513 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 23-29

Sections

Chapter 23: Rope Access

This chapter focuses on the specialized field of industrial rope access, a method used for working at heights where traditional means of access are not feasible.

This chapter emphasizes on the specialized field of industrial rope access, a method used for working at heights.

The scope of this chapter extends to instances where rope access is the main method of support and positioning for tasks such as inspections and maintenance, explicitly excluding its use in emergency first responder technical rescues and single-rope tree maintenance tasks.

The chapter also outlines the roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in rope access work, emphasizing the importance of specialized training and certification for Rope Access Technicians, Lead Technicians/Competent Persons, and Supervisors/Qualified Persons.

It details the requirements for equipment inspection, personal qualifications, and training, ensuring that all personnel are adequately prepared and equipped to perform their duties safely. The development and implementation of a Rope Access Work Plan are mandated to manage and mitigate the risks associated with working at height.

Equipment compatibility, use, and inspection criteria, alongside the necessity of having a comprehensive rescue plan in place, ensuring that rope access activities are conducted safely and efficiently, with minimal risk to personnel is also covered.

Application.

This chapter applies to industrial rope access when utilized as a means of working at height, typically using a two-rope system and associated equipment, to gain access to, be supported at, and/or as a means of egress from structures, either man-made or natural. It applies to cases where ropes are used as the primary means of support and/or primary means of positioning whereas workers descend or ascend on a rope or traverse along a tensioned rope where the use of hands and feet can no longer be used to fully support the body in order to perform a primary function, such as inspection or maintenance.

Note.  This chapter is not intended to apply where rope is utilized for technical rescue techniques by emergency first responders or where only a single rope is used for support without a backup system such as used in tree maintenance.

Note.  This chapter does not apply to other methods of working at height that are not specifically described above as industrial rope access, such as steeple jacking, suspended scaffolds, steelwork erection, boatswain’s chairs or “rope descent systems” as defined by 29 CFR 1910.21.

23-1. References.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 23-1.

23-1. References.

23-2. Definitions.

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 23-2.

23-2. Definitions.

a.  Rope Access. A variety of advanced access techniques where ropes and specialized equipment are used as the primary method for providing access and support to workers in their jobs at high or hard-to-reach places.  (23-2.a)

b.  Rope Access Lead Technician/Competent Person (CP) for Rope Access.  An experienced Rope Access Technician who has completed training and certification to identify, evaluate, and address existing and potential hazards involved with rope access, including fall protection and rescue, and who has the employer’s authority to take prompt corrective action with regard to such hazards.  The Rope Access Lead Technician/CP for Rope Access must work under the direct supervision of a Rope Access Supervisor/Qualified Person (QP) for Rope Access.  (23-2.b)

c.  Rope Access Supervisor/Qualified Person (QP) for Rope Access.  An experienced Rope Access Technician with extensive practical experience and has completed training and certification to perform complex rigging, advanced rescue, and advanced rope access skills.  The Rope Access Supervisor/QP for Rope Access is responsible for the entire rope access work site, including management and oversight of Rope Access Technicians on the work site and designing, analyzing, evaluating, and specifying the rope access work systems.  They must have knowledge and experience
to direct rescue operations from rope access systems and be able to perform advanced rescue from rope access systems.  (23-2.c)

d.  Rope Access Technician/Authorized Technician.  An individual who has completed training and certification to perform standard rope access operations including operating ascent and descent systems, using fall protection, and have the skills necessary to perform limited rescue from rope access systems.  They may only work under the direct supervision of a Rope Access Lead Technician/CP for Rope Access or Rope Access Supervisor/QP for Rope Access.  (23-2.d)