Lesson 1Tool restraint and dropped object prevention: lanyards, tool holsters, tool bags, mesh debris netting, and edge containmentThis section addresses preventing dropped tools and debris in rope access work. It covers tool lanyards, holsters, and bags, plus mesh netting and edge containment. Learners plan exclusion zones and select rated restraint systems for various tools.
Dropped object risk assessmentTool lanyards and attachment pointsHolsters, buckets, and tool bagsMesh netting and edge containmentExclusion zones and barricadingInspection and rating of restraintsLesson 2Connectors and hardware: locking carabiners, shackles, pulleys, rope protectors, edge rollers, and inspection criteriaThis section covers connectors and hardware used in rope access, including locking carabiners, shackles, pulleys, and edge protection. It explains strength ratings, gate types, correct orientation, inspection criteria, and retirement decisions.
Carabiner types and locking systemsMajor, minor axis, and cross-loadingShackles, maillons, and compatibilityPulleys, sheave size, and efficiencyRope protectors and edge rollersHardware inspection and retirementLesson 3Rope types and inspection: static vs. dynamic ropes, diameters, splice methods, inspection intervals, and retirement criteriaThis section explains rope construction, static and dynamic behaviour, and suitable diameters for industrial access. It details inspection intervals, damage indicators, splice and termination methods, and clear retirement criteria for safe removal.
Static vs dynamic rope performanceRope diameters and handling limitsSheath, core, and construction featuresSplice, sewn termination, and knotsInspection intervals and damage signsRetirement criteria and traceabilityLesson 4Primary vs. secondary systems: working line, backup/backup belay systems, redundancy principlesThis section defines primary working lines and secondary backup systems, explaining how redundancy reduces single-point failures. It covers independent paths, load sharing, and correct rigging to maintain continuous protection during all rope access tasks.
Working line roles and limitationsBackup line and belay functionsRedundancy and single-point failureSystem independence and separationLoad sharing and rigging strategyChangeovers while maintaining backupLesson 5Anchor point selection: load capacity, anchor types (structural, engineered, temporary), testing methods, pull-out calculationsThis section explains how to identify, test, and rate anchor points for rope access. It compares structural, engineered, and temporary anchors, covers load paths, pull-out calculations, proof testing, and documentation needed to verify anchor suitability.
Structural vs engineered anchor typesTemporary anchors and use limitsLoad paths and direction of pullAnchor strength and safety factorsPull-out and shear calculationsInspection, testing, and recordsLesson 6Harnesses and body support: sit vs. full-body harness selection, attachment points, suspension comfort and rescue compatibilityThis section focuses on harness selection and body support for rope access. It compares sit and full-body harnesses, explains attachment points, suspension comfort, work positioning, and ensures compatibility with rescue and evacuation systems.
Sit vs full-body harness selectionFront, side, and dorsal attachment useSizing, adjustment, and body fitSuspension trauma and mitigationWork positioning and comfort setupRescue and evacuation compatibilityLesson 7Descent and ascent devices: mechanical descenders, friction devices, autoblock backups, and manufacturer-specific recommendationsThis section explains descent and ascent devices, including mechanical descenders, friction devices, and backup methods. It covers threading, control techniques, anti-panic features, and the importance of following manufacturer instructions and limits.
Types of descenders and functionsFriction control and heat managementAutoblock and backup techniquesAscent devices and progress captureChangeovers between up and downManufacturer instructions and limitsLesson 8Backup systems and fall limiting: rope-grabs, self-tending devices, deviation protection, and fall-arrest distancesThis section focuses on backup devices and methods that limit fall distance and arrest forces. It compares rope-grabs and self-tending devices, explains correct placement, deviation use, and how to calculate safe clearances and allowable fall-arrest distances.
Types of rope-grabs and backup devicesDevice orientation and compatibilitySelf-tending function and limitationsUse of deviations and re-anchorsClearance and fall distance planningArrest forces and injury preventionLesson 9Personal protective equipment (PPE): helmets, eye protection, gloves, hi-vis clothing, footwear, and hearing protection for façade workThis section details PPE required for rope access façade work, including helmets, eye and hearing protection, gloves, hi-vis clothing, and footwear. It explains selection, fit, compatibility with other gear, inspection, and replacement criteria.
Helmet standards and chinstrapsEye and face protection optionsGlove types and dexterity balanceHi-vis clothing and weather layersFootwear grip and ankle supportPPE inspection and replacement
