If you are looking to hire a rope access provider, these are key elements to look for:
is the company certified?
Rope Access companies in North America are guided by two established associations. The Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) and the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT).
Companies should be able to demonstrate membership to either association as a sign of compliance to their standards, safety requirements, codes of practice and certification schemes.
Membership can be verified below:
Are the technicians certified?
Rope access technicians must have an in-date certification by a recognized rope access association (IRATA or SPRAT). There are three levels of certification, namely Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. All certifications expire after three years and everyone, regardless of level or experience is required to get re certified by an association approved company.
Technician certification can be verified below:
does the company provide a work plan, hazard analysis and rescue plan?
All rope access should be planned. A plan listing access methods, anchorage, communication, exclusion zones, team composition and supervision, tools and equipment should be signed off by all team members and reviewed by management.
The company must be able to demonstrate having performed a site-specific hazard analysis and, with the participation of the technicians, implemented controls.
Written emergency procedures should be in place and all team members should understand their roles and agree and sign-off on the rescue plan prior to work commencing. All equipment and techniques used should be identified, emergency communications discussed and roles established in writing.
Ensure your rope access provider has a Work Plan, Hazard Analysis and Rescue Plan in place.
is the equipment fit for use, inspected and traceable?
All equipment in rope access system should be compatible, fit for use, traceable and regularly inspected. All personnel should be trained and familiar with the equipment as well as perform PPE inspections, pre-use checks and buddy-checks to ensure all equipment is safe and is being used properly.
Companies should be able to demonstrate control of their inventory as well as daily and thorough equipment inspections.
is a qualified supervisor present for the duration of the project?
All rope access work should be constantly supervised by a competent and qualified Level 3 Supervisor. The supervisor is overall responsible for the execution of the work plan, for identifying and controlling hazards, rigging as well as prompt rescue in an emergency. All supervisors should be First-Aid qualified and present throughout the project.
Constant, qualified onsite supervision is an essential aspect of a quality Rope Access contractor. Verify if your provider is providing a qualified supervisor for the duration of work, no technicians should be engaged in rope access work without a supervisor onsite in visual range of the workers.
Can the company demonstrate compliance to best practices and procedures?
On top of provincial regulations rope access companies have to follow both their own written procedures and the guidelines of the associations of which they are members. Can your rope access provider prove they are following their own written procedures?
The rope access industry has over 30 years of experience built into the associations’ guidelines. Any rope access provider should be able to demonstrate compliance between their written procedures, association codes of practice and local legislation.