513 EM 385-1-1 Chapters 23-29

Sections

23-8. General Requirements.

Work Teams

Rope access work teams must consist of at least two Rope Access Technicians.
Appoint a Rope Access Supervisor/QP for Rope Access or Rope Access Lead Technician/CP for Rope Access in every team, ensuring one of them is always present to supervise.
A Rope Access Supervisor/QP for Rope Access can oversee a maximum of six workers at any time.

Rope Access Equipment

Rope Access Supervisors/QP for Rope Access or Rope Access Lead Technicians/CP for Rope Access must identify independent anchorage systems for main and backup systems with a minimum strength of 5,000 pounds or two times the maximum arrest force per system attached.
Ropes must be synthetic, tested according to CI 1800/1801, have a nominal breaking strength of at least 5,000 pounds when new, and not exceed 10% elasticity under load.
Carabiners and snaphooks used for climbing must require two actions to open, be self-closing, self-locking, meet the ANSI Z359 requirements, and gates must be rated at 3,600 pounds.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

23-6. New synthetic ropes must be tested and have a nominal breaking strength of _____.

at least 3,600 pounds

no less than 1,800 pounds

twice the intended load imposed on the rope

at least 5,000 pounds

You forgot to answer the question!

EM 385-1-1 Paragraph 23-8 (a.–b.).

23-8. General Requirements. (a.–b.).

a.  Work Teams. (23-8.a)

(1)  Rope access work teams must consist of a minimum of two Rope Access
    Technicians.

(2)  Designate at least one member of the work team as the Rope Access Supervisor/QP for Rope Access and/or Rope Access Lead Technician/CP for Rope
    Access. Either a Rope Access Supervisor/QP for Rope Access or Rope Access Lead Technician/CP for Rope Access must be present and directly supervise all rope access activities.

(3)  A Rope Access Supervisor/QP for Rope Access worker may supervise no more than six workers (for example, Rope Access Lead Technician/CP for Rope Access or Rope Access Technician/Authorized Technician) at any time.

b.  Rope Access Equipment.  Equipment and components selected to be use as part of a rope access system must be compatible, be used according to the equipment manufacturer’s instructions, and meet equipment requirements contained in current applicable nationally recognized standards (for example, ANSI Z459.1, ASTM E2505, ISO 22846-2, ANSI Z359).  (23-8.b)

(1)  Anchorages.  A Rope Access Supervisor/QP for Rope Access or Rope Access Lead Technician/CP for Rope Access must identify independent anchorage systems for main and backup systems.  Anchorage systems must have a minimum strength of  5,000 pounds (22.3 kN) or two times the maximum arrest force per system attached.

(2)  Ropes.  Ropes used as working line or safety line must be tested according to CI 1800/1801 and be made of synthetic fiber with a nominal breaking strength of at least 5,000 pounds (22.3 kN) when new.  The working lines and safety lines must be specifically designed and intended for life safety use.  Additionally, elasticity (elongation) of lines may not be greater than 10% with a load of 1,800 pounds (8kN) applied.

(a)  To aid in drying when stored, coil and pile ropes or suspend them so that air can circulate through the coils.

(b)  Do not use wet ropes for electrical work.

(3)  Carabiners and Snaphooks.  When used for climbing (life support), carabiners and snaphooks must require at least two consecutive and deliberate actions to open the gate.  They must also be rated at 5,000 pounds (22.3 kN) and meet the ANSI Z359 requirements.  Gates must be rated at 3,600 pounds (16 kN).  Carabiners and snaphooks must be self-closing and self-locking.  To prevent rope fraying, the use of rope thimbles is recommended when attaching rope snaps.

(4)  Pulleys/Rope Sleeves.  Anti-friction devices (for example, pulleys, rope sleeves) are recommended to prevent rope damage.

(5)  Climbers PPE.  Utilize appropriate footwear, long pants, work shirt with a minimum 4 inches (10.2 cm) sleeve length, eye protection, ANSI Z89.1 approved vented or non-vented climbers’ helmet with at least a 3-point retention system, and gloves. When the air temperature exceeds 85oF (29oC), climbers should carry a water supply with them. Other PPE (for example, hearing protection, face shields, dust masks, respirators) may be required depending on specific hazards or environmental conditions.  (See chapter 5)

(6)  Fall Protection.  Harnesses and other personal fall protection equipment used in rope access must meet the ANSI Z359 requirements (see chapter 21).

(7)  Work Seats. Whenever there is a need for personnel to remain suspended in one place for an extended period of time, a work seat may be used to provide additional support to that provided by the harness.  The work seat must be fitted to the harness according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and the climber’s harness must remain the primary attachment point to the working line.

(8)  Descender Devices.  If descender devices are used, they must allow a controlled descent taking into consideration the weight of the worker, the length of the descent, considerations for safety, and the need for stopping along the working line for the purpose of hands-free work.