Section 2.2 Safe Work Procedures Rope Access: Rigging procedure

The purpose of this procedure is to establish minimum requirements for the safe setup, rigging, inspection, and use of rope access systems during company operations.

Proper rigging practices are essential to protecting workers, the public, equipment, and property during rope access operations.

Scope

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

Industry Standards & Best Practices

Vertex Building Maintenance conducts rope access operations in accordance with recognized industry standards and accepted best practices.

The company utilizes rope access methods and procedures based on standards, guidance, and safe work practices established by organizations including:

• SPRAT
• IRATA

Where applicable, rope access operations shall also comply with:

• Applicable legislation and regulations
• Manufacturer instructions
• Site-specific requirements
• Hazard assessments
• Company policies and procedures

All rope access personnel are expected to follow recognized rope access principles, safe work methods, rescue practices, and equipment procedures consistent with professional rope access operations.

General Requirements

All rope access systems shall be:

• Planned prior to use
• Configured by trained and competent personnel
• Appropriate for the intended work activity
• Inspected before use
• Protected from damage or interference
• Configured to minimize risk to workers and the public

No rope access system shall be used unless appropriate rescue capability is established.

Rope System Requirements

Rope access systems shall normally utilize:

• One primary working line; and
• One independently anchored backup safety line

Where alternative systems are used, they shall comply with applicable standards, manufacturer requirements, and approved company procedures.

Rope systems will be configured to:

• Minimize fall potential
• Prevent uncontrolled movement
• Reduce swing hazards
• Avoid contact with sharp edges, hot surfaces, chemicals, or moving equipment

Anchor Selection & Verification

Anchors shall:

• Be assessed by a competent person prior to use
• Be capable of supporting intended loads
• Be positioned to reduce swing and fall hazards
• Be independent where required
• Be protected from accidental disengagement or movement.

Where anchor suitability is uncertain, work shall not proceed until verification is completed.

Natural anchors, structural members, engineered anchors, or temporary anchors shall only be used where appropriate for the intended application.

Rigging Procedures

Prior to loading the system, workers will:

• Verify anchor integrity and configuration
• Inspect ropes and equipment
• Confirm correct installation of connectors and devices
• Ensure ropes are properly routed and protected
• Verify adequate rope length
• Establish edge protection where required
• Confirm backup systems are properly configured
• Verify communication methods and rescue capability

Knots, terminations, and connections shall be appropriate for the intended system and verified by a competent worker.

Edge Protection

Where ropes may contact edges or abrasive surfaces, appropriate edge protection shall be used.

Edge protection may include:

• Rope protectors
• Rollers
• Padding
• Redirect systems
• Alternative rigging methods
• 
  

Ropes shall be monitored throughout operations to ensure protection remains effective.

Equipment Inspection

All equipment used during rigging operations shall be inspected prior to use, including:

• Ropes
• Harnesses
• Connectors
• Descenders
• Backup devices
• Slings and anchor systems
• Helmets and PPE

Damaged, questionable, or improperly functioning equipment shall be removed from service immediately.

Exclusion Zones & Public Protection

Appropriate controls shall be established to protect workers and the public from falling objects or rope access operations.

Controls may include:

• Barricades
• Warning signage
• Controlled access areas
• Tool tethering systems
• Spotters where required

Communication

Workers involved in rope access operations shall maintain effective communication throughout rigging and work activities.

Communication methods may include:

• Verbal communication
• Radios
• Hand signals
• Pre-established emergency signals

Rescue Preparedness

A site-specific rescue plan shall be in place prior to commencing rope access operations.

Rescue equipment shall:

• Be available at the worksite
• Be appropriate for the work being performed
• Be accessible to trained personnel

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

Weather & Environmental Conditions

Rigging operations shall not proceed where environmental conditions create unsafe conditions, including:

• High winds
• Electrical storms
• Ice accumulation
• Poor visibility
• Unsafe roof or structural conditions

Supervisors and workers shall continuously monitor changing conditions.

Responsibilities

Supervisors are responsible for:

• Reviewing rigging plans and hazard assessments
• Verifying worker competency
• Ensuring appropriate rescue capability
• Monitoring worksite conditions and compliance

Workers

Workers are responsible for:

• Following approved rigging procedures
• Inspecting equipment prior to use
• Reporting hazards or unsafe conditions
• Participating in pre-job planning and toolbox talks
• Exercising stop work authority where required

Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with this procedure may result in disciplinary action, removal from site, or termination of employment or contract.