IRATEC WORKING AT HEIGHTS

ROPE ACCESS
LEVEL 1
IRATEC WAH LEVEL 1
• This 3-days course prepare candidates for IRATEC Work At Height
Level I certification.
• A successful candidate should be capable of performing a range of
rope access tasks under the direct supervision of an intermediate or
more experienced technician.
Prerequisites
• The minimum age requirement is 18 years.
• No previous rope access experience is necessary, however an appropriate
physical and mental aptitude for technical tasks while working at height is
important.
• Participants will be asked to perform moderate to strenuous activities.
• A physical examination by a doctor is mandatory.
• Candidates will be required to sign a Liability Release Form and a
Statement of Medical Condition confirming the absence of known medical
conditions that might preclude their ability to safely work at height.
CONTENTS
1.0 COURSE PROGRAMME
2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 What is Vertical Access
2.2 Course Objectives

3.0 MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

4.0 LEGISLATION
4.1 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT AND REGULATION 1994 (OSHA)
4.2 FACTORY AND MACHINERY ACT 1967 (FMA)
4.3 GUIDELINES FOR THE PREVENTION OF FALLS AT WORKPLACES by DOSH

5.0 TYPES OF PROTECTION AGAINST FALL FROM HEIGHT

CONTENTS
6.0 BEFORE CLIMBING
6.1 RISK & HAZARD
6.2 METHOD STATEMENT
6.3 TOOL BOX TALK (APPENDIX I)
6.4 AUTHORIZATION (APPENDIX II)
6.5 WEATHER / CLIMATE
6.6 THE STRUCTURE
6.7 PPE
6.8 WORK TEAM
6.9 SAFE ZONE
6.10 TOOLS
6.11 RESCUE
CONTENTS
7.0 TYPES OF ACCESS USING PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE)
6.1 RISK & HAZARD
6.2 METHOD STATEMENT
6.3 TOOL BOX TALK (APPENDIX I)
6.4 AUTHORIZATION (APPENDIX II)
6.5 WEATHER / CLIMATE
6.6 THE STRUCTURE
6.7 PPE
6.8 WORK TEAM
6.9 SAFE ZONE
6.10 TOOLS
6.11 RESCUE
CONTENTS
8.0 SELECTION AND TYPES OF PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

9.0 FACTORS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN USING FALL ARREST TECHNIQUE
9.1 APPENDIX III - STANDARDS

10.0 EQUIPMENT
10.1 CARE & MAINTENANCE
10.2 INSPECTION
10.3 LIFESPAN
10.4 DISPOSAL

11.0 PRE-USE CHECKS

CONTENTS
12.0 FITTING AND ADJUSTMENT - PPE

13.0 KNOTTING

14.0 WORK RESTRAINT, FALL ARREST & WORK POSITIONING

14.1 WORK RESTRAINT
14.2 FALL ARREST
14.3 WORK POSITIONING

15.0 SET UP OF AN ANCHOR

16.0 INSTALLING THE ANCHORS

CONTENTS
17.0 ASCENDING AND DESCENDING ACTIVITIES

18.0 PASSING KNOT

14.1 WORK RESTRAINT
14.2 FALL ARREST
14.3 WORK POSITIONING

19.0 ROPE TO ROPE TRANSFER

20.0 DEVIATION

21.0 REBELAY
CONTENTS
22.0 CLIMBING WITH COWTAIL

23.0 PULLEY SYSTEM / HAULING

24.0 BASIC RESCUE / SUSPENSION TRAUMA CONSIDERATIONS

25.0 CONCLUSION

26.0 APPENDIX
26.1 TOOLBOX TALK
26.2 PERMIT TO CLIMB
26.3 STANDARD
1.0 COURSE PROGRAM
• THEORETICAL SESSION
• PRACTICAL SESSION
• ASSESSMENT
• THEORY 20%
• PRACTICAL 80%
Learning Objectives

