Rope Access Management System

1 Document Introduction and Requirements

Document title BS.01 is the procedural document to be followed for the execution of all IRATA Rope Access Training courses to the IRATA TACS document by BeSafety Ltd. BeSafety is an IRATA Rope Access training provider. This document BE.01 details the procedures and quality controls in place to ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of IRATA rope access training by BeSafety Ltd and its Instructors.

1.1 All staff participating in BeSafety IRATA rope access training will be required to adhere and comply to this document BE.01 and the following procedures contained within.

1.2 The procedures contained within this document will apply to the management and planning and physical delivery of IRATA Rope Access Training conducted by BeSafety staff and instructors. All BeSafety Staff will sign BeSafety form 001 Receipt Form, to verify that they have received, read and understood the content of this procedure document titled BE.01 and its associated forms and appendix documents and supporting training manual. This will then be kept on file in their personal records.

1.3 All staff employed in relation to IRATA Rope Access Training be it Management or physical delivery will receive an induction of this procedure document, by the Managing Director and sign form 001, All BeSafety personnel plus any engaged sub-contractors participating in IRATA Rope Access Training are required to comply with this procedure document. In addition any new Instructor employed by BeSafety will be provided with an Induction of the training venue and the following documents:

• BE.01
• Site Risk Assessment
• Company Training Manual
• Form 006
• BeSafety company relevant Forms
• BeSafety Appendix documents

1.4 All staff will have unlimited access to this Procedural document titled BE.01, The latest copy will always be available on request, held in the office and issued electronically on request. Staff should always check that they have the most up to date version of this document by referring to the Procedure document control Page attached to the front and checking that it is the latest and most up to date version.

1.5 When changes to this procedure occur it will be identified on the Procedure document control page attached to the front of this document and on form 012 Procedures revision form.

1.6 The Managing Director and The Rope Access Manager will be responsible to ensure that this procedure document is up to date and relevant to all and any changes to current UK Rope Access legislation, issued standards and including IRATA ICOP and supporting annex’s, IRATA TACS document, IRATA’s Memorandum & Articles and Bye Laws. Plus all UK and European government publications within the legislative framework of the rope access industry. The Rope Access Manager will monitor communications from IRATA including issued Safety notices/bulletins and amend this procedure document accordingly. Andrew Roffe is responsible for all procedural and regulatory matters relating to IRATA Rope Access Training, including compliance with IRATA ICOP, IRATA TACS Document. The Rope Access Manager will be the Technical Authority and Management Contact for IRATA Training membership. He will be responsible for IRATA membership and its annual fees.

1.7 The Rope Access Manager, will have the responsibility to alert all staff of the updates to this document, which will be done in writing as required on form 012. Staff will be requested to sign the document receipt form 01 to verify they have been informed and understood these procedures. This 01 form will be held within the staffs employment file.

1.8 All comments and suggestions on the content or implementation of this procedure document are encouraged from ALL staff in their induction and should be addressed and communicated to the Rope Access Manager in writing.

2 Company Organisation and Responsibilities

2.1The company shall hold suitable and appropriate employers and public liability insurance. Where appropriate, product liability and professional indemnity cover shall also be provided. A copy of the company’s current public and employer’s liability insurances detailing the use of industrial rope access methods shall be held at the training venue.

2.2In the unlikely occurrence that IRATA qualified sub-contract Instructors are utilised at BeSafety Ltd, they shall provide their own public liability insurance, suitable checks shall be made to ensure that the cover is adequate and current, and of their current IRATA Instructor Status. They will be required to receive an induction in these procedures and its forms, the Training Venue Risk Assessment and all related BeSafety IRATA Training documents and controls, they too will be requested to sign form 001.

2.3The Managing Director/Rope Access Manager will have overall responsibility for all health and safety matters relating to IRATA Rope Access employees plus third-party persons in relation to BeSafety IRATA rope access Training activities. They will also enforce company policies by ensuring staff regular attend at management meetings, and to ensure meetings are held to discuss and review policies, procedures and documents. The Managing Director has ultimate responsibility for all health and safety matters relating to employees, trainees, public and any others engaged in BeSafety Ltd IRATA rope access training activities. This also includes the annual declaration

2.4Andrew Roffe - BeSafety Rope Access Manager will have the responsibility to ensure full technical compliance to the requirements of IRATA Training membership and ensure the safe delivery of IRATA Rope Access Training as per these procedures and the IRATA ICOP and IRATA TACS Document. He will be responsible for the Training manual and its review; The Rope Access Manager will have the technical expertise and experience to effectively manage all IRATA Rope Access Training related tasks. BeSafety Rope Access Manager will be the identified IRATA Technical Authority. If at any time the current Rope Access manager should leave employment with BeSafety Ltd then the Managing Director will advise IRATA and seek immediate replacement of this person and position with them being as equally technically qualified.

2.5The minimum qualification of the BeSafety Rope Access Manager will be IRATA level 3i. The Rope access manager is responsible for planning, implementing and reviewing the IRATA Training delivery and of a safe system of work

2.6The Rope access manager should meet the requirements of and have the following skills:

1. Competence and experience of the work being managed
2. The ability to communicate requirements to rope access instructors
3. The ability to create, implement and review training methods and techniques, and be able to assess which methods are appropriate for each training task;
4. The ability to ensure correct operation of the rope access training management system.

2.7The Rope access manager has a duty to ensure that IRATA rope access Training Instructors and Trainee IRATA Instructors are competent for the training task in hand.

2.8The Managing Director should ensure that the rope access manager has the necessary management skills for this role and some form of training in management. He/She will be responsible for IRATA Instructors at BeSafety Ltd

2.9The Rope Access Manager will communicate requirements to IRATA rope access Instructors. He will create, implement and review control systems, and be able to assess which control measures are appropriate for Training.

2.10The Rope access manager will have the duty to ensure that IRATA rope access Instructors are competent for the task in hand. He will supervise and manage instructors and provide updates of techniques, training methods, the review of the training manual and be responsible for the mentoring and the supervision and management of instructors. The Rope Access Manager has the duty to ensure Instructors are competent. (Please see Skills and Competency section).

2.11 The Rope Access Manager will be responsible as the administrative contact for IRATA membership for BeSafety Ltd. He will be responsible for all communication directly with IRATA, including the following: He will be responsible for completing IRATA form 006, The Review of these IRATA Rope Access Training Procedures, The BeSafety IRATA Training Manual, Training Course Content and Lesson Plans, Training Venue Risk Assessment, IRATA Rope Access Training Site Rescue Plans, The Selection of IRATA Rope Access Training Equipment and associated materials and ensuring its competent examination and inspection recorded on the equipment inspection inventry. He will also be responsible for all training venue structures and anchorages.

2.12 The Rope Access Manager would be responsible for the immediate completion of IRATA incident reporting portal in the event of an accident, incident, or dangerous occurrence. The Rope Access Manager would be responsible for recording, investigating, and reporting to the relevant authorities in line with the requirements of UK law. All incidents will be recorded on the company accident and incident report Form 002.

2.13The Rope Access Manager will display all necessary safety notices including IRATA safety notices and bulletin in the training venue.

2.14The Rope Access Manager will be responsible for completing the annual internal audit as per the IRATA audit 059 internal audit checklist. Any non conformance found on Internal Audit will be recorded on form 013 Internal Audit Non-Conformance Form and the resulting corrective action required recorded and actioned by the Rope Access Manager. He will also attend a minimum of one IRATA General Meeting or relevant committee meeting within the membership year, so that they are fully conversant with the activities, workings and requirements of the Association.

2.15The Rope Access Manager with the help and Support of the Managing Director will be responsible for the review and necessary updates to this titled procedural document, Including ensuring that all staff are made aware of changes and updates and a record of this kept by ensuring each member of staff signs a document revision form 01. This form will be held on the employee file.

2.16The Rope Access Manager will encourage open, operational review and feedback by arranging Regular IRATA Rope Access Training Health and Safety meetings concerning health and safety, held both formally and informally. It is important to involve all staff and to encourage everybody to attend and to contribute to all matters that may affect safety. These will generally be carried out on a quarterly basis informally, however if an important matter arises, meetings can be called at any time and reviews of the procedures can be carried out at any time. The meetings headed and chaired by the Rope Access Manager to enable any operational IRATA Rope Access Training Instructor staff to discuss and formally record their views, opinions, feedback and findings, and distributing his findings to all staff. Rope Access Training can only be carried out in a reliable safe manner where training staff are deemed competent to train and experienced in the delivery of training.

