Rope Access Technician Training

A person who is interested in becoming a rope access technician may have some experience rock climbing or caving, but even someone who is starting from scratch can get the skills they need to become a rope worker by completing a training course.

Different levels of training are offered, and the prospective technician can start with an introductory course and continue to take courses to qualify for more advanced jobs if desired.

Rope Access Training Courses Offered

Rope Access I

The Rope Access I course is a 40-hour program taken over five days. The student who successfully completes it will have a basic knowledge of rope tasks and will be able to work under the supervision of a more experienced technician. No previous experience is necessary to take the introductory course. Student must be at least 18 years of age and physically fit in order to deal with the challenges of performing technical tasks while suspended in the air.

The student will learn how to perform a detailed inspection of his or her rope access equipment. They will have the chance to practice basic functions on the rope. Part of the curriculum involves completing a rescue that involves a descent, passing knots and performing a rope to rope transfer.

Rope Access II

The Rope Access II program also takes place over five days and involves 40 hours of instruction.

Students must have a minimum of 500 hours of rope access training experience before enrolling in the course. It builds on the skills taught in Rope Access I, and students develop the skills needed to work in a variety of environments.

Strategies for evaluating the safety of rope access systems are discussed. Students also learn how to establish hazard, access and safe zones. Instruction in proper documentation techniques is included. The curriculum also includes how to tie the following knots:

1. Barrel Knot
2. Butterfly
3. Clove Hitch
4. Double Figure-eight
5. Double Fisherman’s
6. Figure 8
7. Figure 9
8. Prusik

Rope to rope transfers, passing knots, and techniques for proper ascent or descent and crossovers are covered. Anchor installation and testing, risk management and casualty management are important components as well.

Rope Access III

A person who successfully completes the Rope Access III course is well prepared to work as a supervisor on the job site. Between 1,000 and 2,000 of rope access work experience is required before an individual can advance to this level of training. The student develops team leadership and job safety management skills as he or she works through the course.

The course exposes the student to the techniques needed to choose the best ways to access the portion of the structure where the work is to be performed. The supervisor is also responsible for making choices that minimize the risk of falling. Another part of the supervisor’s job is to review the team members’ equipment logbooks and experience logs.

The skills the technician has already learned are reviewed at this level. Rescue protocols are part of the course work, as well as managing suspension trauma.

Advanced Rope Access & Rescue

The Advanced Rope Access & Rescue can be taken by an individual who has completed the Level 1 program. Its focus is on rescue techniques and students develop their skills in tying knots, performing the rescue of a single individual, conducting safety checks, cross-hauling and more.