1. Understand and follow rope access procedures, work plans, and associated
risk assessments
2. Perform pre-use checks of personal rope access equipment
3. Perform a variety of rope access maneuvers
4. Assist in rigging and other tasks, under the supervision of a more
experienced technician
5. Assist with rescue operations
What is Rope Access?
• Rope access refers to a set of techniques where ropes and specialized
hardware are used as the primary means of providing access and
support to workers. Generally a two-rope system is employed: the
working rope supports the worker and the safety rope provides back-
up fall protection.
• Rope access is a form of work positioning, initially developed from
techniques used in climbing and caving, which applies practical
ropework to allow workers to access difficult-to-reach locations
without the use of scaffolding, cradles or an aerial work platform.
Why use rope access?
• Modern rope access equipment, techniques, and training can be combined to produce
an exceptionally safe, versatile, efficient, and cost-effective way to solve vertical access
problems.
• Rope access is safe. Independently-certified rope-access technicians uphold an enviable
safety record and few lost time incidents while working on rope.
• Rope access is versatile. Technicians can apply the techniques in a wide variety of
environments, from confined-space penstocks to massive concrete structures to
complicated steel installations. Unlike traditional access methods, custom rope-access
solutions can be designed to fit various applications quickly and inexpensively.
• Rope access is efficient. Systems are installed and dismantled quickly and often require
fewer personnel than traditional access methods. Rapid deployment limits disruption to
facility operations by minimizing downtime.
• Rope access is economical. Fewer personnel, faster completion, less equipment, and
minimal downtime mean lower costs.
Job-site Safety and Documentation
• Awareness of guidelines for Rope Access work and relevant legislation
• Identify the elements of an access work plan or method statement
• Understand the process for hazard identification, analysis, and
mitigation
• Identify exclusion zones
• Awareness of how to document Rope Access experience
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. willing to do this work,

2. and will be confident whilst doing so. In addition, they
3. must not have any disposition towards sudden illness, which may cause risks to
the safety of themselves or others.

Medical fitness
workers are medically, mentally and physically fit to undertake the tasks required.
The normal maximum weight of a worker is 100 kg.
4.0 LEGISLATION
• FMA 1967 (Act 139)
– FM (Safety, Health & Welfare) 1970
– FM (BOWEC) 1986
• OSHA 1994 (Act 514)
– Self Regulations
– Employer responsibilities
– Employees responsibilities
– Designer, Manufacturer & Supplier
• Guidelines for the prevention of falls at workplaces 2007
OSHA 1994 – PART IV
GENERAL DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS AND SELF EMPLOYED PERSONS

• Section 15 (1)
• It shall be the duty of every employer and self employed person to ensure, so
far as is practicable the safety, health and welfare of all his employees
• Section 15 (2) (a)
• The matters to which the duty extends include in particular the provision and
maintenance of plant and systems of work that are, so far as is practicable,
safe and without risks to health
• Section 19 – Penalty to employer
PENALTY for an offences upon conviction be liable to
a fine not exceeding RM 50,000 or to imprisonment
not exceeding 2 years or both
OSHA 1994 – PART VI
GENERAL DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES

• Section 24 (1) (a)

• It shall be the duty of every employee while at work to take reasonable care
for the safety and health of himself and of other persons who may affected by
his acts or omissions at work
• Section 24 (1) (d)
• To comply with any instruction or measure on occupational safety and health
(OSH) instituted by his employer or any other person by or under this act or
any regulation made thereunder
• Section 24 (2) – Penalty to Employee
Person who contravenes be liable to a fine not exceeding RM 1,000
or to imprisonment not exceeding 3 months or both
FMA 1967
SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE REGULATION 1970

• Section 7 – access to work

• Section 8 – openings generally to be fenced (stairway opening, floor
openings and teagle opening)
• Section 9 – stairway landing and handrail
• Section 10 – fixed ladder and portable ladder
• Section 11 – catwalk, runway, gangway, and ramps
FMA 1967
BUILDING OPERATION AND WORK OF ENGENEERING CONSTRUCTION REGULATION 1986

