Rope Cross
High Rope Training ‘What Is It?
Copyright (c) 2010 Filton Kingswood
Mention high rope work and many people think first of the great Charles Blondin who crossed the Niagara Falls on a tightrope in 1859. He followed this up with several more increasingly bizarre crossings including cooking an omelette whilst half way across. Blondin originally trained as an acrobat and relied on his natural sense of balance to get him through.
Nowadays high rope work has evolved to mean working at height on and around any of the tall structures that form part of our modern world. These include sky scrapers, wind turbines, oil rigs, bridges and communications towers. Trained high rope technicians are called upon worldwide to complete a range of projects. These could be as simple as window cleaning on a tall building or as complex as the maintenance and repair of a communications array. In short, where there is a tall structure, high rise technicians are needed.
High rope work is not just confined to man made structures. It is increasingly used to help solve geotechnical problems. With time comes movement, of cliffs, mountains and man-made steep sided gullies. The action of tides can erode the sides of cliffs until they succumb to nature and fall into the sea. Heat, drought, excessive rainfall and ice all play their part in changing the sub-structure of mountainsides and gullies until rock falls and land slips become inevitable. Whilst authorities sometimes yield to nature, they also have to consider the safety of their populations. This leads to the need for projects to shore up and stabilise potentially hazardous land.
All these projects require highly trained rope access technicians. While a number of technicians will bring skills to their training such as mechanical, electrical or electronic, others will merely bring a head for heights and an enthusiasm for a rewarding career. IRATA training can add to these skills and equip technicians for potentially worldwide careers full of interest (and safety).
The Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) is a global body for companies working in the rope access industry. Since its formation in 1987, IRATA has worked to ensure the safety of people working in the rope access industry. It has been so successful in this that the accident rate for IRATA members is much lower than for comparable industries.
It is a common misconception in business management that putting a few individuals together and giving them a common task or goal creates a team. It doesn’t. True teamwork means recognising your own and others strengths and weaknesses and using them for the good of the whole organisation. True teamwork means watching out for each other and being there with support almost before it is asked for. True team work means being able to rely on others to do what is expected of them so that you can perform your role with a feeling of security. For high rope technicians teamwork = safety = life. Training in teamwork is an important aspect of all IRATA courses.
The key planks of IRATA rope access training are safety and teamwork. Every IRATA job has to have a minimum team of two. Each worker is tethered by two separate ropes attached to different anchorages. Tools and equipment are either separately tethered or tied to the worker. This insistence on separate tethering and second line tethering forms the basis of IRATA safety.
IRATA training consists of a minimum five day course followed by both written and practical exams. All exams are separately assessed by a third party qualified assessor. Passing the first exam will mean qualification as an IRATA level 1 technician. These workers will be able to undertake a range of tasks under the supervision of an IRATA Level 3 technician and be responsible for their own equipment.
To progress to an IRATA level 2 technician requires working for a minimum of one year and 1,000 hours as a Level 1 technician. There is then a further minimum five day course with both written and practical exams at the end. Technicians can then undertake tasks such as rope access rigging and undertaking rescues, including hauling, under the supervision of a level 3 technician.
Those wishing to become IRATA level 3 technicians have to have worked for a minimum of one year and 1,000 hours at level 2. In addition to completing a further course and exam they also have to be nominated by an IRATA member company or assessor and have obtained appropriate first aid qualifications. Level 3 technicians have a comprehensive knowledge of advanced rescue techniques and are conversant with relevant work techniques and legislation. They are also capable of site supervision for rope access projects.
IRATA training doesn’t stop with the basic qualifications. All technicians have to undertake a refresher course every two years and those who don’t work for a period of six months also have to attend a refresher course and be re-assessed.
These strict training regulations help to ensure the safety of IRATA members. It also means that IRATA technicians are in demand worldwide. Many of the elements of the IRATA course are appropriate in other industries. For that reason you will often find that firms which offer IRATA training will also be able to provide courses in related subjects. These could range from teamwork awareness to fall arrest, rescue training and tower climbing.
About the Author
Rope Access UK is headed by an IRATA level 3 assessor. Click here now for
IRATA Training
.
