Safety  /  Guidance by activity  /  Rope access and confined space

86 technique notes

Which type of fall-arrest lanyard to chooseConnector locking systems comparedConnector shapes and where each belongsChecking connector compatibilityConnector basics: gates, axes and loadingChoosing a connector for a descenderLanyard-end connector for work positioningLanyard-end connector for fall arrestConnecting a fall-arrest lanyard to the harnessChoosing connectors for anchor riggingChoosing connectors for hauling and pulleysWhich harness for which use? newHarness attachment point for a rope grabWhich attachment points to use for restraint?Selecting a helmet for confined space workChoosing a low-stretch rope diameterSelecting a rescue kit for the taskChoosing an absorber for the clearance availableReading the markings on a connectorRope diameter limits on descendersPulley efficiency: what the numbers meanUsing pulleys with small-diameter rope or cordPerformance of new versus used ropesWashing a low-stretch rope before first useService life and retirement criteria for textilesDescender specifications and working loadsRope grab specifications and rope compatibilityHelmet standards: EN 397 and EN 12492Harness attachment point strength ratingsEnergy absorber deployment lengthsAnchor strength requirements explainedTemperature and chemical limits for textilesGeneral principles for work at heightConfined space entry: the permit sequenceAtmospheric testing before entry newSetting up a tripod over a manholeInstalling ropes for a descentAttaching a rope to the anchorAttaching a rope to the harnessHow and why to use a fall-arrest lanyardUnderstanding and optimising fall clearanceClearance values for I and Y absorbersOblique anchors and fall distanceParking an unused lanyard arm safelyAdjusting a full-body harness correctlyLong or short rope ascentShort down-climb on ascendersWork positioning with a rope grabWork positioning, hands-free position newInstalling a horizontal life-lineWorking near sharp edges and hot workUsing a single rope clamp: why not?Examples of dangerous connector loadingWearing a helmet without the chinstrapVideo: inspecting a wire strop before useDescending with additional brakingPassing a re-belay on ascentLimiting rope stretch with two descendersTensioning a tyroleanTyrolean traverse on ropeReleasable anchor with a descenderRigging a retrievable ropeHow to calculate mechanical advantageBelaying with a winch-descenderRemote control of a descender handle with a cordUsing a lanyard as a temporary anchorMaking a Y-lanyard from a knotted slingAnchoring two people to one pointUsing PPE for material handlingRope grab behaviour in high windsApproaching an obstacle with a rope grabFunction test each time a rope grab is installedGreater efficiency on rope ascentsTeam rescue techniques for hauling and lowering newAccompanied descent rescueAccompanied descent with a rope grabHaul system with a descenderHauling: combined lowering and raising systemRelease and rescue of a co-worker using a rescue kitRescuing a person hanging on an absorberRelease and rescue from a fall-arrest systemRelease and rescue from a long ropeRelease and rescue from a static ropeLowering 150 kg to 250 kg from the anchorVertical extraction from a confined spaceSuspension trauma: why minutes matter

Rope access and confined space work is inherently hazardous. These notes are a starting point for competent, trained operatives; they do not replace task-specific risk assessment, a rescue plan, or the manufacturer instructions supplied with your equipment.