What are the Personal Protective Equipment for Rope Access Technicians

This article explores the critical risks faced by professional rope access technicians and the essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect them. From harnesses and helmets to advanced fall arrest systems and specialized lanyards, we will examine the full range of equipment that ensures the safety and efficiency of these skilled professionals when performing their high-risk tasks.

Here are the best practices and equipment that secure this dangerous profession:

• The risk of falling and its PPE
• The risk of physical injury and its PPE
• Other risks dependent on the rope access technician’s activity and associated PPE
• Example of PPE for a rope access technician in the US

Let’s start with the most significant risk in terms of frequency and severity.

The risk of falling and its PPE

The work of rope access technicians, or high-altitude technicians, involves significant risks of falling due to the nature of their activities, often carried out at considerable heights and in difficult-to-access environments. Rope access technicians face dangers such as loss of balance, anchor failures, or human errors. These risks can lead to serious or even fatal falls if appropriate safety measures are not followed.

Here is a YouTube video of a well-known and unfortunately tragic fall. Viewer discretion is advised.

List of PPE to protect rope access technicians:

• Fall arrest harness: A safety device designed to stop a fall and distribute the forces on the body.
• Energy-absorbing lanyards: Reduce the impact force in the event of a fall.
• Work and safety ropes: Used for movement and securing at height.
• Descenders and ascenders: Allow controlled descent and ascent on a rope.
• Connectors and carabiners: Ensure secure connections between different pieces of equipment.
• Certified anchors: Secure attachment points for ropes and protective equipment.
• Anti-slip safety shoes: Reduce the risk of slipping and provide additional protection.
• Lifeline: A flexible safety system that allows continuous movement while remaining secured.

The risk of physical injury and its PPE

In addition to the risk of falling, rope access technicians are exposed to physical injury risks due to the often hazardous nature of their environments. Working conditions at height can include confined spaces, sharp edges, extreme weather conditions, and hazardous materials. Rope access technicians can suffer from cuts, bruises, burns, abrasions, crush injuries, and impacts from falling objects or tools.

List of PPE to protect against these risks:

• Protective helmet: Protects against impacts and falling objects.
• Safety glasses or visor: Protect the eyes from projections and splashes.
• Cut-resistant gloves: Protect the hands from cuts and abrasions.
• Durable work clothing: Provides protection against abrasions and chemicals.
• Knee pads and elbow pads: Protect the joints from impacts and prolonged pressure.
• Safety shoes: Offer protection against falling objects, punctures, and slips.

Other risks dependent on the rope access technician’s activity and associated PPE

Rope access technicians are often involved in specialized activities such as painting, electrical work, and event setup, each with specific risks. For example, during high-altitude painting work, rope access technicians may be exposed to toxic solvents and paint splashes. In the electrical field, they risk electrocution when working near live power lines. In event setup, they may face risks related to the installation and dismantling of temporary structures, such as falling objects or collapses.

Each activity requires particular attention to associated hazards and rigorous use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure worker safety.

List of PPE to protect against these risks:

• Hearing protection: For noisy environments, such as events with loud music or noisy tools.
• Respiratory mask: Protects against inhalation of toxic vapors and dust, crucial for painting and certain electrical works.
• Voltage detector: For electrical work, to check for the presence of current before intervening.

Example of PPE for a rope access technician in the US

PPE	STANDARD	BRAND	Supplier reference
HARNESS 1	ANSI Z359.1	PETZL	NAVAHO C710F0-1B
DESCENDER 1	ANSI Z359.4	PETZL	RIG D021AA00
DESCENDER 1	ANSI Z359.4	PETZL	RIG D021AA00
HELMET	ANSI Z89.1	PETZL	VERTEX A010AA00
FALL PROTECTION	ANSI Z359.15	PETZL	ASAPLOCK B071AA00
FALL ARREST LANYARD	ANSI Z359.15	CAMP	LONGE ASAP 999.99
SPECIAL LANYARD	ANSI Z359.13	PETZL	PROGRESS M001AA00
SPECIAL LANYARD	ANSI Z359.13	PETZL	LONGE REGLABLE L052AA00
ASCENDER 1	ASTM F887	PETZL	JUMAR B017AA00
ASCENDER 2	ASTM F887	PETZL	CROLL B016AA00
FOOT LOOP	-	PETZL	FOOT PRO C48A
SPECIAL CONNECTOR	ANSI Z359.12	PETZL	VERTIGO TWIST LOCK M40A TL
SPECIAL CONNECTOR	ANSI Z359.12	PETZL	AMD TRIACT LOCK M34A TL
SPECIAL CONNECTOR	ANSI Z359.12	PETZL	OK TRIACT LOCK M33A TL
STEEL CONNECTOR	ANSI Z359.12	PETZL	DELTA P11
STEEL CONNECTOR	ANSI Z359.12	PETZL	OXAN P72
SLING LOOPS	ANSI Z359.18	PETZL	C40 C40A
BEAM ANCHOR	ANSI Z359.18	ANTEC	Griplite 999.99
PULLEY 1	ANSI/ASSE Z359.7	PETZL	PRO TRAXION P51A
PULLEY 2	ANSI/ASSE Z359.7	PETZL	-
WORK SEAT	-	PETZL	PODIUM S71
ROPE KIT BAG	-	PETZL	45 L S045BA00
ROPE PROTECTOR	-	PETZL	-

This is a list of equipment allocated to a rope access technician. This list is indicative, and each employer must thoroughly assess risks before allocating equipment to their employees .

Rope access technicians and labor inspection

The labor inspection is particularly demanding with rope access technicians because it often considers that the use of ropes can be avoided in favor of collective protection equipment (CPE) such as scaffolding. When a company chooses to employ rope access technicians, it must demonstrate that the use of ropes is genuinely necessary and that CPE cannot be effectively implemented or are not appropriate for the specific task.

Rope access technicians must therefore be particularly stringent in the perfect management of their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and employee training. Strict management of PPE and training not only contributes to accident prevention but also ensures compliance with legal standards within the company.