Lesson 1Tool restraint and dropped object prevention: lanyards, tool holsters, tool bags, mesh debris netting, and edge containmentThis section tackles stopping dropped tools and debris in rope access jobs. It includes tool lanyards, holsters, bags, mesh netting, and edge barriers. Learners will plan exclusion zones and choose rated restraint systems for different 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 for rope access, like locking carabiners, shackles, pulleys, and edge guards. It explains strength ratings, gate styles, proper setup, check criteria, and when to retire gear.
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 build, static and dynamic traits, and suitable diameters for industrial access. It covers check intervals, damage signs, splice methods, and clear retirement rules for safe disposal.
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 main working lines and secondary backups, showing how redundancy avoids single failures. It includes independent routes, load sharing, and proper rigging for ongoing protection in 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 finding, testing, and rating anchor points for rope access. It compares structural, engineered, and temporary anchors, load paths, pull-out maths, proof tests, and records to confirm 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 choosing harnesses and body support for rope access. It compares sit and full-body types, attachment points, suspension comfort, work positioning, and rescue system compatibility.
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 gear, including mechanical descenders, friction hitches, and backups. It covers threading, control methods, anti-panic features, and sticking to manufacturer guidelines 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 looks at backup devices and methods to limit fall distance and forces. It compares rope-grabs and self-tending gear, proper placement, deviation use, and calculating safe clearances and fall 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 for rope access façade jobs, including helmets, eye and hearing protection, gloves, hi-vis gear, and boots. It covers selection, fit, compatibility, checks, and replacement rules.
Helmet standards and chinstrapsEye and face protection optionsGlove types and dexterity balanceHi-vis clothing and weather layersFootwear grip and ankle supportPPE inspection and replacement