Industrial rope access technicians are trained and certified by the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT). These technicians use a two-rope system with the capability to both descend and ascend. Industrial rope access is not the same as rope descent systems or bosun’s chair access. Industrial rope access is specifically excluded from OSHA 1910.27: Walking-Working Surfaces, which limits the use of rope descent systems to 300 feet above grade. Therefore, RDS is able to utilize industrial rope access to inspect any building or other structures at any height. Industrial rope access is a method of reaching inaccessible places using a system of ropes and pulleys. The rope access technician can use this system to allow maintenance workers, repair professionals and cleaners to reach areas that would otherwise be impossible to access. It’s more than just a simple means of lift service. We are able to ascend and descend ropes to put technicians in spots that cannot be reached via scaffolding, rope descent or boom lifts. Industrial rope access provides a way to get to buildings and structures that don’t have certified structural points, like many mid-century structures, without the need of modern anchorages. The safety training and rescue methods of Rope Access are more thorough and applicable in many different surroundings compared to RDS. This method of operating at height uses ropes and related equipment to access and exit the working area, and gives support while onsite. The benefits of using rope access systems are mainly in the safety and speed that workers can access or depart from difficult locations to perform their work. Industrial rope access was developed and perfected by the offshore oil exploration industry for inspecting and maintaining oil rigs. This system does not use motorized components and includes two-line rope anchors for secure job positioning. In comparison to conventional methods, industrial rope access rigging can be set up and taken down rapidly, leading to minimal interference with facility functions or equipment downtime. Furthermore, industrial rope access is being employed in several industries all over the world and boasts an outstanding safety record of more than 15 million hours of labor. Industrial rope access is proven to be an effective way to establish a secure work position in areas that are difficult to reach or at heights.