How to do the criss cross jump rope trick.
|
|
5Pcs Vintage Fashion Lady Wooden Cross Pendant Long Leather Strap Rope Necklace $4.99 |
|
|
CROSS CHARM BRACELET- BROWN ROPE-LIKE BAND – LOBSTER CLASP $5.75 |
|
|
CROSS & FAUX PEARL CHARM BRACELET- BLACK ROPE BAND -STRETCHY $5.75 |
|
|
RHINESTONE CROSS CHARM BRACELET- BLACK ROPE-LIKE BAND – LOBSTER CLASP $5.50 |
|
|
CROSS CHARM BRACELET- BLACK ROPE BAND – LOBSTER CLASP $5.50 |
|
|
vp002 Vintage steel Peace Symbol cross Necklace w/rope $0.99 |
|
|
Hand Made Roping Saddle Cross Bread Style DeWitt Saddlery $2,200.00 |
|
|
Zebra Cross hair Roping Roper Saddle Breast Collar Rodeo Tack Zebra Cross BC22 $59.99 |
|
|
Bronze Pectoral Cross Crucifix Pendant Deacon Rope $39.95 |
|
|
Bronze Pectoral Cross Crucifix Pendant Deacon Rope $39.95 |
|
|
vp089 Best gift Men’s Cool Jesus Cross Yak Bone Pendant Necklace with Black Rope $0.99 |
|
|
Nocona Women’s Pewter Buckle with Rope & Cross and Turquoise Accents Buckle $12.50 |
|
|
Sterling Silver Rope Religious Christian Cross Pendant $42.00 |
|
|
1 PAIR STERLING SILVER ROPE TIED CROSS STUD EARRINGS $2.00 |
|
|
Gorgeous 925 Sterling Silver Abalone Cross Pendant Necklace 18″ Rope Chain $149.99 |
|
|
vp142 Antique silver tone Cross tag Genuine Brown Leather Rope Pendant necklace $0.99 |
|
|
vp145 NEW Indian Skull Cross tag Genuine Brown Leather Rope Pendant necklace $0.99 |
|
|
vp146 BRAND NEW TAG & CROSS Genuine Brown Leather Rope Pendant necklace $0.99 |
|
|
vp147 Cross Tag & horrible skull Genuine Brown Leather Rope Pendant necklace $0.99 |
|
|
vp148 Horrible Skull Head cross aolly tag pendant necklace genuine leather rope $0.99 |
|
|
WESTERN METAL ROPE CROSS CANDLE HOLDER VOTIVE NEW $13.99 |
|
|
2 WOODEN CROSS ROPE NECKLACES wood jewelry crosses $6.64 |
|
|
Delightful Little Raised Rope Goldtone Cross Necklace $6.74 |
|
|
Catholic Jerusalem Cross Pyx Religious Hospital Communion Church For Hosts Rope $9.95 |
|
|
vp002 Vintage steel Peace Symbol cross Necklace w/rope $0.99 |
|
|
Men’s 14k Gold Plated Iced Out Bling CZ Fancy Cross Pendant Charm Hip Hop Chain $36.00 |
|
|
18 KT GOLD OVERLAY CROSS PENDANT ON 20″ ROPE CHAIN $19.99 |
|
|
14k Cross On Cross Diamond Pendant Necklace Yellow & White Gold Rope Chain $399.99 |
|
|
Large Wooden Pectoral Brown Wood Cross Rope Necklace Piece $14.48 |
|
|
Silver Cross Pendant Carnelian Sterling Maltese Rope & Bead Details 25.9 Grams $190.00 |
|
|
20″ GOLD OVERLAY ROPE CHAIN CROSS PENDANT LIFE WARRANTY $20.99 |
|
|
#K1225 Shiny Stainless Steel Quartz Punk Watch Cross Rope Brown Leather Buttom $9.95 |
|
|
#K0925 Black Steel Analog Quartz New Watch Cross Rope Brown Leather Buttom $9.95 |
|
|
Sexy Women’s Lingerie Rope Cross Clothes Perspective Three Point Teddies $3.99 |
|
|
vp089 Best gift Men’s Cool Jesus Cross Yak Bone Pendant Necklace with Black Rope $0.99 |
|
|
Vintage Sterling Silver – Mexico Braided Rope Cross – Pendant XG171 $14.99 |
|
|
NEW Bishops Pectoral Cross Clergy Chain Celtic Irish Design Pewter 30″ Rope Cord $39.95 |
|
|
Western Rope Christian Cross Christmas Tree Ornament $5.99 |
|
|
#K0725 Racing Stainless Steel Men/Women Punk/Rock Watch Cross Rope Brown Leather $9.95 |
|
|
vp142 Antique silver tone Cross tag Genuine Brown Leather Rope Pendant necklace $0.99 |
|
|
vp145 NEW Indian Skull Cross tag Genuine Brown Leather Rope Pendant necklace $0.99 |
|
|
vp146 BRAND NEW TAG & CROSS Genuine Brown Leather Rope Pendant necklace $0.99 |
|
|
vp147 Cross Tag & horrible skull Genuine Brown Leather Rope Pendant necklace $0.99 |
|
|
vp148 Horrible Skull Head cross aolly tag pendant necklace genuine leather rope $0.99 |
|
|
20″ GOLD OVERLAY ROPE CHAIN CROSS PENDANT LIFE WARRANTY $20.99 |
