George Sakellariou. Regional Operations Manager - Rope Access & Rescue

Transcription

1 George Sakellariou Regional Operations Manager - Rope Access & Rescue

2 IRATA ROPE ACCESS

3 What is Rope Access? Rope Access is a term that describes the technical system of getting from one spot to another by the means of moving along ropes. The rope access system allows operatives / technicians to gain access to otherwise inaccessible or difficult worksite locations as a safer and more efficient solution. Modern rope access system is a Double Rope System. It is a system developed specifically to target the needs for high angled operations in the vertical environment.

4 Origin of Rope Access The techniques were derived from caving and mountaineering skills and first deployed in the 1980 s on industrial applications. Since then equipment and expertise have advanced beyond all recognition, with the introduction of the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) taking safety standards to ever greater heights. This has resulted in rope access becoming the safest method of access available today, a proven fact by the accident records issued by IRATA every year.

5 What is so cool about this system There are many benefits when using rope access. Unlike traditional access methods, Custom Designed rope access solutions can be utilized to fit various applications. Among other benefits, rope access is: The best method to access difficult locations Versatile Cost-effective Efficient & Quick Environmentally friendly Much safer than any other Work at Height method

6 Access Difficult Locations

7 Access Difficult Locations

8 Access Difficult Locations

9 Access Difficult Locations

10 Versatile Rope Access professionals can apply the techniques to a wide variety of environments, from confined-space penstocks and tower structures to complicated steel installations.

11 Cost-effective Rope Access is very economical. As fewer personnel can accomplish faster completion, it means minimal downtime which effectively means lower costs. VS

12 Efficient & Quick Rope Access systems are installed and dismantled quickly and require fewer personnel than traditional access methods. Less interference with other facility operations means less disruptions and minimized downtime. VS

13 Environmentally friendly Rope Access techniques and equipment has minimal effect on the surrounding environment compared to traditional access methods. VS

14 Safer than any other method Independently certified rope access technicians uphold an exceptional safety record, which makes it one of the safest jobs in the whole construction industry. Independently attached ropes rigged for rescue Working Rope, conforms to: EN 1891 type A Descender device, conforms to: EN 341 class A EN type C NFPA 1983 Work seat: prevents suspension syncope due to prolonged suspension Safety Rope, conforms to: EN 1891 type A Trained and independently assessed by an internationally accredited third party Back-up device conforms to: EN type A EN Ascending device, conforms to: EN type B EN 341 This photo has been taken from his Rope Access Supervisor

15 Is it all rope access safe? NO Only IRATA Rope Access is a very SAFE system of work

16 IRATA International IRATA International is a worldwide recognized organization with its headquarters in the UK. It sets strict guidelines and training standards on rope access and rescue. The IRATA system is an efficient and safe system developed to target the needs for industrial and rescue purposes.

17 IRATA International TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS As a part of this development, the system of grading operatives was set up. This requires operatives to undergo independent assessments in order to attain one of the 3 levels of qualification and as the qualifications should be renewed every 3 years it ensures an up to date standard of quality. The principal guidance documents are IRATA ICOP and IRATA TACS.

18 IRATA Member Companies Each IRATA member is audited by an independent third party auditor to ensure that it has in place correct procedures and systems to ensure that industrial rope access is carried out in a safe manner. Each company is obliged to work in accordance with the conditions laid down in the International Code of Practice, which the Health and Safety Executive (UK) have commended. All IRATA Member Companies have their unique IRATA Member Company Number An IRATA Members List could be found in IRATA website:

19 IRATA - Quality Control to Ensure Safety PERSONNEL - TRAINING Highly systematic and comprehensive training to cover: Equipment Selection Equipment Setup Equipment Inspection Limitations of Equipment Rigging / Rope Protection Various on Rope Manoeuvres Various Rescue Techniques Risk Assessment Making Work Plan Making Rescue Plan

20 IRATA - Quality Control to Ensure Safety PERSONNEL - Levels of Qualification IRATA L1 Able to perform basic tasks, work under supervision of a L3 IRATA L2 (requires 1000 on-rope hours + L2 Training/Assessment) Able to perform a wider range of task, including rigging and rescue, work under supervision of a L3 IRATA L3 (requires another 1000 on-rope hours + L3 Training/Assessment) Able to supervise and manage a worksite, undertake risk assessment, develop work & rescue plans for project back

21 IRATA - Quality Control to Ensure Safety EQUIPMENT Equipment is selected in accordance with the IRATA International Code of Practice. (IRATA ICOP) All Equipment used in Rope Access conforms to CE Standards. Technicians are all fully trained to use the actual types/models of equipment. All equipment is maintained and inspected in accordance with IRATA ICOP and LOLER. All equipment is traceable to certificates of conformity and inspection records.

22 IRATA - Quality Control to Ensure Safety SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM All works are planned Undertake Risk Assessment Develop a Safe System of Work Selection of right people Selection of right equipment Provide information, training & supervision Appropriate equipment inspection & maintenance IRATA Member Companies would ensure the above items are all addressed and undertaken in a professional manner in order to pass the strict audit to maintain their IRATA Membership.

23 Statistics - Hours on Rope Over 9,000,000 on-rope hours are logged in the year of 2016

24 Statistics - Consequence of Incident In 2016 out of those 9,000,000 on-rope hours a total of 8 reportable accidents were recorded, very sadly, including a fatality.

25 Qatar Safety Statistics Year Number of Fall from Height Accidents Number of Fall from Height Fatality 2012 about 800? 2013 more than 1000? In Qatar, taking 2012 & 2013 as example, there are 800 & 1000 Falls from Height Accidents with unknown Fall from Height fatalities respectively.

26 Comparing Various WAH (Safety) Systems Rope Access proactively prevents falls as the system is in tensioned. Bodyweight of operative is already supported by the system, instead of by the strength of arms. In addition, a extra backup system is always in place. Work Restraint proactively prevents falls as the system has already restricted the operative from going near the fall risk area. Fall Arrest can only passively minimize the consequences of falls as loose/slack ropes/lanyards are allowed in the system. Bodyweight of operative is fully/partially supported by structures with the use of strength of arms/feet and balance.

27 Thank you

28

29 back

30 HSE Commendations IRATA International code of practice for industrial rope access Although there is a steady decline in the number of injuries caused by falls; falls from height remain the most common kind of workplace fatality. They are the biggest single cause of serious and fatal injuries arising from construction and maintenance activities. Safety when working at height is essential, and making sure that people use access equipment properly is a key part of this. HSE recognizes that, within the variety of work at height methods available, rope access is an accepted technique to use in appropriate circumstances. I am please to continue HSE s support of IRATA s guidance in this area. This voluntary code of practice sets out good practice for individuals and organizations using rope access equipment and will help to ensure that health and safety risks in this area are minimized or avoided. Philip White Chief Inspector of Construction, HSE

31 HSE Commendations The Offshore Safety Division of HSE concurs with the continued general support by HSE of IRATA's voluntary code of practice. Use of this code practice is also commended for offshore working when rope access methods are required. Rog Thomson HM Principal Inspector of Health and Safety, Offshore Safety Division back

32 Standards BS 7985: Code of Practice for the Use of Rope Access Methods for Industrial Purposes IRATA International Code of Practice (ICOP) ISO Personal Equipment for Protection Against Falls - Rope Access Systems - Part 1: Fundamental Principles for a System of Work ISO Personal Equipment for Protection Against Falls - Rope Access Systems - Part 2: Code of Practice

33 Thanks!