2.17General Responsibilities Instructor

Instructor Job Description:

2.18It is essential that Instructors have the experience and competence to supervise the rope access work and any potential rescue for each rope access training event under their supervision.

2.19Within BeSafety Trained and certified Level 3i rope access technicians are permitted to be Rope Access Instructors. The Rope Access Manager will ensure that IRATA Level 3i have the necessary supervisory skills before they are given such a role, as rope access technical skills alone are no assurance that a Level 3i is competent to supervise. Some form of training in supervision is recommended.

2.20Level 3i IRATA rope access Instructors will require the following skills:

1. The experience and competence to supervise the rope access training and any potential rescue for each rope access project under their supervision
2. The ability to communicate to IRATA rope access candidates the IRATA rope access safety requirements and to manage day-to-day problems at the training site
3. Leadership abilities appropriate to the training delivery
4. The ability to monitor closely both training and candidates for rope access safety and to be able to identify any shortfalls in the required competence of candidates
5. A thorough knowledge of hazard identification and risk assessment, and methods of training site management
6. The ability to understand and implement the content of safety Risk Assessments
7. The ability to complete and maintain relevant documentation
8. The authority to make decisions to ensure the safety of IRATA rope access candidates, the public and the rope access training venue worksite

2.21The Rope Access manager will ensure that employed IRATA Level 3i Instructors have the necessary supervisory skills before they are given such a role by conducting interviews prior to engagement. The Rope Access Manager will ensure Instructors are updated on techniques and changes to training methods and the training manual.

2.22BeSafety Instructors should be familiar with their work environment, the working conditions and practices, and, in particular, the essential liaison necessary with candidates. By use of the Reporting form 011 there is a clearly defined reporting system to the rope access manager.

2.23All personnel involved in IRATA training for BeSafety Ltd will be IRATA Level 3i minimum. All staff used will receive BeSafety Ltd Training Procedures and training manual Staff Responsibilities, BeSafety Risk Assessment and General Rules and a practical induction including on going staff training and mentoring by the rope access manager. On larger courses consideration may be given to the use of an IRATA Level 3i sub contractor as an assistant instructor, however the course will remain at all times under the direct supervision of the full time employed BeSafety Level 3i.

2.24The Managing Director will ensure candidate customer Instructor satisfaction feedback is collated using a variety of methods of communication including feedback sheets at end of courses appendix document 010 IRATA Training Course Administration, Management and Planning.

2.24BeSafety IRATA Rope Access Training and its courses will require Planning, Administration, Organisation and Financial Management, including the commitment to meet the requirements of IRATA Training membership and the IRATA TACS Document.

2.26Where required BeSafety will utilise an Administration Person to assist the Managing Director, The Rope Access Manager and The Instructor. This nominated person is currently known as Training Administrator. If the Training Administrator is unsure of any technical query, they will consult with the Rope Access Manager who will either deal with situation themselves or feed the correct information back to the training administrator.

2.27The Role of the Training Administrator is a nontechnical role that includes all course admin and does not require practical Rope Access skills, but an understanding of the IRATA Training course requirements.

The Roles and responsibilities of the Training Administrator is as follows:

1. To Advertise IRATA Rope Access Training courses including dates, times and location on the IRATA Website
2. To Maintain and Advertise IRATA Rope Access Training on the BeSafety Company Website
3. To Administer the booking of all courses by all candidates including financials i.e. Invoicing and accounts payable including fees due to IRATA
4. To maintain the appropriate level of candidates per course for the Instructor i.e. a maximum of 6 candidates at any level for 3i qualified Instructor
5. To book and organise an IRATA ASSESSOR for each IRATA Training Course with the maximum 8 candidates :1 Assessor ratio
6. To respond to all candidate course enquiries via website, email or telephone and send out relevant course information or facilitate candidates to include:
   • Booking Form with Price and Course Dates
   • Self Cert Medical Form (See Below)
   • Joining Instructions
   • IRATA Scheme Flowchart
   • A copy of the relevant syllabus sent to all new IRATA course applicants in advance.
   • All applicants are advised in advance of how the IRATA system is structured and how they may progress through it.
   • Applicants are advised in advance of the advantage of a relevant trade background when it comes to subsequently finding employment with their IRATA certificate.
   • All applicants are advised in advance of the physical and mental demands of rope access training.
   • Prior to commencement of training all trainees are required to have current medical certification. As a minimum this will involve the trainee self-certifying that they have no contraindications for this type of training using the IRATA form: “Statement of Medical Condition”. This form is supplied to trainees in advance.
   • At commencement of the course copies of the IRATA ICOP and TACS document will be supplied by email to all candidates.
   • To ensure A copy of the BeSafety Ltd training manual will be supplied to all trainees on arrival at the course.
   • To facilitate the Travel and Accommodation enquiries of candidates and visiting Assessors
   • To ensure all course paperwork including the IRATA Registration to Tech Connect, IRATA Theory Question Papers and Level 3 forms plus the candidate is onboarded to TechConnect to enable the assessor to access the ADF via the IOS system prior to the assessment
   • To file online registrations to the IOS system
7. To maintain all Personnel files of BeSafety Staff
8. Maintain Candidate Welfare facilities and First Aid Kit
9. To Ensure Courses will ONLY be run with a maximum recommended Trainee to IRATA 3i Instructor ratio of 6:1, and on larger courses to a maximum of 8 candidates, a second IRATA 3i qualified Instructor will be used. The second instructor may be an experienced Level 3i.The principal full-time trainer retains absolute overall responsibility for the safety and organisation of the course.
10. To maintain and administer Staff Certification
11. To liaise with IRATA Administration team relating to candidate or course queries
12. Maintenance of all END of Course IRATA Training course paperwork:
    • Candidate Question Papers
    • Medical Statements
    • The Registration process
    • ADF for completion on IOS system
    • Copies of Assessment Form
    • Level 3 forms
    • Course Feedback forms

3 Instructor Requirements & Compentence

3.1Besafety IRATA Training must only be carried out in a reliably safe manner where people are competent. To be considered competent, a rope access instructor needs to have sufficient professional or technical training, knowledge, and actual experience to carry out their assigned duties at the level of responsibility allocated to them.

They must:

1. Understand the limitations of their level of training with regard to work practices
2. Understand the various uses of the equipment they use and its limitations
3. Select equipment correctly
4. Use the equipment properly
5. Inspect the equipment they use
6. Maintain and store the equipment they use

3.2Besafety Instructors must be trained and competent to carry out any training task that they are to undertake, including candidate rescue/retrieval and should only be allocated training tasks appropriate to their level of training and only after mentoring has occurred by the Rope Access Manager.

3.3Be sufficiently physically fit and free from any disability that might prevent them from working safely at height and have signed IRATA form 014R and held on their personnel file, candidates will also sign this form and again be kept for a minimum of 3 years.

3.4Instructors must be competent in the pre-use inspection of theirs and the candidates PPE equipment, including an understanding of when equipment should be withdrawn from service or placed in quarantine. The Maintenance of the Training venue and its structures including ensuring the control measures are enforced of the training venue risk assessment. Instructors will be responsible for the organization and daily running of an IRATA training course including:

• Candidate Inductions
• IRATA Assessor Inductions
• Storage of Equipment used in Training
• Paperwork relevant to the course
• Candidates Welfare

3.5They will understand potential hazards related to their work under consideration and be able to carry out appropriate training candidate site safety inductions including health and safety rules, welfare, first aid and training site emergency and rescue plan procedures. Instructors will ensure candidates receive induction at the beginning of all courses and sign form 009.

3.6Instructors will have the skills to detect technical defects or omissions in their work equipment, recognize implications for health and safety caused by such defects, and be able to specify a remedial action to mitigate those implications. (Please see quarantine action) Instructors will be responsible for the supervision and safety of candidates at all times. They will deliver candidate training for both practical and theory elements of the IRATA syllabus as detailed in IRATA TACS Document and the company training manual. The Instructor will be responsible for course techniques and methods of delivery dependent on the level and candidate group size. The instructor will utilise the company training lesson plan/procedure and Besafety training manual for course delivery at their dynamic discretion and experience suitable to the level of candidates on the course.

3.7When a prospective Instructor employee is unknown to the Rope Access Manager rope access references will be required and checked. In addition new employees may also be given a rope access skills test, conducted by the Rope Access Manager.