|
|
#K1025 Steel Huge Nos Quartz Analog Gothic Watch Cross Rope Brown Leather Buttom $9.95 |
|
|
Ocean Sea Shell Bible Holy Cross Abalone Rope Costume Fashion Pendant Necklace $2.99 |
|
|
12 CROSS 3D ROPE NECKLACE jewelry gift fantasy crosses $23.74 |
|
|
Bronze Brown Wood Retro Latin Cross Pendant Strap Rope Necklace Sweater Chain $2.99 |
|
|
ANNE KLEIN GEM CROSS BLACK ROPE CHOKER NECKLACE JEWELR $14.99 |
|
|
Adjustable alloy cross oxhide rope Bracelet $3.75 |
|
|
18K Gold Christian Cross Pendant Diamond cut styling Rope bezel each end $479.95 |
|
|
Holiday Lighting Specialists Small Cross Led Rope Light 6668 $63.99 |
|
|
French lace CROSS PENDANT w 5mm gold rope chain 22 inch $34.25 |
|
|
Brand New Evil eye Cross shape Black Rope Necklace $7.99 |
|
|
Used royal blue halter and yellow lead rope and XS(34) yellow cross-country vest $150.00 |
|
|
Greek Wood Pectoral Cross Crucifix Jesus Christ Rope $12.60 |
|
|
10 Dark Tone Wood Cross Crucifix Lot Catholic Pendant Rope Necklace W 1 1/4″ $9.04 |
|
|
MUST SEE Rope Sterling Silver Carved Cross Pendant Religion Mens SOLID 925 $49.99 |
|
|
Three Bar Wood Crucifix Cross Rope Chain Greece Jesus $9.95 |
|
|
HORSE BLACK HALTER BRONC NYLON NOSE BAND PINK CROSS GUN LEAD ROPE $54.99 |
|
|
Vintage Catholic Silvertone Metal Cross/Red Rhinestone Rope Cord Chain $5.99 |
|
|
Ed Hardy Cross Ropes Skull and Rose Dog Tag Necklace $89.99 |
|
|
Pretty Swirl Twist Rope Cross .925 Silver Earrings $20.99 |
|
|
Olive Wood Olivewood Lord’s Prayer Our Father Pater Noster Rope Cross FREE SHIP $24.99 |
|
|
Olive Wood Olivewood Twine Rope Rosary Christian Cross Necklace FREE SHIPPING $6.49 |
|
|
Olive Wood Olivewood Rosary Prayer Beads Rope Twine Cross HAND MADE BETHLEHEM $5.49 |
|
|
Nice Cross w/ Gold Tone X Rope on it from 1979 $7.99 |
|
|
#K0078 Cross Rope White Leather Buttom Watch Strap Band Men/Women Gothic/Punk $4.50 |
|
|
Adjustable Tibet ox-bone cross rope Weaving Bracelet $3.75 |
|
|
Adjustable pottery bone cross rope Weaving Bracelet $3.75 |
|
|
#K0025 Cross Rope Brown Leather Buttom Watch Strap Band Men/Women Gothic/Punk $4.50 |
|
|
Adjustable alloy cross oxhide rope Bracelet $3.75 |
|
|
Adjustable alloy cross oxhide rope Bracelet $3.75 |
|
|
Vintage Sterling Silver – Rope Bound Christian Religous Cross – Pendant XD209 $16.49 |
|
|
Sterling Lrg Two Tone Cross Rope Christian Beads Neckl $38.50 |
|
|
The Great Designer, Rope Cross Necklace in Silver $97.00 |
|
|
HORSE HALTER BRONC NYLON NOSE BAND BLING PINK LEOPARD CROSS ROPE RODEO TACK $54.99 |
|
|
Brown Leather with Tan Rope Cross Slip-Knot Bracelet $2.29 |
|
|
Black Leather with Black Rope Cross Slip-Knot Bracelet $2.29 |
|
|
Red Leather with brown Rope Cross Slip-Knot Bracelet $2.29 |
|
|
Brown Leather with brown Rope Cross Slip-Knot Bracelet $2.29 |
|
|
Black Leather with Tan Rope Cross Slip-Knot Bracelet $2.29 |
|
|
Brown Leather / Tan Rope Cross Slip-Knot Bracelet $2.29 |
|
|
Black Leather with black Rope Cross Slip-Knot Bracelet $2.29 |
|
|
Bronze Lamb Of God Cross Crucifix Holy Spirit Dove Alpha Omega W Rope $9.95 |
|
|
Mens indie Jewellery wooden cross on rope / necklace $3.13 |
|
|
1 Sterling Silver Rope Bound 1 1/8 Cross Necklace Jewel $59.32 |
|
|
1 14K Gold Over Sterling Silver Rope Bound Cross Neckla $59.99 |
|
|
1 13/16″ Sterling Silver Gold Rope Cross Pendant Neckla $63.66 |
|
|
Olive Wood Lord’s Prayer Our Father Pater Noster Rope Christian Cross Olivewood $21.99 |
|
|
Western Equestrian Cowboy Decor Bright Cross Gold Rope/Berry 1 1/4″ Concho’s 6 $24.95 |
|
|
STERLING SILVER MINI CROSS EARRINGS WITH CENTER ROPE ON POSTS $15.13 |
|
|
