Rope Access
Industrial rope access is a method of gaining access to a wide variety of at height work requirements to provide a cost effective solution to what would otherwise be a prohibitively expensive and unsafe solution. Many companies have recognised that substantial savings can be made by using rope access to provide an answer to their access problems.
By taking advantage of GEV Offshores’ extensive range of engineering skills and access techniques, the number of contractors can be effectively reduced to a minimum, not only by eliminating the need for third party access but through the availability of a multi-disciplined team of rope access expert
What is rope access?
Industrial rope access is a method of work positioning that takes climbing and abseiling techniques to provide a cost effective access solution to areas which would be otherwise inaccessible, impractical or unsafe.
Rope access technicians benefit from two completely separate points of contact at all times so that in the unlikely event of failure of the primary rope, there is an independent back up rope in place.
The rope access industry evolved from the sports of caving and climbing and has been around for more than 20 years, proving to be a safe, quick and cost effective system of work with operatives performing tasks on a variety of high or difficult structures both on and offshore. Many companies have recognised that substantial savings can be made by using rope access to provide a solution to their access problems.
The IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) guidelines have been commended by the UK HSE, and the industry has an excellent safety record. One of the main requirements of IRATA training is that operatives are capable of carrying out rescues of anyone in difficulty whilst working at height, a requirement of the UK Working at Height Regulations 2005.
Why companies use rope access?
There are a significant number of advantages of rope access over traditional access methods such as scaffolding and mobile elevated working platforms.
The key point is that the client pays for the work that is required and not for the access solution to the work area.
The key features of the service are as follows:
- Quick rigging and de-rigging of ropes means that the work is completed significantly quicker than traditional methods and as such the solutions is considerably cheaper on a time costed basis
- Minimum of disruption and noise which means that in the majority of cases ongoing operations (and production) can continue. No or reduced downtime is a crucial production saving for most companies
- Ropes are removed at the end of each shift increasing site security and reduces the safety risk of operations by leaving heavy plant or scaffolding on site
- Easier access to awkward or narrow areas. Rope access technicians can get access to all areas which ensure the integrity of plant and equipment is maintained
- An efficient and cost effective solution
Why use GEV Offshore?
GEV Offshore provides a professional, cost effective and safety driven service to the client:
- GEV Offshore is a member of the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) which is considered the de facto organisation globally for the control and monitoring of rope access companies
- As a member the company is audited annually for compliance with the rules and regulations of IRATA
- All GEV Offshore technicians are IRATA qualified and as such have been subject to independent competency assessment
- IRATA personnel progress in seniority based on experience (hours spent on the ropes) rather than being able to pass a written exam
- All rope access work is supervised by an IRATA level 3 Supervisor who is also first aid trained
- GEV Offshore is appropriately insured to work at height
- All our work is carried out in accordance with the recommendations of IRATA
- All our at height work is undertaken following the provision of a comprehensive method statement and risk assessment