3.8The Rope Access Manager will seek to ensure that employed instructors have a suitable attitude and aptitude by interview in addition to their IRATA International Level 3i qualification and use form 004 & 005.

3.9All Instructors will hold a current IRATA Level 3i qualification.

3.10It is company policy to ensure that all Instructor personnel have the necessary levels of natural aptitude, training, assessment and experience to safely carry out their roles and tasks. This will also include as a minimum a ‘self assessment’ certificate of medical fitness and a valid and appropriate HSE approved First Aid and AED certificate.

3.11Instructors will be responsible and should keep their IRATA Log books up to date at all times. In the absence of an IRATA Log Book, operatives must show evidence of training and hours worked. All Instructor staff are required to maintain their IRATA status by undergoing a three-year reassessment by an IRATA independent assessor and renewing annually their instructor status. Personnel with lapsed certification will not be employed by Besafety Ltd. This includes first aid certification. As Per IRATA TACS document instructors must meet the requirements of Instructor status.

3.12Newly qualified Level 3i Instructors will be under the close supervision of the Rope Access Manager. All Level 3i Instructors are given a practical induction to the facility in use by The Rope Access manager and Besafety Ltd’s training lesson plan. In addition all Level 3i Instructors are supplied with a copy of this procedure and a copy is always available at site.

3.13Instructors who have been inactive for a period in excess of 3 months will be required to carry out a short refresher programme before being engaged in training run by the Rope Access Manager using his experience.

3.14Instructors will be chosen based upon their relevant industrial and training experience.

3.15All New Instructor staff will be suitably competent and experienced in their training role. Any specific management training needs will be identified and the necessary actions implemented by the Rope Access Manager.

3.16Records of all employees and subcontractors details and qualifications will be kept on file for records and reference purposes.

3.17For newly qualified instructors, additional precautions need to be taken. These include only gradually introducing them to the training work under supervision of the Rope Access Manager. All candidates should be under close supervision at all times.

IRATA Qualification

3.18IRATA Level 3i, this is an experienced rope access technician who is responsible for understanding and implementing the rope access training procedures, and associated risk assessments, and is able to demonstrate and teach the skills and knowledge required of IRATA Levels 1 and 2 & 3. A Level 3 Instructor is responsible for filling in their own IRATA Log Book & Instructors Log Book.

He/She also:

• Understands the elements and principles of IRATA International’s safe system of work, ICOP and TACS Document
• Is conversant with relevant work techniques and legislation
• Has an extensive knowledge of advanced rope access rigging and rescue techniques
• Holds an appropriate and current first-aid certificate

Certification Validity

3.19Instructor staff have the requirement to maintain their IRATA qualification by undergoing a 3 yearly re-assessment via an independent IRATA assessment. Besafety staff with expired IRATA certification will not be employed for IRATA Rope Access Training duties.

3.20Besafety Instructor staff that have not been active in rope access Training for a period of three months or more, will be required to undergo refresher training with the Rope Access Manager in order to demonstrate that they maintain the skills appropriate to their level. This will normally be a minimum period of one day but could be longer.

Logbooks

3.21All Instructor personnel must be in possession of their own IRATA logbooks. These must be kept up-to-date. The Rope Access manager will sign technician logbooks, if this is not possible, then the logbook will be signed by the company administration representative. Candidates are to have their logbooks present on day one of the training course for the Instructor to check valid and up to date.

Personnel Files

3.22A Personnel file is kept for all employed rope access Instructor staff which will include the following documents:

• Copy of current valid IRATA certificate including First Aid Cert
• Self Cert Medical Form
• Signed copies of induction form 009
• Signed Copies of Document Receipt forms
• CV

Staff Induction

3.23All Besafety Instructor Staff will be given an induction by the Rope Access Manager. It will be recorded on the induction form 004 and signed by the inductee and inductor. It will include but not be limited to:

• Employed Individual responsibilities
• The Employment terms for all staff
• Communication
• Company Structure
• Company Safety
• BE.01 Rope Access Operating Procedures and Associated Forms
• Besafety Training Manual
• IRATA Form 006
• IRATA ICOP
• IRATA TACS
• Training Risk Assessments, rescue plans & Method Statements

Instructors will be inducted by the Rope Access manager on the IRATA Trainer file on the IRATA Website and how to Access it for immediate access to all relevant documents relating to IRATA and its training courses. To include the IRATA ICOP and TACS document, that they can give to candidates in electronic format in their native language as required.

Medical Certification

3.24As a minimum all employee’s and candidates will self-certify, using IRATA form 014R, indicating that they have no contra-indications for this type of work or training.

Insurance and First Aid

3.25Besafety is fully insured for rope access related tasks with the cert being held at head office. Also a full First aid kit is available on site during all training activities. The Instructor in charge is the dedicated First-Aider and will be responsible during the course for the first aid kit.

Disciplinary Procedures

3.26Besafety will procure outside professionals for designated disciplinary processes for all staff if required. The MD will communicate all disciplinary actions or notices in writing under the guidance of an outside legally trained person.

4 Training Methods & IRATA Training Delivery

4.1Besafety IRATA Training Course content will include delivery of all the practical and theoretical elements required by the relevant IRATA syllabus over a minimum of a 4 day period for levels 1, 2 & 3 and cover the requirements of the IRATA TACS Document. Besafety will take all possible and reasonable steps to communicate the course content with candidates from other countries and languages and ensure they understand the techniques and methods. English will be the native tongue and candidates will be made aware when booking. Online language translation may be used for some theory aspects if required for foreign candidates.

4.2The IRATA Training manual appendix document 20 and Besafety Lesson Plan appendix document 019 will be used to deliver the required IRATA syllabus, manoeuvres and techniques by the Instructor in conjunction with the IRATA TACS document and IRATA ICOP Including Annexes.

4.3Rope access candidates are grouped into three technical grades depending on their experience, the Diagram below shows flowchart showing the route to qualification.

IRATA Level 1 - Rope Access Technician

The Industrial Rope Access Trade Association - IRATA - is the only internationally recognised certification scheme for industrial rope access. The Level 1 certificate is the first step in a three level structure. Candidates should expect a hard week both mentally and physically as they come to grips with the wide range of access techniques required to pass the independent assessment on the final day. As a qualified Level 1, the candidate will always be under the safety supervision of a Level 3. Safety is an overriding concern during training and assessment. It should be noted that this course requires a reasonable degree of physical and mental dexterity as well as a head for heights.

CONTENT

• Rigging, knots and rope work
• Understanding and safe use of equipment
• Rope manoeuvres
• Structural climbing techniques
• Simple rescue
• Background and theory
• General safety and aptitude

WHO WILL BENEFIT? An IRATA qualification is designed to enable qualified industrial tradesmen to access their normal tasks in a safe, efficient and low impact way. Common trades on the ropes include: NDT, inspection, electrical, rigging and painting.

STRUCTURE The course is mainly practical with emphasis placed on learning to perform the techniques safely and efficiently. The course is assessed on the final day by an independent IRATA Assessor. On successful completion the candidate is issued with a logbook, certificate and ID card. Candidates are reassessed three-yearly. The course is of a five-day duration, including assessment.

IRATA Level 2 – Rope Access Technician

The IRATA Level 2 certificate is the second step in the IRATA certification scheme. The Level 2 builds on the Level 1 course material and the candidate's practical experience. More in depth rigging and rescue techniques as well as a higher degree of proficiency on the ropes consolidate the candidate's experience and offer an introduction to the advanced techniques of Level 3. A Level 2 certificate confirms the candidate's experience and competence to operate as a reliable worker.

CONTENT

• Proficiency in all Level 1 techniques
• Enhanced rigging techniques
• Rescue from Ascenders
• Rescues from manoeuvres – aid climb, deviation, rebelay, rope transfer
• Hauling and lowering casualties
• Level 2 theory
• Equipment selection, inspection, care and maintenance

WHO WILL BENEFIT? IRATA Level 1 technicians wishing to progress through the system. Candidates must have a minimum of 1000 logbook hours and one years’ experience, ideally in a variety of locations.

STRUCTURE The course is mainly practical with the emphasis being placed on building the candidate's confidence and competence in the discipline. Independent IRATA assessment is carried out on day 5. Successful candidates receive a new certificate and ID card. Certificate is valid for three years. The course is delivered over a five-day period, including assessment.