• Section 8 & 9 – slipping and cutting hazards

• Section 19 – stability of structure
• Section 39-42 – cleaning, repairing and maintenance of roof, gutter,
windows, louvers and ventilation
• Section 46-57 – chutes, safety belts and nets
• Section 58-61 – runway and ramps.
• Section 62-71 – ladders and step-ladders
• Section 72-98 – scaffolds (construction, design, support and stability,
safety factor and inspection
 PRE-WORK PROCEDURES
Item Procedures Who
1 Introduction to Work Group members Group Leader
Informal name
Brief background & experience
2 Breakfast All
Ice breaking, casual chats
Health, Mood, Psychological evaluation
3 Day's Activities & Discussion All
What to achieve
Timing & Schedule
Buddy Check system
Techniques & Methods
4 Inspections Buddy
Work Attire: Coverall, Shoes, Eye Protection, Gloves
PPE: Helmet, Harness, Lanyards, Fall Arrester
Work Equipment: Ladders, Ropes, Tools, Equipment
5 Safety Briefing Group Leader
Company requirements
Legal & DOSH requirements
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Risk Analysis, Caution areas.
WAH PRINCIPLES

• Work Restraint – Technique that using PPE to prevent a person from

entering an area where a risk of fall from height exist.

• Fall Arrest – Technique that using PPE to stop a falling person in

acceptable safe conditions.

• Work Positioning – Technique that enable a person to work

supported by PPE in tension, in such way as to prevent fall.
AWARENESS TO
FALL RISKS
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 What is a fall?
Falling - even from a poor height - may have serious
consequences

A JUMP A FALL
VOLUNTARY INVOLUNTARY

ABSORBED NOT ABSORBED

the body is prepared the body is not prepared

The energy is well The energy is badly absorbed

absorbed

LOW IMPACT ROUGH IMPACT

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 Fall Factor
0

Fall Factor
1

Fall Factor
2
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The 5 components of the Safety Chain

1. The Anchor Device

2. The Fall Prevention Link

3. The Full Body Harness

4. The WAH Helmet

5.The Training
PERSONAL PROTECTION
EQUIPMENT
( PPE )
FAMILIRISATION

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 Personal Protective Equipment
• WAH helmet • Cows tail
• Full body harness • 10.5 - 11mm Static Ropes
• Y-lanyard Absorber • Rope Bags
• Positioning Lanyard • Pulleys
• Connectors • Equipment bag
• Anchor Straps • First Aid Kit
• Descender • Eye protection
• Ascender • Non-slip gloves
• Foot loop • Boots: laced Mid-cut
• Mobile fall arrester
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 WAH
Helmet

EN 397

PU/ABS
50 daN
FORCE
FULL BODY HARNESS
Definition:
Body support system for
arresting falls. A full body
harness may include belts,
rings, buckles, and other
items arranged and
adjusted in an appropriate
manner on the individual ’s
body to hold him during
AND after a fall.
FULL BODY HARNESS
 FULL BODY HARNESS

STERNAL SHOULDER
STRAP

VENTRAL
BUCKLE (FRONT HOOKING
POINT)
FULL BODY HARNESS SPREADER
PLATE

DORSAL
(BACK HOOKING POINT
)

COMFORT PADDING /
BACK SUPPORT

SUB-PELVIC
STRAP
FULL BODY HARNESS

LATERAL
(SIDE “D” RING / SIDE
HOOKING POINT)

GEAR / EQUIPMENT LOOP

MAX 5Kg
Y-Lanyard
Definition :
A connection element or
component of a system. A
lanyard may be a rope,
synthetic fibre, metal cable,
strap or chain.
Its ends must be
manufactured.
Length :
Total length from the
Carabiner to Large Hook is
1.5m – 1.8m
EN 358 Single - Lanyard
CONNECTORS
MGO
• Gate opening
50mm
• Strength – 20Kn

EN 362
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 CARABINER
EN 362

• Gate opening
13mm
• Strength – 25Kn
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HOOK

