presented with Ken Piposar from Abseilon in 2018. A great intro to ropes access for at-height safety. Please contact Ken for more information.

1. ROPE ACCESS –
A SAFE ALTERNATIVE
FOR WORK AT HEIGHT

2. Learning Objectives
■ Describe some benefits of rope access for work at
height.
■ Identify applicable regulations and best practices
for further study.
■ Learn about a project in which rope access
enabled the crew to work safely and efficiently.
■ Ask questions about this innovative topic and be
answered by a rope access expert.

3. YOUR PRESENTERS
Abby Ferri, CSP – The Ferri Group
Ken Piposar, CEO - Abseilon

4. WHAT IS ROPE
ACCESS?

9. Why now?
■ Safety factor
■ Minimal
environmental
footprint.
■ Quick setup and
dismantling.
■ Reduces time, cost,
and hazard.

10. TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

11. ROPE
ACCESS VS.
SCAFFOLD
SYSTEM

12. Applications of Rope Access
• Instrument installation
• Painting
• Rock scaling and anchoring
• Photography and cinematography
• Geological surveys

13. Applications, cont’d
• Structural inspections and
non-destructive
examination (NDE)
• Sealant installation and
surface preparation
• Sand blasting and
pressure washing
• Concrete repair

14. REGULATIONS & BEST
PRACTICES

15. ■ 2500 rope access technicians
certified since 2001.
■ SRAT raised awareness of safety &
effectiveness of rope access
systems.
– Safe Practices for Rope Access
Work
– Certification Requirements for
Rope Access Work
■ 40 hours training before
certification
www.sprat.org

16. An individual who performs rope access
work. May only work under the direct,
on-site supervision of a Rope Access
Lead Technician or Supervisor.
Level I
Technician
Responsible for physically conducting rope
access operations and/or safety evaluations of
rope access operations, including maintenance
of associated access equipment. Performs all
Rope Access Lead Technician duties
Level II
Technician
Responsible for the overall rope access
work site and performs all Rope Access
Supervisor duties.
Level III
Technician

17. Equipment Standards
■ ANSI/ASSP Z359
■ CSA Z259.1
■ CE EN 361, 341, 567
■ ISO 10333-1
■ NFPA 1983
■ ANSI/ISEA 121

18. RESOURCES
■ Book
HTTPS://WWW.AMAZON.COM/PROFESSIONAL-
ROPE-ACCESS-WORKING-SAFELY/DP/111885960X
■ www.sprat.org
■ www.irata.org
■ Manufacturers
– Petzl
– KASK

19. SAFETY’S NEW LOOK

20. CLIMBING-
INSPIRED
SAFETY
GEAR
Helmets
Harnesses
Lanyards

21. SAFETY HELMETS
■ Lightweight
■ No brim
■ Suspension bed
keeps on head
in fall or swing

22. Harness
■ Dorsal Ring @ back
■ Seat Ring @ waist
■ Sternal Ring @ chest
■ Positioning Rings
■ Equipment Loops
■ Maillon: attaches seat to sternal
■ Chest Croll: ascension device
attached to Maillon

23. Static Rope
■ Use for rescue, rigging, rappelling,
ascending, mechanical advantage,
fall & travel restraint.
■ Inspect before & after each use
■ Protect from sharp edges
■ Same precautions as fall protection
– avoid chemical/UV/heat
exposure.

24. Static Rope
Breaking Strength
27/kN
6,856lbs (30.1kN)
NFPA 1983, Certified Yes
OSHA ANSI Z359.1 Exceeds
Safe Working Load 766 lbs
Elongation 2.90% at 10% MBS

25. KNOTS

26. Ascenders
■ Must be compatible with
rope
■ Specific inspection: cams
teeth, load handle, rope
clamp, frames, holes,
spring.

27. Backup Device
■ Connect to sternal or dorsal
D ring
■ Must have approved shock
packs and carabiners for
use.

28. Carabiners
■ Inspection of gates
■ Oval vs. D style

29. Industrial Descender
■ Primary Use: Descending a
working line
■ Secondary Use: Hauling
systems, belaying

30. Etriers/Footloops/Aiders
■ Used in addition to a
hand ascender when
climbing rope.
■ Used for aid climbing
and rescue.

31. Q&A

32. THANK YOU!
www.theferrigroup.co
www.abseilon.com