IRATA Level 3 – Safety Supervisor

OVERVIEW

The IRATA Level 3 certificate is the top level in the IRATA certification scheme. The Level 3 builds on the candidates experience and prepares him to take on the roles of Team Leader, Safety Supervisor, Rescue-man and Rigger. Thus far IRATA rope access has an impeccable safety record, this is largely due to the quality of Level 3's in the field. This course aims to maintain, and build on, these high standards.

CONTENT

• Current legislation and regulations
• Equipment selection, inspection, care and maintenance
• Operational planning and risk assessment
• Proficiency in Level 1 and 2 techniques
• Advanced rigging techniques
• Advanced rescue technique
• Team Management and responsibilities

WHO WILL BENEFIT? IRATA Level 2 technicians willing and able to take on the responsibility for a rope access team. Candidates must have completed at least a year and 1000 hours as a Level 2 and should have a broad range of experience of different working environments. We would only encourage top quality candidates to apply.

STRUCTURE The majority of the course is spent practising and refining advanced rescue techniques so that the candidate has the ability and confidence to extract any team member from any possible difficulty. There is also a written paper which concentrates on the candidate's theoretical knowledge. This course is delivered over a five-day period, including independent IRATA assessment.

4.4On the final day of an IRATA Training course an Independent IRATA assessor will be booked and carry out an independent assessment of Candidates.

4.5IRATA Assessors will be required to have their own insurance relevant to the activities being undertaken.

4.6On completion of assessment the IRATA assessor will thoroughly debrief all candidates and inform them of their results with the Instructor present.

4.7In the case of a pass at any level the assessor will complete, grade and sign the IRATA assessment form, including any comments. An App enabled ADF is currently being implemented whereby assessors can sign off assessments electronically.

4.8The trainee will be required to sign the assessment form indicating that they agree with the results of the assessment and that they have been trained in all the elements of the syllabus relevant to their level.

4.9The trainer will be required to sign the form indicating that they have delivered all the elements of the IRATA syllabus relevant to the trainee’s level.

4.10In the case of a candidate not achieving a pass the assessor will fully explain the reasons for this and inform the candidate of possible courses of action, e.g. further training etc.

4.11Besafety Ltd reserves the right to remove anyone from a course who proves unsuitable, for whatever reason, to the demands of rope access training. In these cases all or part of course fees may be refunded at the discretion of the Rope Access Manager.

4.12The primary objective behind the planning and management of IRATA rope access training is to create a training environment that maximizes safety and minimizes the risk of error, possible incidents and injury, and provides a total safe system of training, i.e. zero targeting.

Planning for IRATA Rope Access Training must include but not be limited to:

• A documented safe system of training i.e. Training Manual and lesson plans
• A documented specific venue risk assessment
• Site induction requirements
• Training facilities, e.g. classroom and area for candidate resting and first Aid
• Planning for Rescue and emergencies, e.g. fire
• Protection of third parties, e.g. exclusion zones; barriers; warning signs.

Planning should not only include the selection of appropriate training methods, equipment and competent Instructors but should also include the preparation of a specific rescue plan, e.g. rigging for rescue if appropriate or required. Dependent on levels being trained the Instructor will determine when rigging for Rescue is required.

Risk Assessment

4.13Through careful Risk Assessment The Rope Access Manager will identify any hazards and examine how they can be removed, or, if this is not possible, how the risk can be reduced to an acceptable level. This is determined by carrying out a site specific Training venue risk assessment appendix document 006.

4.14A risk assessment is a detailed and systematic examination of the hazards of IRATA Rope Access Training that could cause harm to Candidates, Instructors or Visitors. A risk assessment must be carried out before Rope Access Training takes place at any training venue including any temporary venues Besafety use. All Instructor Staff must sign acceptance sheet prior to start of work that they have read and understood the Risk Assessment. The risk assessment for IRATA training operations conducted by Besafety Ltd is included as Appendix of this procedure, this is regularly monitored and reviewed in reaction to any change of normal operating conditions at the company’s training venue. All training sites will be risk-assessed, using the same format, prior to commencement of training by the rope access manager.

4.15The detail provided in the risk assessment should be in proportion to the risk. A copy of the Specific Risk Assessment document will form part of the Training Procedures. In addition to the Risk Assessment IRATA form 006 will be completed by the Rope Access Manager and present at the training venue prior to any commencement of IRATA Training. The Rope Access manager will be responsible for keeping the IRATA form 006 up-to-date and relevant to any changes. Form 006 will be completed fully as required by IRATA and all boxes must be completed.

4.16After the hazards have been identified, the risk assessment should continue with a careful study of all the hazards identified, to determine the level of risk posed by each. As a first step, wherever possible, hazards should be eliminated. If this is not possible, precautions should be taken to minimize the likelihood of candidates being harmed.

4.17The risk assessment should include detailed consideration of foreseeable emergency scenarios and Rescue planning as to how any rescue would be carried out known as the Rescue Plan.

A five step process is used to produce the site specific task Risk Assessment:

• Identify the hazards
• Assess the level of risk
• Put control measures in place to eliminate or reduce the risks to acceptable levels
• Record the findings of your assessment and list the control measures adopted
• Review The final stage of the plan is to continually Review the effectiveness of your control measures, and to adjust and revise those measures where necessary in order to maintain the level of risk within acceptable boundaries

4.18The following documents must be present at the Training venue are listed below:

• Besafety Training procedures and Training Manual
• IRATA ICOP and TACS document
• Equipment user instructions
• Copies of IRATA certification for all Instructors
• Copies of Level 3 first aid certificates
• Copy of company insurance
• Risk Assessment & Rescue Plan
• Record of Rope Hours (IRATA Form 055)
• Accident & Incident Report Form

4.19Once Candidates or visitors arrive at the training venue, under supervision of the Instructor they will formally sign in on site in visitors register and Instructor will provide an Induction that they must sign to accept receipt form 009.

4.20The Instructor, shall, before each Training course begins/starts, perform an Induction “toolbox talk” with all the candidates. This will include discussing and reviewing the Welfare Facilities, First Aid, Structures and Anchor system’s Loadings and general Work At Height site Safety Rules, Site Risk assessment, Rope Protection methods required and the Rescue Plan including rig for rescue requirements if applicable. All candidates must sign to indicate that they have received and understood the pre-training briefing on the relevant Induction Toolbox Talk form 009.

4.21Prior to any commencement of training Pre-use checks will be conducted on all personal equipment including pre-use inspection checks of Harness and the Rope Access system. The Instructor will check the condition of all his and his candidate’s personnel equipment, anchor points, ropes, rigging including all training structures and complete form 008.

4.22From the outset of the training the principle of “buddy checking” and inter-team supervision will be adopted and encouraged by the Instructor, including:

• After the trainee or instructor has donned their harness and assembled their equipment
• After the trainee or instructor has attached to the ropes
• Prior to the trainee or instructor committing to the system
• At all times when the trainee or instructor is engaged in rope access manoeuvres
• The limitations and dangers through poor handling and misuse of devices are highlighted to trainees during the training course and using the foreseeable misuse Risk Assessment document.

4.23Also From the outset trainees will be encouraged to habitually conduct pre-use checks on their equipment.

4.24All equipment in the Training venue should be checked before use to ensure it is in good condition and functions correctly. Before candidates approach the point of descent or ascent, or commencing to descend or ascend, checks should be made to ensure:

• Harnesses and helmets are correctly fastened and adjusted;
• Lanyards and connectors are correctly fastened;
• Anchors are appropriate and secure;
• Working lines and safety lines are the correct length for the task, are anchored correctly and are free from damage;
• Stopper knots are tied at the lower end of both the working line and the safety line at an appropriate position, with an allowance for stretch;
• Other items are secured so they cannot fall.

NOTE: The checks above are also best carried out by a co-candidate. This is known as a buddy check.

Additional checks should be made by the Instructor to ensure:

4.25Anchor lines are rigged so as to avoid being damaged during the training task, and anchor line devices are attached to the anchor lines correctly.

4.26The Instructor will continually monitor the condition of all equipment and anchor points; in addition they will continually monitor the effectiveness of the control measures in place to maintain the safe Training conditions of the training venue.

4.27In any potential pendulum situations, i.e. manoeuvres involving horizontal displacement of ANY distance, secondary back-up devices are deployed in both directions i.e. Re-Anchors, Rope to Rope Transfers, Deviations.

4.28During training courses, access to the training facilities will be restricted to personnel directly involved in training operations. As per Risk assessment Protection measures include signs and barriers at all possible entrances to the training areas. At all times a Climbing helmet must be worn at ground level within the demarcated training area by both instructor and candidates. All tools or potential for dropped objects must be controlled by use of lanyards or cow’s tail connected to prevent them falling.

