IRATEC WORKING AT HEIGHTS

ROPE ACCESS
LEVEL 1
IRATEC WAH LEVEL 1
• This 3-days course prepare candidates for IRATEC Work At Height
Level I certification.
• A successful candidate should be capable of performing a range of
rope access tasks under the direct supervision of an intermediate or
more experienced technician.
Prerequisites
• The minimum age requirement is 18 years.
• No previous rope access experience is necessary, however an appropriate
physical and mental aptitude for technical tasks while working at height is
important.
• Participants will be asked to perform moderate to strenuous activities.
• A physical examination by a doctor is mandatory.
• Candidates will be required to sign a Liability Release Form and a
Statement of Medical Condition confirming the absence of known medical
conditions that might preclude their ability to safely work at height.
CONTENTS
1.0 COURSE PROGRAMME
2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 What is Vertical Access
2.2 Course Objectives

3.0 MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

4.0 LEGISLATION
4.1 OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ACT AND REGULATION 1994 (OSHA)
4.2 FACTORY AND MACHINERY ACT 1967 (FMA)
4.3 GUIDELINES FOR THE PREVENTION OF FALLS AT WORKPLACES by DOSH

5.0 TYPES OF PROTECTION AGAINST FALL FROM HEIGHT

CONTENTS
6.0 BEFORE CLIMBING
6.1 RISK & HAZARD
6.2 METHOD STATEMENT
6.3 TOOL BOX TALK (APPENDIX I)
6.4 AUTHORIZATION (APPENDIX II)
6.5 WEATHER / CLIMATE
6.6 THE STRUCTURE
6.7 PPE
6.8 WORK TEAM
6.9 SAFE ZONE
6.10 TOOLS
6.11 RESCUE
CONTENTS
7.0 TYPES OF ACCESS USING PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE)
6.1 RISK & HAZARD
6.2 METHOD STATEMENT
6.3 TOOL BOX TALK (APPENDIX I)
6.4 AUTHORIZATION (APPENDIX II)
6.5 WEATHER / CLIMATE
6.6 THE STRUCTURE
6.7 PPE
6.8 WORK TEAM
6.9 SAFE ZONE
6.10 TOOLS
6.11 RESCUE
CONTENTS
8.0 SELECTION AND TYPES OF PERSONAL FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

9.0 FACTORS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT WHEN USING FALL ARREST TECHNIQUE
9.1 APPENDIX III - STANDARDS

10.0 EQUIPMENT
10.1 CARE & MAINTENANCE
10.2 INSPECTION
10.3 LIFESPAN
10.4 DISPOSAL

11.0 PRE-USE CHECKS

CONTENTS
12.0 FITTING AND ADJUSTMENT - PPE

13.0 KNOTTING

14.0 WORK RESTRAINT, FALL ARREST & WORK POSITIONING

14.1 WORK RESTRAINT
14.2 FALL ARREST
14.3 WORK POSITIONING

15.0 SET UP OF AN ANCHOR

16.0 INSTALLING THE ANCHORS

CONTENTS
17.0 ASCENDING AND DESCENDING ACTIVITIES

18.0 PASSING KNOT

14.1 WORK RESTRAINT
14.2 FALL ARREST
14.3 WORK POSITIONING

19.0 ROPE TO ROPE TRANSFER

20.0 DEVIATION

21.0 REBELAY
CONTENTS
22.0 CLIMBING WITH COWTAIL

23.0 PULLEY SYSTEM / HAULING

24.0 BASIC RESCUE / SUSPENSION TRAUMA CONSIDERATIONS

25.0 CONCLUSION

26.0 APPENDIX
26.1 TOOLBOX TALK
26.2 PERMIT TO CLIMB
26.3 STANDARD
1.0 COURSE PROGRAM
• THEORETICAL SESSION
• PRACTICAL SESSION
• ASSESSMENT
• THEORY 20%
• PRACTICAL 80%
Learning Objectives

