Rope access window cleaning of Portside Tower in Cape Town

Rope access or industrial climbing or commercial climbing, is a form of work positioning, initially developed from techniques used in

climbing Climbing is the activity of using one's hands, feet, or any other part of the body to ascend a steep topographical object that can range from the world's tallest mountains (e.g. the eight thousanders), to small boulders. Climbing is done fo ...

and caving, which applies practical

ropework Ropework or marlinespike seamanship are traditional umbrella terms for a skillset spanning the use, maintenance, and repair of rope. Included are tying knots, splicing, making lashings, whippings, and proper use and storage of rope. While th ...

to allow workers to access difficult-to-reach locations without the use of scaffolding, cradles or an aerial work platform. Rope access technicians descend, ascend, and traverse ropes for access and work while suspended by their harnesses. Sometimes a work seat may be used. The support of the rope is intended to eliminate the likelihood of a fall altogether, but a backup fall arrest system is used in case of the unlikely failure of the primary means of support. This redundancy system is usually achieved by using two ropes - a working line and a safety line.

Gallery

File:Viuna jackup .jpg, Performing repairs on oil platforms and rigs in Iran Image:Spasskaya Uhrmacher.jpg, Rope access to turret clock File:Technicien cordiste purge.JPG, Rope access technician performing maintenance work on a building

References

External links

IRATA International
- Industrial Rope Access Trade Association
IRATA International Code of Practice (ICOP)SPRAT - The Society of Professional Rope Access TechniciansSPRAT Safe Practices for Rope Access WorkISO 22846 - International Standard for Rope Access
{{Portal bar, Climbing Occupational safety and health Working conditions Climbing