Rope Access (IRATA)
Getting an inspector to the right place is often the hardest part of a job at height. IRATA rope access reaches tank shells, structures and awkward areas without the cost and delay of scaffold.
About rope access
Access is frequently the largest single cost and the longest lead time on an inspection at height. Erecting scaffold or bringing in a mobile platform can take longer than the inspection itself, ties up plant and, on a live site, can be difficult to accommodate at all.
Rope access offers a faster, lighter alternative for reaching difficult areas. Working to the IRATA international framework, our technicians reach external tank shells, structures, vessels and confined or elevated areas that would otherwise need extensive temporary works, and they carry out the inspection while they are there rather than simply providing the access.
Every technician works on a dual-rope system, a working line and an independent back-up line, and holds the relevant IRATA qualification for the work. Rope access teams are quick to mobilise, leave a small footprint on site and keep disruption to operations to a minimum.
Where rope access helps
Rope access suits inspection and survey work where conventional access is slow, costly or impractical to install.
- External tank shell inspection and thickness readings
- Structural steel, towers and elevated pipework
- Vessels, columns and difficult-access plant
- Close visual inspection and NDT at height
- Support for coating surveys and condition assessment
- Photographic and video survey of high-level areas
- Access to confined and restricted spaces
- Rapid response where scaffold is not practical
Why choose rope access
No scaffold needed
Reaching height on ropes avoids the cost and lead time of scaffold or mechanical access.
Dual-rope safety
Every technician works on a working line and an independent back-up line to the IRATA framework.
Quick to mobilise
Small teams deploy fast and leave a light footprint, useful for both planned work and urgent checks.
Less disruption
Work proceeds with minimal interference to operations and little temporary works on site.
Reporting and recommendations
Because our rope access technicians are also inspection personnel, the output is a proper inspection report rather than just access for someone else. Findings, readings and photographs from the high-level work are set out clearly, with recommendations prioritised by risk.
Combining access and inspection in one visit shortens the job, reduces the number of parties on site and means the person at height understands exactly what the inspection is looking for.
Related inspection services
Inspection needed at height?
Talk to our team about IRATA rope access for tank shells, structures and difficult-access areas.