1. Understand and follow rope access procedures, work plans, and associated
risk assessments
2. Perform pre-use checks of personal rope access equipment
3. Perform a variety of rope access maneuvers
4. Assist in rigging and other tasks, under the supervision of a more
experienced technician
5. Assist with rescue operations
What is Rope Access?
• Rope access refers to a set of techniques where ropes and specialized
hardware are used as the primary means of providing access and
support to workers. Generally a two-rope system is employed: the
working rope supports the worker and the safety rope provides back-
up fall protection.
• Rope access is a form of work positioning, initially developed from
techniques used in climbing and caving, which applies practical
ropework to allow workers to access difficult-to-reach locations
without the use of scaffolding, cradles or an aerial work platform.
Why use rope access?
• Modern rope access equipment, techniques, and training can be combined to produce
an exceptionally safe, versatile, efficient, and cost-effective way to solve vertical access
problems.
• Rope access is safe. Independently-certified rope-access technicians uphold an enviable
safety record and few lost time incidents while working on rope.
• Rope access is versatile. Technicians can apply the techniques in a wide variety of
environments, from confined-space penstocks to massive concrete structures to
complicated steel installations. Unlike traditional access methods, custom rope-access
solutions can be designed to fit various applications quickly and inexpensively.
• Rope access is efficient. Systems are installed and dismantled quickly and often require
fewer personnel than traditional access methods. Rapid deployment limits disruption to
facility operations by minimizing downtime.
• Rope access is economical. Fewer personnel, faster completion, less equipment, and
minimal downtime mean lower costs.
Job-site Safety and Documentation
• Awareness of guidelines for Rope Access work and relevant legislation
• Identify the elements of an access work plan or method statement
• Understand the process for hazard identification, analysis, and
mitigation
• Identify exclusion zones
• Awareness of how to document Rope Access experience
MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. willing to do this work,

2. and will be confident whilst doing so. In addition, they
3. must not have any disposition towards sudden illness, which may cause risks to
the safety of themselves or others.

Medical fitness
workers are medically, mentally and physically fit to undertake the tasks required.
The normal maximum weight of a worker is 100 kg.
4.0 LEGISLATION
• FMA 1967 (Act 139)
– FM (Safety, Health & Welfare) 1970
– FM (BOWEC) 1986
• OSHA 1994 (Act 514)
– Self Regulations
– Employer responsibilities
– Employees responsibilities
– Designer, Manufacturer & Supplier
• Guidelines for the prevention of falls at workplaces 2007
OSHA 1994 – PART IV
GENERAL DUTIES OF EMPLOYERS AND SELF EMPLOYED PERSONS

• Section 15 (1)
• It shall be the duty of every employer and self employed person to ensure, so
far as is practicable the safety, health and welfare of all his employees
• Section 15 (2) (a)
• The matters to which the duty extends include in particular the provision and
maintenance of plant and systems of work that are, so far as is practicable,
safe and without risks to health
• Section 19 – Penalty to employer
PENALTY for an offences upon conviction be liable to
a fine not exceeding RM 50,000 or to imprisonment
not exceeding 2 years or both
OSHA 1994 – PART VI
GENERAL DUTIES OF EMPLOYEES

• Section 24 (1) (a)

• It shall be the duty of every employee while at work to take reasonable care
for the safety and health of himself and of other persons who may affected by
his acts or omissions at work
• Section 24 (1) (d)
• To comply with any instruction or measure on occupational safety and health
(OSH) instituted by his employer or any other person by or under this act or
any regulation made thereunder
• Section 24 (2) – Penalty to Employee
Person who contravenes be liable to a fine not exceeding RM 1,000
or to imprisonment not exceeding 3 months or both
FMA 1967
SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE REGULATION 1970

• Section 7 – access to work

• Section 8 – openings generally to be fenced (stairway opening, floor
openings and teagle opening)
• Section 9 – stairway landing and handrail
• Section 10 – fixed ladder and portable ladder
• Section 11 – catwalk, runway, gangway, and ramps
FMA 1967
BUILDING OPERATION AND WORK OF ENGENEERING CONSTRUCTION REGULATION 1986

• Section 8 & 9 – slipping and cutting hazards

• Section 19 – stability of structure
• Section 39-42 – cleaning, repairing and maintenance of roof, gutter,
windows, louvers and ventilation
• Section 46-57 – chutes, safety belts and nets
• Section 58-61 – runway and ramps.
• Section 62-71 – ladders and step-ladders
• Section 72-98 – scaffolds (construction, design, support and stability,
safety factor and inspection