Rope access is one of the safest ways to carry out high access maintenance and repairs in the industry.

The problem is, there are a lot of safety myths about rope access. While it may appear that rope access is dangerous, it’s completely safe. These are a few things that may help clear up the safety myths.

It’s Not Just A Rope

Many people may see just a rope, but it is more than that. They are using specialised rope, to start with.

Secondly, the technicians are attached to two different ropes. Each of those ropes is independently anchored to the building. What this means is, should one anchor come loose, they are still anchored in with a secondary one.

There is never just one technician on a building. The rope technicians work in teams and have the ability to assist each other in the event of an incident.

All of their tools are attached to them. This way, there’s no chance of losing a tool and hurting someone down below, either. This is actually far safer than scaffolding from this stand point.

The Technicians Undergo IRATA Rope Access Training

IRATA, the International Rope Access Trade Association was formed over 20 years ago as a way of certifying rope access technicians. Prior to that, they would simply use the same skill set as those that climb or cave. While the concept is similar, IRATA has three levels of certified training. This helps to make sure that each and every technician that takes to the ropes knows how to handle themselves when they are working at height.

There is an Exemplary Safety Record

Everyone that is descending on the ropes anchored off of a building has gone through a lot of training to get to where they are and they are certified as skilled rope access abseilers by IRATA; Rope Access has an enviable safety record; in fact, statistically, it truly is the safest way to carry out high access work because of the training and safety precautions in place.

The safety reports are enough to speak volumes about how safe it is. There is virtually no equipment and the technicians work in teams so that the entire environment is focused on nothing but safety. This includes not just safety for the individuals on the ropes but the people in the general surroundings as well.