george sakellariou - iosh.com · rope access is a term that describes the technical system of...
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Regional Operations Manager - Rope Access & Rescue
George Sakellariou
IRATA ROPE ACCESS
What is Rope Access?
Rope Access is a term that describes the technical system of
getting from one spot to another by the means of moving
along ropes.
The rope access system allows operatives / technicians to
gain access to otherwise inaccessible or difficult worksite
locations as a safer and more efficient solution.
Modern rope access system is a Double Rope System. It is
a system developed specifically to target the needs for high
angled operations in the vertical environment.
Origin of Rope Access
The techniques were derived from caving and mountaineering
skills and first deployed in the 1980’s on industrial applications.
Since then equipment and expertise have advanced beyond
all recognition, with the introduction of the Industrial Rope
Access Trade Association (IRATA) taking safety standards to
ever greater heights.
This has resulted in rope access becoming the safest method of
access available today, a proven fact by the accident records
issued by IRATA every year.
What is so cool about this system
There are many benefits when using rope access. Unlike
traditional access methods, Custom Designed rope access
solutions can be utilized to fit various applications.
Among other benefits, rope access is:
• The best method to access difficult locations
• Versatile
• Cost-effective
• Efficient & Quick
• Environmentally friendly
• Much safer than any other Work at Height method
Access Difficult Locations
Access Difficult Locations
Access Difficult Locations
Access Difficult Locations
Versatile
Rope Access professionals can apply the techniques to a
wide variety of environments, from confined-space
penstocks and tower structures to complicated steel
installations.
Cost-effective
Rope Access is very economical. As fewer personnel can
accomplish faster completion, it means minimal downtime
which effectively means lower costs.
VS
Efficient & Quick
Rope Access systems are installed and dismantled quickly
and require fewer personnel than traditional access
methods. Less interference with other facility operations means less disruptions and minimized downtime.
VS
Environmentally friendly
Rope Access techniques and equipment has minimal effect
on the surrounding environment compared to traditional
access methods.
VS
Safer than any other W@H method Independently certified rope access technicians uphold an exceptional safety record, which makes it one of the safest jobs in the whole construction industry.
Back-up device conforms to: • EN 12841 – type A • EN 353-2
Safety Rope, conforms to: EN 1891 – type A
Working Rope, conforms to: EN 1891 – type A
Descender device, conforms to: • EN 341 – class A • EN 12841 – type C • NFPA 1983 Work seat: prevents suspension syncope due to prolonged suspension
Trained and independently assessed by an internationally accredited third party
Ascending device, conforms to: • EN 12841 – type B • EN 341
Independently attached ropes rigged for rescue
This photo has been taken from his Rope Access Supervisor
Is it all rope access safe?
NO Only IRATA Rope Access is a very SAFE system of work
IRATA International
IRATA International is a worldwide recognized organization
with its headquarters in the UK.
It sets strict guidelines and training standards on rope
access and rescue.
The IRATA system is an efficient and safe system developed
to target the needs for industrial and rescue purposes.
IRATA International
TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS
As a part of this development, the system of grading
operatives was set up.
This requires operatives to undergo independent assessments
in order to attain one of the 3 levels of qualification and as the
qualifications should be renewed every 3 years it ensures an
up to date standard of quality.
The principal guidance documents are IRATA ICOP and IRATA
TACS.
IRATA Member Companies
Each IRATA member is audited by an independent third party
auditor to ensure that it has in place correct procedures and
systems to ensure that industrial rope access is carried out in
a safe manner.
Each company is obliged to work in accordance with the
conditions laid down in the International Code of Practice,
which the Health and Safety Executive (UK) have
commended.