4.29Where unauthorised personnel could gain access to anchor points then these shall be appropriately protected against interference, including signs and barriers and possibly specialist rigging techniques and equipment.

4.30The training facilities are controlled environments where constant voice audio-visual communications can easily be maintained between instructor and trainees. Any special measures required to maintain good communications will be adopted as appropriate.

4.31All main anchor points consist of primary attachment point and a completely separate secondary back-up point. All ropes are independently anchored.

4.32All training is carried out on a two-rope system. In the event of failure of the primary (working) rope or any part of the system it is attached to, then the secondary (back-up) rope system would engage providing security to the trainee or instructor.

4.33Candidates and instructors attach to the two-rope system in such a way that the principle of 100% back-up is maintained throughout the whole training system at all times:

• Cowstails are individually and independently knotted and attached to the central harness D-ring from one continuous EN 892 dynamic rope
• A compliant EN355 energy absorbing lanyard with Petzl ASAP mobile fall arrester used as the back up device will be attached to the sternal attachment point on the harness, this will be attached to the back-up rope. A second back up Device ‘DUCK’ will be utilised in ALL Rope transfers on the back up rope being ascended
• Ascending or descending equipment will be attached to the other (working) rope
• For aid-climbing the Candidate will at all times be attached to a minimum of two cowstails, these will in turn be attached to separately anchored slings, or eyebolts thus maintaining the principle of independent back-up at all times

4.34All main anchor points within the facilities are suitable for intended use; they are of two main types, either:

• Minimum 7mm Steel Wire Slings or Textile slings - EN 795B anchored to structural steelwork, or
• EyeBolts – EN 795 A1, used in pairs

4.35Either anchor system will achieve a minimum system strength of 15kN as recommended by IRATA ICOP and the engineering calculations for the Besafety Training venue.

4.36Each individual anchor system consists of a minimum 2 temporary EN795 anchor devices attached to the structure, 2 EN362 karabiners and 2 individually EN1891 type A knotted ropes.

4.37Rigging angles for “Y” anchors, slinging of loads or cross-hauling will not exceed 90°.

4.38Deviations used to redirect ropes should not exceed 20° from the vertical, or the deviation should not be more than 2m lateral displacement from the main anchor.

4.39When training with horizontal tensioned lines candidates are advised that the maximum angle for these is 160° and at that angle the tension at each anchor point is 3 x the load. In these situations trainees are advised of suitable back-up methods and load limiting techniques.

4.40Instructors are responsible for checking that anchor lines are correctly rigged.

4.41Anchor lines should be rigged to avoid any surface that could damage the ropes.

4.42During IRATA Rope access Training Anchor points must be unquestionably reliable. Rope access anchors must have a minimum breaking strength of 15kN. Anchor points consist of a primary attachment point and a secondary back-up anchorage. All ropes are independently anchored, but both anchors may be connected to each other in such a way that there is share loading.

4.43The working line and the safety line are known collectively as anchor lines. Each anchor line should be attached to its own anchor point. The working line and the safety line are normally connected to each other for added security, as well as allowing the anchor lines to be positioned between the anchors. Load sharing between anchors reduces the load on each one. This minimizes the likelihood of failure of either anchor but, in the unlikely event of a failure of one of them, there would only be a minimal impact force on the second anchor.

4.44Instructors and candidates MUST always be attached to at least a minimum of TWO independent systems, such that failure of any one anchorage, rope or item of equipment will not cause the operator to fall, i.e. 100 per cent redundancy.

4.45A primary device of either a Descender or Ascender will be connected to the Working Rope with a suitable back up device connected to the safety rope. When working in suspension on the ropes the harness set-up for technicians will be such that it provides independent attachments to the working rope and back-up rope.

4.46The principle of double protection also applies to the attachment of rope access technicians via their anchor line devices to the working line and safety line and to any anchors by their anchor lanyards. For example, descending devices and back-up devices should be fixed to the rope access technician's harness with separate connectors, in accordance with the information supplied by the manufacturer. (It is not necessary to wear two harnesses).

4.47Personal rope access equipment will only be used for its intended purpose in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and must not be used for lifting loads.

4.48At all times candidates must connect both working and back-up rope to both independent anchor points with a ‘Y’ hang system to create share loading as per IRATA ICOP and supervised by the Instructor as per diagram below.

4.49Rigging angles should if possible, not exceed 90 degrees AND definitely not exceed 120 degrees as per drawings above.

4.50When working in suspension the harness set-up must provide independent attachment to the working rope and back-up rope.

4.51Instructors should Ensure there is a minimum amount of rope on the ground, Ropes must be knotted at the lower ends to provide rope length security.

4.52The following are used at Besafety training venue as suitable Anchors:

• Structural Anchors including training rig and towers minimum strength 15kn
• Designed, Tested permanently installed Class A1 Anchorage devices (Eyebolts) 15kn

4.53Anchors should be positioned in such a way that candidates can maintain their work position without difficulty and so that connection can be made to or from the rope access system in an area where there is no risk of a fall from a height.

4.54Wherever feasible, the two independent anchors – one for the working line and one for the safety line, and each with a static strength of 15 kN or more – should be linked together for added security. This link can be achieved, for example, by the use of a double figure-of-eight knot on the bight (also known as a bunny knot) or a combination of a figure-of-eight knot on the bight and an alpine butterfly knot.

4.55Anchor lines should be configured so that a candidate or instructor cannot inadvertently descend off the end of them. Where the anchor line is free hanging, this may be achieved by the use of a simple stopper knot.

4.56If exit from the bottom of the anchor lines is planned, a check should be made to ensure that the anchor lines reach the bottom, or if being carried in a bag, that they are long enough. It may require the instructor to check this.

4.57Slack in the safety line should always be avoided to minimize the length of any potential fall in a dynamic rope failure the Instructor will monitor this.

4.58To minimize the length of any potential fall, connections to safety lines should, wherever possible, always be positioned above the rope access technician’s harness attachment point, with the least amount of slack achievable in the device lanyard. This may not be possible with back-up devices intended to follow the user. However, in all cases, when the rope access candidate is not in motion, the back-up device should be positioned as high as possible.

4.59Attaching to or detaching from anchor lines at mid-height may present problems. Anchor lines should be checked carefully to ensure there is no build-up of slack between the anchors and attachment point that could become snagged and release suddenly. Where the whole length of the anchor lines can be seen, these checks can be visual.

4.60Where there are long anchor lines above a short drop, previously unloaded anchor lines may stretch suddenly when loaded, allowing a candidate to drop a distance proportional to the length of anchor line above, possibly causing him/her to hit an obstruction or the ground. In addition, if the working line were to fail at this point, the stretch generated in the safety line could result in insufficient protection, irrespective of the type of back-up device used. A solution is for the instructor or candidate to re-anchor both anchor lines and thus remove the problems of excessive elongation.

4.61When anchor lines are tensioned, for example, as they are in horizontal anchor line systems, the increased loads in the system, e.g. at the anchor, anchor line terminations and at other components, should be considered.

4.62Where anchors are over 1.5 metres apart anchor devices will be doubled to prevent failure of the anchor system should one connector fail.

4.63When working with tensioned lines technicians are advised that the maximum angle for these is 160° and these techniques should only be used after careful consideration, including specific risk assessment.

4.64When engaged in aid-climbing the set-up should continue to ensure a minimum of two independent attachments by use of two EN892 dynamic rope lanyards to two independent anchors.

4.65When work seats are used the candidate must always be anchored independently of these items by maintaining their full rope access system at all times. Work-seats are to be used for comfort only and must not be used as the technician’s fall protection.

4.66Candidates should not ascend or descend any anchor lines without confirmation from the Instructor that it is safe to do so, following pre-descent/pre-ascent checks.

4.67Candidates should normally descend vertically with the minimum amount of swing (pendulum) to minimize any risk of abrasion to the anchor line or putting unnecessary stress on it or the anchors.

Deviation Anchors

4.68Where anchor lines need to be redirected, the angle and loading at the deviation anchor and supporting equipment used should be taken into account before use, together with what might happen in the case of failure. Failure could cause an out-of-control swing fall (a pendulum), which could result in injury to personnel or damage to equipment or property. A large deviation angle could increase the difficulty for the candidate in maneuvering past the deviation anchor, so a re-anchor might be more appropriate. Deviation anchors are also used to avoid hazards, e.g. sharp edges. They should be robust enough not to fail at any potential load to which they could be subjected.

