“I've had the opportunity to hang off the tops of many iconic New York skyscrapers, including the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and the Seagram Building. ” - William Canup, Rope Access Lead at EDG
What is Industrial Rope Access?
IRA is a method of accessing hard-to-reach areas using specialized harnesses and equipment for ascending and rappelling down ropes. The equipment and techniques used for IRA were initially developed for rock climbing but have become increasingly specialized over the years to suit particular industrial applications.
Why Rope Access?
Rope Access is a great alternative to the more typical methods of accessing the exterior of a building for close-up inspections because it is more efficient and less disruptive than traditional methods of rigging. For example, to conduct a full height inspection of a building with multiple setbacks via a suspended scaffold, separate platforms and outriggers need to be set up at each terrace which can be costly, time consuming and disturbing to building occupants. With rope access, it is possible to access the entire height of the building using one set or ropes deployed from the main roof. Rope access often is more efficient and cost effective than suspended scaffolds or pipe scaffolds and allows workers to reach parts of the building that aren’t possible to get to via typical methods.
“I still have what I consider a healthy fear of being on rope, but I'm no longer nervous when going over the edge.”
What’s is like to hang off a skyscraper?
When I first started conducting rope access inspections, I definitely had butterflies in my stomach every time I went over the edge - the toughest moment being when I let go of the building, putting my full weight (and faith) on the ropes. The more I've done it though, the more I've learned to trust the equipment to hold me. Each of the ropes we use has a minimum breaking strength of 20 kN, which is roughly the weight of a small pickup truck, and we are always attached to two of them. I still have what I consider a healthy fear of being on rope, but I’m no longer nervous when going over the edge. This enables me to stay focused on the building with occasional moments to appreciate the view.
ABOUT SPRAT
Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) was founded in the 90's to support the growing use of rope access techniques in North America. While rope access had been used for decades, it often clashed with conventional methods like scaffolding, which required standard fall arrest systems.
In the past, lack of clear regulations often led safety managers and legislators to restrict rope access work. To address this, SPRAT developed industry standards, including Safe Practices for Rope Access Work and Certification Requirements for Rope Access Work. These efforts helped legitimize rope access, leading to California's adoption of one of the first laws sanctioning its use. Alberta and New York City later followed, with SPRAT’s support.
SPRAT’s mission is to advance the safe use of rope access through education, standards development, and certification. Today, SPRAT provides regulatory support, networking, and opportunities to shape industry standards.
The Society values openness, professionalism, accountability, and teamwork, fostering diversity and inclusion among members, technicians, and partners. Through its efforts, SPRAT continues to promote safety and innovation in rope access work.
