Rope Access Chamber
Rope Access Chamber
The Rope Access Chamber of the IWH represent Companies, Partnerships or Individuals engaged in rope access.
Rope Access should always be carried out as a complete safe access system with two rope access points of attachment at all times per suspended worker.
A set of working ropes (per person) must consist of two separate ropes individually anchored to their own anchor points. Hauling and lowering systems must be used with two separate ropes at all times and cannot the same set of working ropes that the worker is suspended on. Only during an emergency and rescue situation may the set of working ropes be shared by more than one suspended worker. After determining that Rope Access is a suitable method for the task, certain underlying principles are fundamental when considering what measures should be required for a rope access operation. They are as follows;
- There should always be effective management, including onsite supervision
- Rope Access methods can vary in difficulty and complexity
- Individuals should possess the minimum knowledge, skill level and physical and mental ability appropriate for the work to be undertaken and in the environment they are working. These would differ according to the specific level of responsibility, i.e. manager, supervisor and operator
- Suitable, sufficient and certified equipment, anchor pots and anchoring methods to be selected and used.
The following SANS or ISO standards apply to the Rope Access Industry:
ISO 22846-1 Personal equipment for protection against falls — Rope access systems – Part 1
Fundamental principles for a system of work.
ISO/SANS 22846-2 Personal equipment for protection against falls — Rope access systems — Part 2
Code of practice
The IWH Professional Body will issue licenses to individuals for recognition to work as:
For Rope Access related enquiries, please email any of the following: