How to become a rope access technician
Many careers promise the opportunity to work in exciting and varied locales all around the world, but few come close to the environments in which you’d find a rope access technician. This highly skilled and rewarding job will take you to new heights, both literally and figuratively.
Whether your goal is to perform technical maintenance at the top of a wind turbine or clean the outside of a towering skyscraper, there are plenty of opportunities to refine your chosen discipline against a jaw-dropping backdrop.
In this informative guide, we will explain how to become a rope access technician, the industries in which you’re likely to work, the training requirements, and how Scott’s Access Services can help you reach the peak of your career.
What is a rope access technician?
Simply put, a rope access technician is someone who works at heights or depths that would otherwise be too difficult or unsafe to reach using scaffolding or cranes. They do so by using specialist ropes and climbing techniques.
The work itself can vary greatly. For example, welding, pressure washing, and painting are all jobs that may need to be completed at great heights or in confined spaces, depending on the setting. Common places you might find a rope access technician include offshore oil rigs, wind farms, and even caves.
In which industries can a rope access technician work?
Becoming a fully qualified rope access technician opens the door to a plethora of career opportunities across sectors. Here, we will explore some of the key industries in which it is common to find a rope access technician.
- Offshore industries
Oil and gas rigs represent some of the most uniquely challenging working environments on the planet. Hours can be long, conditions can be adverse, and time spent away from one’s family is a challenge within itself. However, working offshore is also deeply rewarding and often well-compensated, making it a competitive field.
A rope access technician may be required to complete any number of tasks on a rig, including maintenance like coating surveys, structural checks, cleaning, painting, and equipment replacement. This makes the rope access technician an essential member of personnel on any rig.
- Energy industries
The energy sector, including wind farms and power stations, are a common place of work for a rope access technician. This is because rope access technicians are able to perform inspections and repairs to these monolithic structures without causing disruption as large machinery would.
Wind turbines, in particular, are in constant need of qualified rope access technicians. Whether it’s damage inspections or performing routine maintenance, their safe and efficient upkeep is essential. For more information, check out our blog on becoming a wind turbine technician.
- Geotechnical industries
For fans of the natural world or rock climbing, this is an area of work that is sure to please. Often based around majestic cliffs or deep within caves, rope access technicians are often required to help preserve natural structures from rockfall or erosion through a combination of drilling, cabling, and inspecting.
- Man-made structures
From bridges and dams to dazzling skyscrapers and historical buildings, being a qualified rope access technician enables you to work on all kinds of built structures. Similar to other industries outlined previously, responsibilities include maintenance, repairs, and construction.
The leisure industry also makes keen use of rope access technicians, as theme parks often require their services when it comes to maintaining and repairing rides. And considering the complexity of some of these attractions, this kind of work is in no short supply during the busy summer months.
What skills and qualities do you need to be a rope access technician?
There are several desirable attributes that lend themselves to becoming a rope access technician. These include but are not limited to:
- Communication skills: Being able to communicate with your colleagues is absolutely essential in the world of rope access.
- Knowledge of construction: While not essential, it is highly beneficial to have a solid understanding of the construction industry beforehand. For example, possessing some knowledge around tasks such as electrical repairs and welding will give you a head start.
- Desire to work at great heights: Needless to say, if you’re squeamish when it comes to heights, rope access is probably not the career path for you. A willingness to tackle challenging environments is a must and will serve you well.
- Physical and medical fitness: Again, given the unique demands of the role, you must be physically and medically fit in order to begin your journey as a rope access technician.
What are the training and certification requirements?
Becoming a rope access technician requires you to complete at least one level of training developed by IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association). Here, we will break down the three available levels and what they will enable you to do in your career.
- IRATA Rope Access Course – Level 1
This IRATA Level 1 Rope Access Training course is designed for beginners with no prior experience. Participants must be at least 18 years old, physically and medically fit, and comfortable working at height.
Successful completion enables technicians to perform various rope access tasks under the supervision of a Level 3 supervisor. The course covers theoretical knowledge, equipment and rigging, rope and climbing manoeuvres, and rescue and hauling techniques.
- IRATA Rope Access Course – Level 2
The IRATA Level 2 Rope Access Training course is designed for experienced Level 1 technicians with at least 12 months and 1,000 hours of documented work experience.
Candidates must maintain medical and physical fitness. This intermediate course builds upon Level 1 skills, covering more advanced techniques, knowledge, scenarios, rigging, and rescue procedures.
- IRATA Rope Access Course – Level 3
The IRATA Level 3 Safety Supervisor Training course is an advanced course for experienced Level 2 technicians with at least 12 months and 1,000 hours of documented work experience. Candidates must hold a valid first aid certificate and be familiar with relevant work techniques and legislation.
How can Scott’s Access Services help?
With our full selection of IRATA Rope Access Training Courses, you can take your first or next step in becoming a fully qualified rope access technician. As outlined above, this role is incredibly rewarding and can take you all over the world. To find out more about our training courses, contact us today.