All IRATA Member Companies have their unique IRATA
Member Company Number
An IRATA Members List could be found in IRATA website:
www.irata.org
IRATA - Quality Control to Ensure Safety
PERSONNEL - TRAINING
Highly systematic and comprehensive training to cover:
Equipment Selection
Equipment Setup
Equipment Inspection
Limitations of Equipment
Rigging / Rope Protection
Various on Rope Manoeuvres
Various Rescue Techniques
Risk Assessment
Making Work Plan
Making Rescue Plan
IRATA - Quality Control to Ensure Safety
PERSONNEL - Levels of Qualification
IRATA L1
Able to perform basic tasks, work under supervision of a L3
IRATA L2
(requires 1000 on-rope hours + L2 Training/Assessment)
Able to perform a wider range of task, including rigging and
rescue, work under supervision of a L3
IRATA L3
(requires another 1000 on-rope hours + L3 Training/Assessment)
Able to supervise and manage a worksite, undertake risk
assessment, develop work & rescue plans for project
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IRATA - Quality Control to Ensure Safety
EQUIPMENT
Equipment is selected in accordance with the IRATA International
Code of Practice. (IRATA ICOP)
All Equipment used in Rope Access conforms to CE Standards.
Technicians are all fully trained to use the actual types/models of
equipment.
All equipment is maintained and inspected in accordance with IRATA
ICOP and LOLER.
All equipment is traceable to certificates of conformity and inspection
records.
IRATA - Quality Control to Ensure Safety
SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
All works are planned
Undertake Risk Assessment
Develop a Safe System of Work
Selection of right people
Selection of right equipment
Provide information, training & supervision
Appropriate equipment inspection & maintenance
IRATA Member Companies would ensure the above items are
all addressed and undertaken in a professional manner in order
to pass the strict audit to maintain their IRATA Membership.
Statistics - Hours on Rope
Over 9,000,000 on-rope hours are logged in the year of 2016
Statistics - Consequence of Incident
In 2016 out of those 9,000,000 on-rope hours a total of 8
reportable accidents were recorded, very sadly, including a
fatality.
Qatar W@H Safety Statistics
Year Number of Fall from Height Accidents
Number of Fall from Height Fatality
2012 about 800 ?
2013 more than 1000 ?
In Qatar, taking 2012 & 2013 as example, there are 800 &
1000 Falls from Height Accidents with unknown Fall from
Height fatalities respectively.
Comparing Various WAH (Safety) Systems
Rope Access proactively prevents falls as the system is in
tensioned. Bodyweight of operative is already supported by the
system, instead of by the strength of arms. In addition, a extra
backup system is always in place. Work Restraint proactively prevents falls as the system
has already restricted the operative from going near the fall risk
area. Fall Arrest can only passively minimize the consequences
of falls as loose/slack ropes/lanyards are allowed in the system.
Bodyweight of operative is fully/partially supported by structures with
the use of strength of arms/feet and balance.
Thank you
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HSE Commendations
IRATA International code of practice for industrial rope access
Although there is a steady decline in the number of injuries caused by falls;
falls from height remain the most common kind of workplace fatality. They
are the biggest single cause of serious and fatal injuries arising from
construction and maintenance activities. Safety when working at height is
essential, and making sure that people use access equipment properly is a
key part of this.
HSE recognizes that, within the variety of work at height methods available,
rope access is an accepted technique to use in appropriate circumstances.
I am please to continue HSE’s support of IRATA’s guidance in this area.
This voluntary code of practice sets out good practice for individuals and
organizations using rope access equipment and will help to ensure that
health and safety risks in this area are minimized or avoided.
Philip White
Chief Inspector of Construction, HSE
HSE Commendations
The Offshore Safety Division of HSE concurs with the continued general
support by HSE of IRATA's voluntary code of practice. Use of this code
practice is also commended for offshore working when rope access
methods are required.
Rog Thomson
HM Principal Inspector of Health and Safety,
Offshore Safety Division
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Standards
BS 7985:2002 - Code of Practice for the Use of Rope
Access Methods for Industrial Purposes
IRATA International Code of Practice (ICOP)
ISO 22846-1 - Personal Equipment for Protection Against
Falls - Rope Access Systems - Part 1: Fundamental
Principles for a System of Work
ISO 22846-2 - Personal Equipment for Protection Against
Falls - Rope Access Systems - Part 2: Code of Practice
Thanks!