Large Stunning 925 Sterling Amethyst & Marcasite Cross w/18″ Rope Chain/Necklace $24.99 |
|
|
Western Decor Antique Silver Plated Round Rope Edge Cross Concho’s Set of 6 $18.95 |
|
|
Western Decor (6) Gold Rope Border Cross 1″ Conchos $19.95 |
|
|
Western Equestrian Cowboy Decor Bright Cross Gold Rope/Berry 1 1/4″ Concho’s 6 $24.95 |
|
|
#K0625 Classic Digital Men/Women Punk/Rock Steel Watch Cross Rope Brown Leather $9.95 |
|
|
FAMOUS CATALOG NEW Rope Back/Low Back Blue Casual Dress Stretch Criss-Cross XS $6.05 |
|
|
0202N Korean Jewelry Retro Distinctive Ring Cross Leather Rope Necklace Pendant $1.59 |
|
|
Gift Corral Rope CroSS With Horseshoe $8.95 Rope Cross W/Horseshoe |
|
|
Gift Corral CroSS With Rope & Star Cast Iron $4.95 Cross W/Rope & Star Cast Iron |
|
|
Gift Corral Frame CroSS With Rope 6X4 $10.95 Frame Cross W/Rope 6X4 |
|
|
Gift Corral Frame CroSS With Rope 4X6 $10.95 Frame Cross W/Rope 4X6 |
|
|
Rope Clamp $4.5 This solid brass rope clamp is perfect for making your own leads, lunge lines, cross ties, and more! Single rope clamp. |
|
|
Rubies Costumes 102450 Monks Cross Plastic Cross with Nylon Rope $21.94 Traditional Monk s Cross. A must for a monk s costume. Includes a great lightweight and sturdy teninch plastic cross. Includes: Cross. Exact color of cross may vary our choice please. Material: Plastic Cross with Nylon Rope. Care Instructions: Wipe Clean. |
|
|
Rope $5.99 Rope |
|
|
14k Gold Diamond Heart Rope Cross Children’s Pendant $120 The Diamond Heart Rope Cross is simple but passionate. A diamond centetone sits in an exquisite heart-shaped mount, agait a rope-style cross. Your child’s devotion will be unmistakable in this 14k Gold Diamond Heart Rope Cross Children’s Pendant. |
|
|
Rope Design 14k Two-Tone Amazing Cross Pendant $385 This truly amazing cross pendant has been designed with a rope and a smooth plain surface of pure two-tone gold. Let your faith enlighten othe with this Rope Design 14k Two-Tone Amazing Cross Pendant. |
|
|
Rope Design 14k White Gold Simple Cross Pendant $85 This truly simple cross pendant has been designed with a rope surface. Let your faith enlighten othe with this Rope Design 14k White Gold Simple Cross Pendant. |
|
|
14k Yellow Gold Simple Rope Heart Cross Pendant $165 This simple plain cross pendant has been excellently rope carved in heart shapes at its sides. Reveal your faith for the Lord with this 14k Yellow Gold Simple Rope Heart Cross Pendant. |
|
|
14k Yellow Gold Exquisite Rope Design Cross Pendant $165 This fine polished cross is made of exquisite yellow gold. Celebrate God’s glory with this 14k Yellow Gold Exquisite Rope Design Cross Pendant. |
|
|
Chisel Stainless Steel Rope Accent Cross Pendant Necklace – 18 inches $59.99 Chisel Stainless Steel Rope Accent Cross Pendant Necklace – 18 inches Dimensions: Length: 18.00 Inches |
|
|
Cross with Rope Binding Necklace $12.99 “Features an 18″ chain & sterling silver.” |
|
|
Rope Design 14k Yellow Gold Amazing Cross Pendant $430 This truly amazing cross pendant has been designed with a rope and a smooth plain surface of pure yellow gold on its sides. Let your faith enlighten othe with this Rope Design 14k Yellow Gold Amazing Cross Pendant. |
|
|
Worldly Charm Rope Bracelet $145 Worldly charm rope bracelet is incredible. A gold plated chain with rope textured links is 7 1/2 inches long to wrap beautifully around your wrist. Six gold plated charms dangle from the piece themed around world travels, including a coral accented cross, a Buddha, a compass, a turquoise globe, a deep blue accented bust of Caesar charm, and a coat of arms. The charms each dangle 1 1/8 inch long. Bracelet fastens with a lobster claw clasp. |