access tends to always be significantly cheaper than scaffolding. Inevitably, the longer a project takes to set up the more expensive it will end up being. Industrial abseiling is not only a faster alternative but involves less equipment and manpower too. Therefore, rope access is not only an effective service but more efficient and economic too.
What is IRATA Rope Access?
Rope Access is also known as industrial abseiling, commercial abseiling and industrial rope access. Simply, rope access involves a team or individual from any rope access company or industrial abseiling contractor to perform specific tasks from height using ropes. In most cases, it's one of the safest ways to complete a task that requires an operative to be working up high. By applying a static working rope and a backup rope, operatives can position themselves precisely using harness equipment and anchors.
The IRATA (International Rope Access Trade Association) are the leading authority in industrial abseiling. The IRATA has developed industrial rope access internationally for over 25 years. It is the chosen means of access for most work in offshore oil, gas, construction, civil engineering, and other industries.
Why Would You Choose Rope Access For Your Next Maintenance Project?
Industrial Rope Access methods have a proven track record as a safe, cost-effective, and flexible alternative to powered access or scaffolding.
One benefit of industrial abseiling is that it is much less invasive. As a result, there will be minimal disruption regarding the operation of the building, its occupants, and the general public. Statistically, industrial abseiling grants the safest access method, with fewer reported incidents and accidents than any other form of constructive activity.
At Spectrum, we maintain our commitment to rope access safety by ensuring:
· All our rope access technicians are fully trained to IRATA standards every 3 years, hold IPAF and CSCS cards, High or Medium Risk Confined Space certification and UKAS/UKATA Asbestos qualifications.
· All our site supervisors hold IRATA Level 3, First Aid and SSSTS certification, as a minimum requirement.
· All our projects are meticulously planned and managed in full accordance with IRATA ICOP’14, BS 7985:2013, BS ISO 22846 1&2, WAHR ’05, HSWA ’74, and all other relevant guidance, regulation and statute.
· With each industrial abseiling project, we submit an extensive risk and method statement (RAMS/Risk Assessment)
Why Would You Choose Spectrum For Your Abseil Cleaning and Maintenance Projects?
At Spectrum, we spend extra time preparing and planning our rope access projects for our clients. By thinking outside the box and using innovative solutions, we always try to reduce the time required to complete a task and save our customers money. For example, we can use state of the art 3D printing equipment for a specific building or apply our pioneering patented steam cleaning equipment for a cleaning task.
Additionally, being able to supply and install anchors and safety systems makes managing a building much easier. As industrial abseiling experts, we are constantly using anchors and safety systems, while also performing cleaning, maintenance, testing and repairs at one site simultaneously. This approach ultimately saves our clients time and money.
We offer all our clients complete flexibility with all our rope access solutions. For example, should it not be possible to use fixed anchors, or if you wish for anchors not to be installed, we can use our own portable anchors at no extra cost.
Finally, we keep our rope access rates transparent for our clients, providing all calculations and day rates from the beginning. We work hard to make sure you can trust us to meet your rope access requirements every time.
Spectrum takes pride in every industrial abseiling project we work on. This is visible throughout all our rope access projects, from planning to completion.
Our rope access technicians have a wealth of experience and knowledge. For peace of mind, we regularly update our clients with photographic evidence, showing the progress as we go.
Speak to an Expert Rope Access Technician Today
For a free quote for any of our industrial abseiling services, get in touch with a member of our team. As a specialist in rope access in London, no project is too big or small.
