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Do You Have Questions? Get answers to frequently asked questions about Rope Access, Height Safety, Wind Energy and Engineering.
Industrial rope access is a specialised method of working at height whilst suspended vertically in a harness, initially developed from techniques used in climbing and caving; it utilises functional rope work to achieve a safe work position. It allows workers to safely access difficult-to-reach locations while removing the operational expenses associated with the use of scaffolding, cradles or elevated work platforms.
The application of industrial rope access requires a high level of competency on the part of the user. Technicians use a twin-rope system, a main working rope supports the worker whilst a secondary safety rope provides back-up fall protection in the event of an emergency. This technique of working at height enables access to otherwise impossible locations, safely and quickly
The benefits of the rope access approach include:
Rope access is highly versatile and efficient, providing quick access to hard-to-reach areas with minimal setup. Unlike scaffolding or elevated platforms, it doesn’t disrupt surrounding operations or regular activities leading to cost savings and faster project completion. With a focus on safety and control, rope access reduces risks and allows for better maneuverability around complex structures.
RIGCOM rope access technicians are licensed and work under the strict guidelines of the International Rope Access Trades Association (IRATA), and they are required to maintain certification and progress their skill sets. Through the IRATA program, each technician must log a minimum of 3,000 working hours on rope, with an average of 5,000 hours per technician up to the highest level of proficiency (IRATA L3). Technicians are assessed by an independent, externally approved trainer.
RIGCOM’s rope access technicians are qualified to undertake a diverse range of trades, including; electrical, plumbing, concreting, rigging, mechanical, engineering, welding, painting, waterproofing and telecommunications.
In Australia, rope access has been recognised as a safe means of access and works for over 30 years. RIGCOM adheres to the most stringent of local and international guidelines, and our rope access techniques comply with:
Rope access is often a more cost-effective solution compared to alternatives such as scaffolding, cranes or aerial lifts. It typically results in lower overall costs due to reduced setup time and fewer materials required, making it an economical choice for many projects.
We use a variety of safety measures to prevent tools and equipment from falling during rope access work:
Height safety refers to the measures and practices implemented to protect individuals working at height. It includes a range of strategies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), fall protection systems and safety procedures designed to prevent accidents and injuries while working at height.
Height safety measures ensure that workers at height are safeguarded against falls, falling objects and other associated hazards.
Height access systems provide a solid construction from which your workers can safely access rooftops and other structures for repairs and maintenance, potentially without the need for any additional fall protection equipment.
A combination of components that when used together will arrest a person in a fall from a working level. A PFAS typically consist of: an anchorage, full body harness, connectors and a deceleration device such as a lanyard or self retracting lifeline (SRL)..
A flexible line supported by two or more anchorages, to which workers can connect a lanyard or Self Retracting Lifeline (SRL) and travel safely along the line length. HLL’s can be designed for total restraint or fall arrest.
Use of fall protection components in a way that allows a worker to be supported in a harness under tension, so that a fall is prevented, e.g. the use of a pole strap or lanyard.
Work at height means work in any place where, if precautions are not taken, a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury.
You are working at height if you:
Yes, we are a Certified Repair Facility with a dedicated workshop to provide manufacturer-level inspections. We are authorised to maintain, service, repair and re-certify Self-Retracting Lifelines and other Fall Protection products, including Winches and Confined Space Equipment for workers at height whose lives depend on them.
Our OEM manufacturer-trained technicians take safety seriously. We use only original parts and follow all relevant guidelines and standards to professionally service and repair your height safety equipment to get it re-certified and back out in the field.
WAHA is not-for-profit industry association dedicated to the ongoing development of the highest standards of equipment and competency of all persons involved in working at height and in confined spaces.
RIGCOM is a committed and active member of the Working At Height Association (WAHA). We recognise the vital role the association plays in protecting workers’ safety and are proud to be a fully paid Gold Member. As a full member, we diligently operate according to the principles, terms, and conditions set forth by WAHA’s board in their Membership Code of Conduct.
A fall protection system is designed to prevent or reduce the risk or severity of a fall.
They are passive or active systems that protect the worker after a fall from hitting the ground and/or obstructions below the work platform.
Passive systems require little or no personal involvement from the worker. Active systems require the worker to actively use the system in order for it to be effective.
A flexible line rigged from one or more anchors to which a worker can secure the components of their fall protection system in a vertical orientation. These systems provide freedom of movement whilst maintaining user protection from a fall from height.
Type 1 fall arrest devices include rope & rail grabs – A fall arrest device that travels along an anchorage line and, when loaded, locks to the line. The user is connected to the activating lever, which locks the device in the event of a fall. A typical use of a Type 1 device is as a ladder fall‑arrest system, using a rigid rail or flexible line attached to the ladder.