Besafety utilise two types of Deviation Anchorage:

• Positional, to provide position on the workface. In these cases a single deviation anchor may be appropriate, i.e. where the consequence of anchor failure would be a small swing which has no potential for injury or rigging damage. Single deviations will not exceed 20° from the vertical.
• Double-anchor deviations may be used to deviate the ropes by a greater angle and distance than a single anchor deviation, and / or may allow the ropes and user to be protected against more serious hazards such as a sharp edge or a large swing into a structure. Such a deviation utilizes a double anchor system, with suitably rated main anchors and connection components, to provide protection against failure of any one anchor item. Where a large angle is created, Instructors and candidates should consider whether a re-anchor may be more appropriate. The diagram demonstrates loadings of deviations.

If a Candidate is unsure about any of the required deviation techniques, they should communicate with the Instructor.

4.69Candidates must ensure that they are protected when within the rope access area i.e. protecting from falls, trips hazards whilst rigging and approaching the rope access drop area including all fall risks as identified in site risk assessment. Suitable precautions will be taken to ensure that access to and egress from the anchorage points shall not be compromised.

4.70No Candidate should be allowed to enter the working edge hazard zone for any purpose, unless they are wearing a harness and helmet and are attached to an anchored safety line.

4.71As identified in the site specific Risk assessment where the training task creates a hazardous and dangerous area by conducting the training task, i.e. removal of guardrails this area should be clearly identified as a rope access danger zone and all necessary controls should be in place to protect candidates and staff and third parties. To ensure that third parties cannot accidentally endanger themselves it may be necessary to appoint a sentry to ensure that exclusion zones are maintained.

4.72Candidates must never approach an unprotected edge without being attached to a safety line when within 2m of the edge.

4.73Barriers should ideally prevent anyone reaching the edge of any fall hazard. The rope access danger zone can be identified as any area within the rope access task area where a risk of falling exists, or injury exists. If the training area is to be left unattended it should be locked if possible to prevent tampering with anchors, ropes and equipment. On return all equipment and anchors should be thoroughly examined by a competent person prior to being used.

4.74Besafety are aware Anchor lines are particularly vulnerable to damage caused by abrasion, cutting, melting or chemical contamination. Damage can be exacerbated by vertical or horizontal movement of the anchor lines, especially when they are under load, such as when a rope access technician is ascending, descending, making sideways movements or in a fall.

4.75Contact with any potentially hazardous surface should be avoided but, where this is not possible, e.g. where it is not possible to rig a free hang, it is essential that anchor lines are adequately protected. The below RAP hierarchy is used by Besafety Ltd in its training venues:

• Remove (the hazard, where feasible)
• Avoid (the hazard) (Rebelays or Deviations)
• Protect (against the hazard) (Rope Protection Measures)

Wherever feasible, any hazard that could cause damage to the anchor lines should be removed. If this is not possible, anchor lines should be rigged so that they hang free for their entire length and for the duration of the rope access training task, and do not contact or have the potential to contact edges, or abrasive or hot surfaces. Edge protectors, e.g. commercially made rollers; metal edge plates; other cut-resistant or heat-resistant edge protectors, with large radius surfaces offer the best protection at any edge in a drop. These devices should be equipped with a means of maintaining their intended position and used in these circumstances. The edge surface radius needs to be a minimum of 5mm at all times.

4.76Anchor line protectors, which typically comprise a sheath made of a suitable material which encapsulates the anchor line, may be used to protect the anchor lines against contact with abrasive (but not edges). It should be able to withstand use in the chosen location without wearing through or melting and exposing an anchor line to the abrasive or hot surface. Anchor line protectors should be used on both lines.

4.77Anchor line protectors are to be used to protect against surfaces that are significantly abrasive, each anchor line is to be protected by its own anchor line protector. The edge surface radius needs to be a minimum of 5mm.

4.78In mid-anchor line situations, attachment of an anchor line protector to the structure or natural feature rather than to the anchor line is preferable, as anchor line elongation could result in poor protection or no protection at all if the anchor line protector is fastened to the anchor line. If exit is to be from the bottom of the anchor lines but retrieval of the anchor lines is to be from the top, the anchor line protector should be fastened to the anchor line.

4.79It is essential that edge protectors and anchor line protectors maintain their intended position during training. Care is necessary to ensure the edge protector or anchor line protector remains in the correct place when the anchor line is loaded, or that it is repositioned correctly when more than one person uses the anchor line. This may be particularly relevant if users are of different weights (masses). The consequences of a failure of the working line and the subsequent elongation of the safety line should be taken into account, which may prompt the use of several edge protectors or anchor line protectors.

4.80Edge protectors and anchor line protectors of a type that can be located on the anchor lines anywhere along them (e.g. without having to thread the end of an anchor line through the edge protector or anchor line protector) should be used.

4.81Besafety and its instructors utilise IRATA ICOP Annex P below as a guide to Rope Protection within its training venues.

4.82As per Risk Assessment an appropriate and adequate exclusion Zone should be rigged prior to any rope access training under the supervision of the instructor and as detailed in the risk assessment controls.

4.83Where possible non rope access candidates should be discouraged or prevented from entering the exclusion zone or interfering with the rigging by posting suitable notices, providing warning signs, erecting appropriate barriers. Access ways, passageways or doors leading into the training zone should be suitably controlled. It should be noted that the control of fire escapes should be kept clear.

4.84All general work and training tools must be connected by work lanyards or cowstail’s to the harness to protect from dropped objects in the training venue at all times as per site risk assessment.

4.85If the training area is to be left unattended it should be locked if possible to prevent tampering with anchors, ropes and equipment. On return all equipment and anchors should be thoroughly examined by the instructor prior to being used.

4.86Where appropriate, i.e. when candidates will be suspended for a prolonged periods in one location, i.e. Rescue, work support seats will be used - they will be used in addition to the system rather than replacing any part of it. Live casualties will be avoided where possible by use of training manequins and dummies and weight sacks, when manouvering these loads the Instructor will monitor the manual handling aspect as per HSE Guidance and the following diagram. WHERE FEASIBLE RESCUES OF TWO PERSON LOADS ARE CONDUCTED BY RELEASABLE ANCHORS WHEN AVAILABLE, i.e. RIG FOR RESCUE TECHNIQUES. GENERALLY, FOR LEVEL 1 CANDIDATES TRAINING CONSISTING OF 2 PERSON LOADS SHOULD ALSO BE CONDUCTED AT LOW LEVELS WITHIN REACH OF THE INSTRUCTOR ENABLING PROMPT RETRIEVAL OF CASUALTIES AND USING A PROTECTIVE SURFACE LIKE A BOULDER MAT. TRAINING MANEQUINS ARE ALSO UTILISED TO AVOID THE NEED FOR LIVE CASUALTIES TO BE USED.

Manual Handling

4.87The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to assess the risks associated with moving objects by hand or by bodily force with the aim of eliminating or minimising the risk of injury or long term health problems.

All manual handling has to be within the capability of the Instructor or candidate. Manual handling risk assessments can be applied to assess tasks that could pose a risk of acute or chronic injury or condition.

Consideration should be given to the effects of Manual Handling operations during hauling and counter-weighting exercises and also where lifting operations are carried out when your feet are not against a solid structure.

4.88Any Mechanical load that is required to be lifted will be done so under the supervision of an instructor and with double protection methods and under current procedures with angles not exceeding 90 degrees.

5 Equipment

5.0Safe Working Loads for all Physical Structures used for Anchorage are clearly defined and will be advertised and signed within the training centre for all staff and visitors to see.

5.1All rope access equipment, and associated items, conforms to relevant national and international standards, as appropriate.

5.2All new equipment is purchased and inspected in line with IRATA ICOP. The following is followed:

• The selection and purchase of equipment should be approved by a person with knowledge of the technical specification required.
• Equipment used in any rope access system should be compatible and should be appropriate to its application.
• Equipment should be capable of withstanding any foreseeable loads without catastrophic damage to any component of the system.
• Equipment should be selected which, wherever possible, fails to safe.
• Equipment should be inspected before each use (pre-use check) and more thoroughly at regular intervals (detailed inspection). Results of all detailed inspections should be recorded and records should also be kept of use and maintenance.
• Equipment should be correctly stored and maintained, and should be traceable back to the manufacturer or his authorized representative.
• Rope access technicians should have clothing and similar equipment appropriate to the work situation and conditions.
• All equipment is purchased using a purchase order email, this is retained as the first part of the traceability trail.