• Gate opening
21mm
• Strength – 20Kn

EN 362
ANCHOR STRAP

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DECENDER / BELAYING DEVICE

RIG ID,S
INSTALLING ROPE TO DESCENDER

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 ASCENDER
ROPE GRAB
CROLL

RIGHT Iratec (M) Sdn Bhd

LEFT
EN 567
INSTALLING ROPE GRAB TO ROPE

• TO UTILIZE WITH
FOOT LOOP

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MOBILE FALL ARREST

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COWS TAIL
• Dynamic Rope
• Figure of 8 loop
• Connector
• 3 lines

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SEMI STATIC ROPE
11mm
 PULLEY
DESCRIPTION
Swing-sided pulley
• Designed for rescue or hauling
heavy loads.
• Large sheave mounted on sealed
ball bearings for high efficiency.
• Pulley specifically designed for
heavy loads and intensive use.
• Triangular attachment point can
accept up to three carabiners.
• For use with ropes of 13 mm
maximum diameter.
DESCRIPTION
PULLEY
Pulley with fixed side-plates
Suitable for hauling systems
and as a directional pulley.
Lightweight, compact and
very strong.
Sheave fitted with self-
lubricating bushings for good
efficiency.
May be combined with a
mechanical rope clamp /
grab.
For use with ropes of 13 mm
maximum diameter.
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• Equipment Bag
Eye Protection
Non Slip Gloves
• Boots: laced
Mid-cut
First Aid Kit Walkie-Talkie

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 HaulingAnchor
System
Point Hauling Kit

Anchor Rope
Strap & Grab
Carabiner
Swing side
Pulley
Carabine
r
Belay
Fixed
Device
Pulley

Rig

Load
Forc
Anchor e
Strap &
Carabiner
ROPE
Guidelines for the Prevention of Falls at Workplaces
• Ropes should be of kernmantle construction.
• All ropes shall be a minimum of 10.5 mm in diameter and
• shall have a minimum ultimate strength of 25kN.
• Users might consult EN 1891:1998 Personal protective equipment for
the prevention of falls at height: Low stretch kernmantle ropes (Semi
static rope).
 KNOTS
1. Figure of 8
2. Figure of 8 Loop
3. Figure of 8 Follow Through
4. Double Loop figure of 8
5. Alpine Butterfly
 STOPPER KNOTS
Figure 8

Step #2
Bring the end
around and in front
Step #1 of the standing
Make a Binge. Iratec (M) Sdn Bhd
part.
Step #3 Finished Figure 8
Put the end through Dress and set the
the loop. Iratec (M) Sdn Bhd knot.
 Figure 8 Loop

The Figure 8 Loop is just a

Figure 8 knot tied in the
bight.

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Figure 8 Loop

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 Figure 8 Loop

Finished Figure
8 Loop
Dress and set
the knot.

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Figure of 8 follow through
• Uses:
The Figure Eight Follow Through allows the
simple and reliable figure eight loop to be
tied to a ring, a carabiner, or your own
harness.

It is easily remembered, easily visualized,

and easily checked.
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Figure of 8 Follow Through
• Safety:
For photography, this knot is
shown with a short tail end.
For safety the end should be
longer and, for load bearing,
the end should be secured
with a stopper knot around
the standing end (see
picture on right).

Variations:
• There are several variations
but only the Loop Follow
Through is animated here. It
is needed when securing a
Figure Eight to a carabiner
or ring.
DOUBLE LOOP FIGURE OF 8

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Iratec (M) Sdn Bhd
ALPINE BUTTERFLY KNOT

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NEXT : PRACTICAL & ASSESSMENT

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Rigging
• Understand basic rigging skills; ascending & descending
• Inspect the integrity of rope access anchor systems
• Able to tie anchoring, stop, and joining knots
Rescue
• Understand rescue protocols
• Rescue a casualty in descent
• Operate a rig-to-rescue system
• Awareness of hauling systems