Confined Space Entry Using Rope Access Techniques

Do you need to complete work in a hard-to-reach place? One of the biggest benefits of confined space training is its ability to access difficult areas or confined spaces, removing the need for scaffolding and crane-suspending platforms.

In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of rope access when it comes to confined spaces and specialised rescue protocols.

Defining Confined Space Entry and the High-Risk Environment

Confined space entry involves entering, navigating and working in enclosed or partly exposed areas. There might be limited room to manoeuvre, engulfment risks or atmospheric hazards. To ensure safe working, technicians utilise two-line rope systems – a working line and a safety line – to navigate these areas safely and effectively.

A confined space, as defined by IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association), is a space that can be small or large that is:

• Substantially Enclosed: It may be partially or fully enclosed.
• Limited Access or Egress: There are restricted entry and exit points, which may make rescue efforts especially difficult.
• High-Risk: A “reasonably foreseeable specified risk” exists.

Some examples include storage tanks, sewers, pipes, ventilation shafts, silos and vessel cleaning.

High-risk environments may involve:

• Complex Entry or Exit: Technicians may need to move through narrow, tight or vertical spaces.
• Atmospheric Hazards: Potential for poisonous gases, oxygen depletion or potentially flammable conditions.
• Physical Dangers: There may be drowning potential or an engulfment risk (such as grain).
• Inaccessibility: The location requires specialised rope techniques to reach.
• Poor Ventilation: Natural airflow is restricted, potentially leading to the buildup of gas hazards.

Bridging the Gap: Combining IRATA With Confined Space Certifications

To ensure technicians can navigate confined and/or high-risk spaces, having both IRATA certification and Confined Space certifications is important. This hybrid skillset allows technicians to effectively tackle confined areas or high-risk settings.

In terms of qualifications, you will need:

• IRATA: Rigging, rope management, rescue (Level 1, 2, 3).
• Confined Space: Risk assessment, gas monitoring, PPE usage, entry/exit procedures (low, medium, high risk).

Rigging for Vertical and Horizontal Confined Space Access

This kind of rigging for confined space rope access requires specialist techniques.

Confined Space Rigging

This requires strong, stable points – known as anchors – near the entry point for securing ropes. Mechanical Advantage (MA) systems, often pulleys and rope, are also required to reduce the force needed for rescue. Winches and/or a pulley or rope grab are required for lifting loads.

Personal Protective Equipment such as tripods, retrieval lines, lighting, gas monitors and full-body harnesses are also required. To ensure a fail-safe operation, backup systems like rope capture are vital.

Vertical Access Rigging

Vertical access requires an anchor directly above the opening and a line that goes straight down to the worker. Many use a tripod with a winch or an MA system.

Horizontal/Angled Access Rigging

This requires directional pulleys to direct the rope path. This creates a system that moves at an angle or sideways into the space. For this reason, you may need to use additional anchor points for directional pulleys.

Specialised Rescue Procedures in Restricted Environments

Those undertaking rope access in confined spaces or high-risk areas require specialised rescue procedures.

Broad methods include:

• Self-Rescue: The technician evacuates the space when a new hazard is discovered, they feel unwell, or they receive an order to evacuate.
• Non-Entry (Retrieval) Rescue: This is the preferred rescue method. It involves a trained attendant using equipment to remove the worker without additional technicians entering the space.
• Entry Rescue: This high-stakes operation occurs in the worst-case scenario. This is where a trained rescue person enters the space to help the technician.

Mandatory Gas Monitoring and Ventilation Protocols

IRATA standards strictly dictate gas monitoring and ventilation protocols for rope access. This ensures a safe working environment by controlling atmospheric hazards before, during and after access. If hazardous gas conditions are present, mechanical ventilation will be used to make the space safe.

Need IRATA Rope Access Training?

If you need rope access training, Atlas Access Training delivers all levels of training in our purpose-built facility. Contact us on 02-9700 0812, training@atlasaccess.com.au or fill in the form on our Contact Us page.