Applied Technical Services offers a comprehensive rope access training course for prospective technicians seeking level 1 SPRAT accreditation.
What is Rope Access?
Sometimes confused with related work-at-heights practices such as suspended access or fall arrest, rope access is distinguishable as both a safe and cost-effective means of accessing high, tight or unfinished work areas. With the proper training, technicians can utilize rope access techniques to perform construction, inspection, and maintenance work on buildings, tall structures, and construction sites.
Rope access involves the use of a main line and a safety line securely attached to a fall arrest system, enabling workers to efficiently move up, down, laterally, diagonally, or onto another line. By allowing technicians the ability to scale, descend, or move laterally with a system of ropes, the need for construction of scaffolding and other specialized equipment can be reduced or eliminated. Another reason why rope access is a sought-after professional discipline is due to its variety of uses. In-demand applications include:
- Façade Inspections
- Installing Instruments
- Installing Movie/Theatre Sets
- Painting
- Performing Geological Surveys
- Pressure Washing/Sandblasting
- Preparing Surface and Installing Sealant
- Repairing Concrete
- Scaling and Anchoring Rocks
- Shooting Photos/Videos
SPRAT Levels
Students who earn certification through the ATS rope access training program will be trained to perform SPRAT-compliant methods and techniques. SPRAT stands for the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians, an administrative body that is primarily composed of prominent companies and technicians from within the industry. Because the organization establishes stringent industry-recognized rope access standards in North America, most employers only consider technicians who are certified with either SPRAT or IRATA. (IRATA stands for the International Rope Access Trade Association, which is the European counterpart for SPRAT.)
There are three defined levels for which SPRAT recognizes competence and achievement through their certification program. Each of these stages holds increased requirements for work experience and training to achieve qualification, starting with the Level 1 technician.
Level 1
Training for Level 1 Rope Access certification is ideal for entry-level workers, as it provides qualification to perform basic rope access functions under the direct management of either a Level 2 or 3 technician. One of the advantages of pursuing SPRAT Level 1 is that there are few prerequisites for signing up. Because no prior experience with rope access is necessary, any candidate above the age of 18 years may enroll.
Levels 2 and 3
Rope access technicians certified to Levels 2 or 3 may assume more duties and perform a wider range of operations. For example, Level 2 serves as a qualification to perform safety evaluations and basic rescue procedures while under the supervision of a Level 3 technician. Meanwhile, workers certified to Level 3 can assume responsibility over rescue operations, as well as the designing and operation of an entire rope access work site.
Certification With ATS
Students will spend the first four days of the course learning about the proper use of rope access equipment, as well as how to observe relevant standards and regulations. Our hands-on training experience teaches candidates how to tie knots, combine anchorages, and follow rescue protocol in a safe, controlled environment.
After the four days of instruction, trainees be familiar with:
- Their role in rope access operations
- How to observe safety considerations such as jobsite evaluations and procedures
- How to efficiently tie a variety of knots used for rope access techniques
- How to rig two types of anchorage systems
- How to rig and operate a hauling and lowering system
- How to properly use, are for, and maintain access equipment such as:
- Ascenders
- Descenders
- Backup Devices
- Rope and Sling Protection
- How to perform a variety of movement techniques on rope, such as:
- Passing Knots
- Changeovers
- Transferring from one rope to another
- Deviation
- Re-Anchoring
- Horizontal Aid Climbing
- Negotiating Edge Obstructions
The certification session is held on the fifth day. The final test is administered by an independent evaluator and consists of written, verbal, and practical exam sections. Upon passing, candidates will receive SPRAT certification in the level for which they trained, gaining legitimacy as qualified rope access technicians. SPRAT technicians use their skills in a variety of industries, including but not limited to:
- Chemical
- Commercial Properties
- Communications
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Nuclear
- Oil/Gas
- Power Generation
- Pulp and Paper
- Renewable Energy
ATS Professional Experts
For over 50 years, ATS has been a premier provider of testing, inspections, and consulting engineering services. We employ qualified lab and field personnel who maintain a strong familiarity with the standards and regulations of their respective industries. Our professionals serve clients across both national and global markets, successfully uncovering facts in nondestructive testing, forensic investigations, materials testing, chemical analysis, and metallurgy.
Our Experts Include:
- Scientists
- Chemists
- Metallurgists
- Certified Inspectors and Technicians
- Professional Engineers Across Various Disciplines
Quality Assurance Credentials
At ATS, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality services, which is why our Quality Management System is registered with ISO 9001:2015. We hire engaged employees who carry out our professional services in a timely manner and work in compliance with recognized system standards.
ATS Accreditations and Certifications Include:
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
- Certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
- Nadcap Accredited for NDT and Materials Testing
- EN71 European Toy Safety Testing
- FAA Repair Station
- CPSC Accredited Lab
Our Quality Program Also Satisfies the Following Quality Standards:
- 10CFR Part 50 Appendix B Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants
- 10CFR Part 21 Reporting of Non-compliance
- ASME NQA-1 Nuclear Quality Assurance Requirements
