We have already mentioned the basic kit required, sit-harness, chest harness etc. And this page will explain things in a little more detail.
Sit Harness :
The sit harness should have a good wide waist belt, for comfort, as the operative can spend many hours in the harness in a day. Additionally, the leg loops should be wide and adjustable, to allow for more layers of clothing in winter or simple personal preference.
The harness should be easily adjusted for size, the buckle system should be simple but foolproof.
Like all items of gear, it should be inspected for damage and wear prior to each use.
Chest Harness :
The chest harness should be adjustable also, made of strong webbing, with the centre point lying fairly
flat at the chest. The centre loops should be extra thick and durable. The chest harness allows the chest ascender device to sit at the sternum, and keeps the centre of gravity high while ascending.
Cows Tails & Ropes :
'Cows tails' are the name given to short lengths of dynamic rope, which are tied to the sit harness (on the D-ring at the centre strong point). They form approximately 1 metre long tails, at the ends of which are tied figure 8 knots (or sometimes a barrel knot is used) and a screwgate carabiner attached. The cow tails are used to connect the operative to his back-up device, his hand ascender, tools, for by passing deviations etc.
Dynamic rope is a type of synthetic kernmantle rope which is designed to stretch by between 8% and 10% of its' length. This provides some degree of shock absorbency in event of a fall or slip.
The second type of rope used in rope access is Low Stretch rope. This is designed to stretch only 2% to 5%, and is the rope used for the working and back up lines in rope access.
Both dynamic and static ropes are typically 11mm diameter, and breaking limits of at least 2200kg.
Helmet :
The helmet is not the regular style of helmet one may find in the construction industry (hard hat).
It is instead a lightweight, but very strong, shell. It is designed to give the wearer protection
from side impacts (in the event of a swing for example) as well as direct impacts from above.
The chin harness is in a Y shape, to keep it centrally upon the head under an impact. The shell is also
rated to resist quite high temperatures (such as from weld spatter) and not to become brittle in very
low temperatures. It is peakless, so that the wearer can glance upward without lifting the face and
exposing himself to possible impact from a falling object.
Ascenders :
Ascenders are either hand held or chest mounted devices which grip the rope in a toothed cam and are able to slide up, but not slide down. They are a mechanical version of the traditional prussik type knots (which are still a valuable tool however for the modern rope access tech). By alternate use of the hand ascender and then the chest ascender, the climber is able to rapidly ascend the rope.
Descender :
Descenders are mechanical devices used to descend the rope in a controlled manner, with built in safety features such as auto-lock if the operator should let go for some reason. They are also simple to lock and unlock, so that the technician can use both hands to work. It is also a common requirement for a technician to change from ascending to descending modes, and any device used should allow for this.
Carabiners :
The commonest, but supremely important piece of kit - the carabiner. This is a linking device with a screwed gate, which stops it inadvertantly opening. For industrial rope access, steel carabiners are generally used, with breaking load limits of 2200kg or more. They are used for rigging, anchors, attaching equipment, etc. Typically, a technician will use or carry 10 or 12 'crabs' at all times.
Back Up Devices :
Back Up devices are generally some form of camming rope grabbers. Unlike the ascenders described above, however, they are not toothed in any way, as they are designed to catch a load onto the back up rope, so teeth would possibly 'strip' the outer sheath of the rope. For maximum security Back Up devices should always be kept at least at shoulder height or above.
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Some useful links to manufacturers of Rope Access products
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