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T H E B U I L D I N G C O N S E R VAT I O N D I R E C T O R Y 2 0 1 6
T W E N T Y T H I R D E D I T I O N
2
BUI LDING CONTRACTORS
ROPE ACCESS
TIM BELDEN
R
OPE ACCESS
is a method of getting
up close to a surface or an object that
would otherwise require either a scaffold
or some form of elevator, such as a mobile
elevating work platform (MEWP). Using a
harness and climbing ropes, the operative is
able move safely up and down the building,
and also occasionally sideways. Typical
applications include surveying and inspection,
and repairs which do not require heavy
machinery or large amounts of materials.
In this brief overview of the topic,
reference will be made to rope access as
an alternative to scaffolding but this is not
to suggest that scaffolding is an inferior
alternative, nor that it is the only alternative.
There are instances where scaffolds (and
MEWPs, etc) are preferential to rope access.
As in other aspects of building conservation,
it is about having the information to select the
right tool for the job. Sometimes the use of
ropes is the only sensible approach, from both
financial and practical points of view.
There is much to consider when
contemplating using or specifying rope
access. An overview of the subject will
hopefully help to raise not only awareness of
its advantages and limitations, but also the
profile of rope access.
SAFETY AND PROCEDURE
For rope access to be carried out safely, there
must be at least two people on site, one to keep
an eye on things and the other to carry out the
work. The access equipment for an operative
generally involves two ropes or lines attached
to separate fixing points on the structure, or
to the structure itself. The operative sits in a
harness attached to the main line via a device
that allows the person to either ascend or
descend the line. A second device attaches
the harness to the other rope which is used
as a safety line in case the first line fails for
any reason. Ropes must not be subjected to
abrasion or sawing actions during the work for
obvious reasons, so protective sheathes should
be used between the structure and the ropes.
Tools and equipment must also be securely
attached to avoid dropping them. Small hand
tools are usually attached by a short lanyard to
the harness itself.
Additional training of personnel is
required to carry out the rope access, on top of
the skills required to carry out the task itself.
As with all working at height, the operatives
must assess the risks, provide a safe system of
work and detailed method statements. There
is a wealth of equipment associated with rope
access and the operatives must be familiar
with and trained in its use.
Painting a windmill using rope access
By attaching a wire strop around the structure, climbing ropes can be moved sideways to allow precise access
to the workplace.