5.3Equipment is received from the suppliers with a certificate of conformity; this is matched with the original purchase order and retained along with product information sheets for future reference.

5.4On receipt all equipment is individually and uniquely marked. Marking is normally by heat shrink sleeve for ropes and identification plates for heavier items of rigging equipment, these unique markings are noted on the corresponding certificate of conformity. Manufacturers are supplying uniquely marked items of equipment; these markings will be adopted where appropriate.

5.5The type of harness assembly presently in use is a Multi-application harness, incorporating EN813 (EN 358) – Sit Harness in combination with EN 361 fall arrest attachments for fall arrest applications.

5.6Besafety Candidates and Instructor equipment set up will be consistent to the below diagram. All Harness and associated equipment set up should be uniform to this diagram below. A full body harness with attached Chest Ascender, Industrial Climbing Helmet and Auto Lock Descender device.

• Wire Anchor Strop/Textile Sling or A Secondary Back Up “Duck” Device
• Absorbica L57 and ASAP/ASAP LOCK
• 1 meter dynamic EN892 cowstail x 2
• ISOLATED BULL NOSE FROM 4 meter continuous EN892 dynamic rope
• Scaffold/Barrel to connectors

5.7Two types of connectors are presently in use EN 362 – compliant karabiners and scaffold hooks, these are either screwgate or autolock and either alloy or steel. EN 12275 / EN 362 – compliant maillons of various shapes and normally steel.

5.8Rope access lanyards or “Cowstails” are cut from 11mm dynamic rope EN 892 and tied to the harness with continuous overhands then a middle bull nose figure of eight and barrel knots at connectors. Cowstails are subject to daily inspection by the candidate and the instructor and are immediately replaced if showing signs of fatigue by the rope access manager.

5.9Fall Arrest lanyards are used in certain applications and comply with EN 355. Typically, the Petzl Absorbica and Absorbica Y is used for these applications.

5.10In certain situations fall arrest blocks complying with EN 360 may be used with the appropriate harness.

5.11Descenders in use all have an autolock facility, and comply with EN 341 / EN 12841-C typical items being the Petzl I’D.

5.12Ascenders in use comply with EN 567 / EN 12841-B and typically include the Petzl Croll.

5.13For current conventional rope access training the Petzl ASAP CE EN 353 2, CE EN 12841 type A is used as the system back-up, in conjunction with an EN 355 energy absorbing lanyard attached to the sternal attachment point and as a Secondary device the EN353-2 STEC DUCK.

5.14For fall arrest applications appropriate mobile fall arrestors may be used, complying with EN 353-2, are used including the Petzl ASAP, SAR/Troll Rocker. For Training to restrict the user’s travel so that access is not possible to zones where the risk of a fall from a height exists, work restraint equipment will be used. If the planned method of training is such that should the user lose controlled physical contact with the working surface there would be a significant free fall (outside the normal bounds of rope access) it is necessary to choose fall arrest equipment. This includes an appropriate full body harness and a system that limits the impact load to below 6kn.

Two main types of rope are in use, they are:

• 11mm low stretch kernmantel, EN 1891A, for rigging and rescue applications.
• 11mm dynamic, EN 892, for dynamic cowstails.

5.15Ropes are subject to a daily visual inspection by the instructor and are immediately replaced if showing signs of fatigue.

5.16Appropriate industrial climbing helmets are used, complying with EN 397 and / or EN 12492, the most appropriate for a given application being established through risk assessment.

5.17When in a practical training at ground level area all trainees, instructors and candidates are required, as a minimum, to wear protective helmets.

5.18Besafety has a master equipment register which provides the information required to provide the traceability of all Rope Access Equipment used and its last competent persons inspection, the title of this document is Appendix document 016 Equipment Inspection Log.

5.19An assessment by the rope access manager should be carried out before each new training method task starts to select the most appropriate equipment to be used. The assessment should also pay special attention to the probability and consequences of misuse of technique, manoeuvre or equipment, taking into account any known incidents, e.g. as detailed in IRATA International safety bulletins.

5.20Rope access equipment should be selected only for its intended purpose as specified by the manufacturer and Equipment should only be used in accordance with the information supplied by the manufacturer. Copies of which are held at the training venue.

5.21Equipment should be selected which, wherever possible, fails to safe.

5.22The manufacturer of personal fall protection equipment is required to supply product information. This information should be read and understood by all Instructors before using and training with the equipment. This also applies to replacement equipment. Knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of equipment can help to avoid misuse. This knowledge can be enhanced by studying the information provided with the product, catalogues, other technical brochures and the manufacturer’s website, which often provides more detail.

5.23After marking and prior to being put into service all equipment is given a thorough examination and inspection by either the Rope Access manager or instructor Besafety Ltd competent person.

5.24In line with IRATA ICOP and the UK LOLER Regulations the maximum period between thorough examination and inspection of equipment is six months. In practice the period between examinations is shorter as this forms an integral part of the IRATA training course. Regular, six-monthly, examination and inspection of rope access training equipment is carried out in-house by a competent person, in the case of rope access equipment this means an experienced Level 3i Instructor with Competent Persons certificate, Records of these inspections are retained for the lifetime of the equipment.

Examination criteria are drawn from a number of sources:

• BS7985;2013 – Code of practice for the use of rope access methods for industrial purposes (Appendix 1)
• ICOP Annex H
• Manufacturer’s information sheets
• Petzl CD ROM and Website
• IOSH Competent Person Course

5.25Where an item of equipment is found to be unserviceable it will be destroyed and put beyond use and disposed of carefully.

5.26Where an item of equipment is for repair it will clearly be marked, “DO NOT USE” and quarantined until such time that it is sent for repair. Where repair is deemed appropriate this would be carried out by the manufacturer or their agent and fresh certification sought.

5.27Rope access training equipment is securely stored in the stored racked area. Access is controlled by the instructor and restricted to those with direct involvement in training.

5.28All equipment is hung and racked according to the type. The racked store area is clean, cool, and free from contaminants and is not subject to UV light sources.

5.29The Rope Access manager will be responsible for the procurement of all Rope Access Training Equipment.

5.30The selection and purchase of equipment is carried out by the Rope Access Manager who has sufficient knowledge of the technical specifications required. Equipment should be received from the suppliers with a certificate of conformity and product information sheets for future reference. Product information sheets are also held electronically.

5.31All Besafety Rope Access equipment needs to be traceable by a unique number of identification scheme. The identification and traceability details should be matched to records of use and the equipment inspection log to help in the equipment’s care and maintenance.

5.32Equipment that does not have adequate marking made by the manufacturer should be indelibly marked in a manner that does not affect its integrity, e.g. by the use of: plastic or metal tags, which can be stamped with data and fixed; a suitable paint; a suitable adhesive tape. (The paint or adhesive should be of a type that is not capable of damaging the component being marked and should be applied and positioned so that it cannot obscure any defect.)

All Equipment should be marked to:

• To enable identification of the manufacturer and, where appropriate, the model/type/class of equipment.
• So that it can be easily associated with its respective documentation, e.g. certificates of conformity, examination and inspection records.
• To allow further traceability, e.g. to enable the isolation of a rogue batch of components.
• To meet any requirements of legislation, e.g. national regulations.

This is achieved typically by the use of an identifier, e.g. a manufacturer’s serial number, or by batch marking with additional forms of identification, e.g. a coding system when purchasing.

Inspection

5.33There are three types of inspection to which all rope access equipment should be subjected, to decide if the equipment can continue to be used or if it should be removed from use and destroyed. These are the pre-use check, the detailed inspection, and in certain circumstances, an interim inspection. Any item showing any defect during these inspections should be withdrawn from service, immediately and the form 003 equipment defective form should be completed by the inspector which will be either the instructor or the Rope Access Manager.

5.34The pre-use check consists of a visual and tactile inspection, which should be carried out before first use each day. It is advisable to continue to monitor the condition of equipment throughout the duration of the task and not just at the start of the day.

5.35There should be a formal inspection procedure to ensure that equipment is thoroughly inspected by a competent person before equipment is used for the first time, and then at intervals not exceeding six months, or in accordance with a written inspection scheme. This should be carried out in accordance with any manufacturer’s guidance. The results of detailed inspections will be recorded on the Equipment inspection log appendix document 016.

5.36All Rope Access safety related equipment, will, as a minimum, be inspected on a formal 6 monthly competent persons inspection schedule by either the Rope Access Manager or competent instructor.

