3.7 Rope access systems

Rope access is a working method in which ropes are used for access, movement, positioning and work.

It involves more than simply using an individual product designed for rope work.

The rope access system must function as a complete system, and the work requires specific competence, organisation, equipment and rescue preparedness.

Two separate systems

Rope access normally uses two separately anchored ropes:

• a working line, used for access, movement and positioning,
• a safety line, providing independent protection.

Together, the working and safety systems must limit the consequences if a failure occurs in one part of the system.

Products and standards

Depending on the working method, a rope access system may include, for example:

Harness

• sit harness – EN 813,
• full body harness – EN 361, where the system also requires a fall arrest function,
• work positioning belt – EN 358, where work positioning is included.

Rope

• low stretch kernmantel rope – EN 1891, where permitted for the intended use.

Rope adjustment devices

• Type A – back-up device for the safety line – EN 12841 A,
• Type B – ascending device for the working line – EN 12841 B,
• Type C – descending device for the working line – EN 12841 C.

Connectors

• EN 362.

The exact system configuration is determined by the working method and the manufacturer's instructions for the products used.

Hewall Safety Hub does not teach rope access

Rope access requires practical competence and cannot be learned from a web page.

Hewall Safety Hub therefore explains what the system is and its main principles, but not how rope access work is performed in practice.

Remember

Rope access is a working method – not simply a collection of ropes and products.