A deceleration device containing a drum‑wound line which may be extracted and retracted under slight tension when the user moves vertically away from and towards the device. In the event of a fall, the device will quickly lock the drum and prevent the lifeline from paying out, thus arresting the user’s fall and limiting the force to 6kN. When incorporating a retrieval winch, it becomes a type 3 fall arrest device.
Yes, under the standard you are obligated to ensure that the items (safety harnesses, horizontal lifelines and rails, fall-arrest devices, and associated lanyards, connectors, anchorages and fittings) are in good working order and ensure the health and safety of workers exposed to a risk of injury from a fall.
The Standard requires that height safety equipment be:
AS/NZS 1891.4 defines a Competent Person as: A person who has, through a combination of training, education and experience, acquired knowledge and skills enabling that person to correctly perform a specified task.
Competent Person Classifications:
Height Safety Operator – A person who is able to perform harness based work at heights under the direct supervision of a height safety supervisor.
Height Safety Equipment Inspector – A person who is competent in the skills needed to detect faults in height safety equipment and to determine remedial action.
Height Safety Manager – A person who is competent in the selection, design, anufacture or installation of height safety systems or equipment, or the development of control measures or work practices.
Wind turbine blade maintenance includes routine inspections, cleaning, surface repairs, leading-edge protection, and lubrication to prevent wear and ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Blade failure is the most common issue, often caused by lightning strikes, material defects, power regulator failures, foreign object impacts or poor design. These failures can result in costly repairs and lost revenue due to turbine downtime.
IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) and SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians) are organisations that set global standards and promote safety for rope access professionals.
The Global Wind Organisation (GWO) is an independent, non-profit entity that sets safety standards for the operation and maintenance of wind turbines worldwide.
Yes, the repair can be made using procedures typically employed in two situations: post-manufacturing repair, removing the defects identified after blade manufacturing and before installation; and field repair, when damage occurs during wind turbine work during operations.
The structural integrity of wind turbine blades refers to their ability to withstand the mechanical stresses and environmental forces they experience over their operational life without failing or suffering significant damage. This involves maintaining the blade’s strength, stability and overall performance under various conditions, including wind loads, fatigue, thermal fluctuations and exposure to environmental factors like rain, hail and UV radiation.
Maintaining structural integrity is essential for both safety and operational efficiency. A failure in the blades can lead to catastrophic damage to the turbine, pose significant risks to workers, nearby equipment, or even the public. Additionally, compromised blade integrity can reduce the turbine’s efficiency, leading to decreased energy production and higher maintenance costs.
Leading Edge Protection (LEP) prevents leading-edge erosion, a major issue for wind turbine blades. It extends blade life, reduces maintenance costs, and improves overall turbine efficiency.
Wind turbines are equipped with lightning protection systems that redirect electrical currents safely to the ground, preventing damage to the rotor blades and nacelle.
A vortex generator is a small fin installed near the root of a wind turbine blade. It reduces airflow separation, smoothing the flow over the blade, reducing turbulence and increasing torque to turn the rotor and generate more power.
A modern, high-quality wind turbine blade typically lasts around 20 years. With proper maintenance procedures and favorable environmental conditions, its lifespan can be extended to 25 years or more.
When it isn’t possible to repower or extend the lifespan of wind turbines, they need to be de-commissioned. In these situations, turbine materials are often recycled to prevent them from ending in landfills.
The blades of a wind turbine are crucial for power generation as they determine the swept area that captures the wind’s energy. The larger the swept area, the more wind energy can be converted into electrical power. Additionally, the number and design of the blades significantly influence the turbine’s speed and efficiency. Proper blade design and maintenance ensure optimal performance, stability and energy output, making them a key component in the overall effectiveness and success of wind energy systems.
Wind turbine blades are primarily made from composite materials such as fibreglass-reinforced epoxy or carbon fibre. These materials are chosen for their ability to balance lightweight properties with high strength and flexibility. This combination is essential for the blades to withstand the mechanical stresses and environmental conditions they face, while also ensuring optimal performance and durability.
Yes, we offer detailed, customised 3D models before commissioning and construction. These models help clients visualise the project and finalise designs, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Yes, we conduct comprehensive in-house testing to validate the performance of our height safety systems. Our testing procedures ensure that all systems meet or exceed industry standards and performance criteria.
This rigorous validation process helps us guarantee the reliability, safety, and effectiveness of our height safety solutions before they are deployed in the field.
Our RoofJockey™ is a unique and portable engineered instrument that allows safe access and work methods where conventional height safety systems cannot be used or have not been installed, to carry out external maintenance and repair work on buildings and structures.
The RoofJockey™ serves as a fall protection anchor and a davit system that elevates the technicians abseil rope to prevent contact with the property, ensuring facades and parapets do not suffer any damage during descents, ascents and work activities.
Yes, we offer building consulting services. Our team provides expert advice and support on various aspects of building projects, including design, safety and compliance.
For more details on our consulting services, please visit our building consultancy page.