5.37Equipment will be thoroughly inspected in line with the Manufacturers guidance and user/operating manual and follow relevant guidance ie UK LOLER Regs. The manufacturer should always provide information on the inspection, care and maintenance of equipment and this should be strictly followed. In addition, IRATA ICOP Annex H will be used as an inspection checklist with IRATA ICOP Annex I used to advise the information to record following the inspection. Following inspection, the results of the inspection are formally logged on appendix document 016.

5.38Any damaged or suspect equipment will be quarantined, and a further examination will be carried out by the Rope Access manager. Equipment not deemed fit for service will be destroyed with the details entered the current equipment examination log appendix form 016.

5.39Where equipment has sustained exceptional use liable to jeopardize safety, further inspections (called interim inspections) should be carried out. These are inspections in addition to the detailed inspection and the normal pre-use check. They should be carried out by a competent person - the instructor. Suitable times for interim inspections can be decided by taking into account factors such as if items are subject to high levels of wear and tear (e.g. unusual loadings) Interim inspections should be recorded on the Equipment examination log appendix document 016.

5.40Within Besafety Ltd Should there ever be any doubt about the continued serviceability of an item of equipment by the instructor, the matter should be referred to the Rope Access Manager. Equipment subjected to a high impact force, e.g. in a fall or by a load being dropped on to it, should be withdrawn immediately from use and destroyed. It is important that there is a quarantine procedure for ensuring defective or suspect equipment that has been withdrawn from service does not get back into service without the inspection and approval of a competent person ie the Rope Access Manager. There is a quarantine box and area within the locked safe room area.

5.41Records should be kept to track the use of individual pieces of equipment, its inspection and its maintenance. These should include at least the following:

• The name of the manufacturer;
• The name of the model, type or class of the equipment, as appropriate;
• The date of entry into service;
• The manufacturer’s serial number or batch marking to enable traceability, e.g. to the production stage;
• Any certificate of conformity, e.g. to a standard;
• The date and result of inspections, and the date the next inspection is due;

Records of inspections will be kept until at least until a subsequent inspection is carried out.

5.42After Use and any necessary cleaning and drying equipment should be stored unpacked in the company racked store area, a cool, dry, dark place in a chemically neutral environment away from excessive heat or heat sources, high humidity, sharp edges, corrosives, unauthorized access, rodents, ants or other possible causes of damage. Equipment should not be stored wet because of the possibility of fungal attack or corrosion.

5.43Any necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided, should be used in the correct manner.

• Gloves if required
• Eye protection when required

5.44Besafety Have a Permitted Approved equipment appendix document 018 which highlights the permitted equipment to be used on Besafety Rope Access training venues. Only equipment appearing and listed on this form is to be used and is agreed by the Rope Access Manager.

BeSafety Permitted Equipment List

6 Communication

An efficient communication system should be established between Instructor and Candidates, and, where necessary, to third parties. This should be agreed and set up by the instructor before training starts and should remain effective for the whole of the training period.

Depending on the nature of the training venue appropriate measures will be identified and adopted as necessary. These may include:

• Direct voice audio-visual
• Hand signals

It is essential that all candidates understand the system of communication in use.

6.1Even though great care and attention may be given to safe training, accidents can still happen. The survival of an injured or otherwise immobile person often depends on the speed of rescue and the care given to the casualty during and after rescue. Consequently, great importance should be attached to examining the training site at appropriate times, e.g. each day; to assess all feasible emergency scenarios and to plan how any resulting rescues would be carried out.

6.2There should be suitable arrangements in place at every training venue to provide rapid candidate rescue/retrieval. These should include an appropriate site-specific Rescue plan, with priority given to Rig For Rescue Techniques where possible, together with equipment, rigging and anchors of adequate strength for candidate retrieval.

6.3The following Rescue Plan is currently in use at Besafety Redhill Training venue

6.4In all circumstances Following prompt Rescue of the casualty, the lead Instructor will administer First aid as per training and as required until professional medical help arrives.

6.5A rope access candidate should endeavor always to be in a position such that, in the event of an incident, he/she would be able to rescue him/herself, or to be rescued quickly and efficiently by the Instructor.

6.6Provisions should be made to ensure that help is provided promptly to any rope access candidate who needs it.

6.7Rescue equipment should always be present and ready for immediate deployment at the training venue. This equipment should be sufficient to carry out a rescue from any situation on the training site. This could be the rope access technician’s normal rope access equipment, preferably rigged for rescue, e.g. the working line and safety line established with releasable anchors to allow rapid implementation of lowering or hauling in an emergency.

6.8Clear instructions should be given to the candidates on the procedures to be taken in site emergencies that could occur unexpectedly, e.g. fire

6.9 Rescue & Emergency Procedures

6.10 Suspension Syncope and Medical First Aid

The advice of the HSE to prioritise the ABC of first aid when treating suspected suspension syncope are paramount. During and after rescue, standard first-aid guidance should be followed, with an emphasis on airway, breathing and circulation management (ABC). Assessment of any injuries should include those which may not be apparent, e.g. damage to the neck, back and vital internal organs. In accordance with advice given in a literature research and assessment carried out by the UK Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) in 2008 (HSE/RR708 Evidence-based review of the current guidance on first aid measures for suspension trauma), the fully conscious casualty may be laid down and the semi-conscious or unconscious casualty placed in the recovery position (also known as the open airway position).

All casualties who have been suspended motionless in a harness should be taken to hospital immediately for further professional medical care and observation. Medical personnel should be advised that the casualty may be suffering from the effects of suspension intolerance. A person suspended motionless in a harness awaiting rescue is likely to tolerate suspension better with the knees elevated. During rescue, elevation of the legs and movement of them by the casualty or assisted by the rescuer, where safely possible, may be helpful. The casualty should be removed from suspension as soon as possible. This is particularly important for a casualty who is motionless.

7 Accidents & Incidents

6 Communication

In addition to any legal requirements, an accurate record of all accidents or near misses should be kept, including measures to avoid a reoccurrence. All employees should be encouraged to report near-misses.

7.1 All accidents and incidents must be reported to IRATA within seven days of the event. If an accident is ‘Over-7-days’ (i.e. injury results in 7-days or more away from work) it must be reported to IRATA immediately thereafter Details will be entered into the HSE approved accident report book and where necessary reported to the H&SE under RIDDOR (The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). If you have a ‘Dangerous Occurrence’, (any event where no injury occurred, by may have caused injury or death), it must be reported to IRATA as soon as practicable, but within 7 days. Besafety will report all accidents and near misses to IRATA on the IRATA accident return form 021. Whilst on a training site the IRATA 3 / I (Instructor) will be responsible for the recording of accidents and near misses in the Besafety accident and investigation report form 002 and approved HSE form for reporting the accident or near miss, this will be completed by the instructor or rope access manager the process will be as follows

7.2It is essential that the IRATA International work and safety statistics form 020 be completed for all hours worked on rope, accidents, incidents or near misses and returned promptly to IRATA International when requested online.

8 Candidate Welfare & Training Venue

8.1Rope access Candidates require adequate facilities where they can rest in the dry, protected from the cold or heat, Eat and where they can obtain fresh water, store any additional clothing and be able to wash. They should also be provided with, or have access to, adequate toilet facilities.

8.2The Training venue will be maintained with good lighting and have a minimum height of 7 meters. All required Rope Access techniques and maneuvers as per the IRATA Syllabus and TACS document will be either pre-rigged by the Instructor or supervised by him/her. These will be at minimum height of 3.5metres, apart from Rescue techniques that may be shown at low levels with a protection mat. At a minimum the training venue will be rigged with Re-Anchor (Small and Large), mid rope or edge protection, rope transfer, knot passing, Deviation both Single and Double, an edge with 90degree turn and suitable protection methods. Horizontal and Vertical Aid Climbing area with a minimum distance of 5 metres for assessment. (3 metres for Vertical Aid)

8.3Rescue dummies or other load devices will be utilised for Hauling and Lowering exercises and team rescues and have a minimum mass of 70kg. Where possible the use of Live Casualties for rescue will try to be avoided, some manouvres especially rescue will require casualties and the instructor will use the Risk Assessment to control live casualties, the use of work seats will also be utilised.

8.4The training venue will have First Aid provisions and Full First Aid Kit maintained by the instructor who will be a in date certified First Aider.

8.5The Training venue will have a well maintained clean and hygienic classroom with visual aids for theory and assessment lessons and briefings.