Section 1.3 Vertex Building Maintenance: Rope Access Safety Policies

The purpose of this policy is to establish the minimum safety requirements for all rope access operations conducted by Vertex Building Maintenance. Vertex Building Maintenance is committed to performing rope access work safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable legislation, industry standards, and recognized rope access practices.

Scope

This policy applies to all employees, subcontractors, supervisors, and personnel involved in rope access operations performed on behalf of Vertex Building Maintenance.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Exterior building maintenance
• Window cleaning
• Inspections
• Spider treatments
• Caulking
• Post-construction cleaning
• Rescue operations
• Access and positioning work using rope systems

Policy Statement

All rope access work will be planned, supervised, and executed in a manner that minimizes risk to workers, clients, the public, and property.

Vertex Building Maintenance will ensure:

• Rope access work is performed by trained and competent personnel
• Appropriate rescue procedures are established prior to work beginning
• Equipment used is suitable for the intended application and maintained in safe working condition
• Hazard assessments are completed before work commence
• Work is conducted using recognized rope access methods and safe work practices

No rope access work will be performed unless appropriate supervision, rescue capability, and hazard controls are in place.

Rope Access System Requirements

All rope access operations will utilize a minimum two-rope system consisting of:

• A primary working line; and
• An independently anchored backup safety line,

unless an alternative system is specifically permitted by applicable standards, manufacturer instructions, or approved work procedures.

All anchors will:

• Be assessed prior to use
• Be capable of supporting intended loads
• Be configured to minimize risk of failure
• Be protected from damage where required

Training & Competency

All rope access technicians will:

• Maintain valid rope access certification appropriate to their role and responsibilities
• Receive site-specific orientation and hazard instruction
• Demonstrate competency with equipment and rescue procedures
• Participate in ongoing training and safety meetings as required

Only trained and authorized personnel may participate in rope access operations.

Supervision

Rope access operations will be supervised by a competent rope access technician designated by management.

Supervisors are responsible for:

• Pre-job planning
• Hazard assessments
• Verification of rescue capability
• Equipment inspections
• Monitoring weather and site conditions
• Ensuring compliance with company procedures

Equipment

All rope access equipment will:

• Meet applicable standards where required
• Be inspected before each use
• Be formally inspected at required intervals
• Be documented and traceable where applicable
• Be removed from service if damaged, overloaded, or questionable.

Workers will not modify equipment unless specifically permitted by the manufacturer.

Rescue Planning

A site-specific rescue plan will be established before rope access work begins.

Rescue plans will consider:

• Worker suspension
• Medical emergencies
• Access limitations
• Environmental conditions
• Communication methods
• Availability of rescue equipment and personnel

Workers shall not rely solely on municipal emergency services for rescue response.

Weather & Environmental Conditions

Rope access operations shall not proceed where environmental conditions create an unsafe work environment, including but not limited to:

• High winds
• Electrical storms
• Ice accumulation
• Poor visibility
• Extreme weather conditions

Supervisors shall continuously monitor changing site conditions.

Public Protection

Appropriate measures shall be implemented to protect the public and surrounding property from hazards associated with rope access operations.

Controls may include:

• Barricades
• Warning signage
• Drop zones
• Tool tethering systems
• Controlled access areas

Stop Work Authority

All workers have the authority and responsibility to stop work where unsafe conditions, uncontrolled hazards, or unsafe acts are identified.

Work shall not resume until hazards have been assessed and controlled.

Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy, applicable legislation, or company procedures may result in disciplinary action, removal from site, or termination of employment.