Rope Access Work — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for industrial rope access on building facades, structures and cliffs, covering anchor selection, rigging of working and backup lines, descent, work in suspension and rescue.
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Rope access work on a construction site, such as facade repairs, sealant replacement, window installation fixes, inspections or concrete remediation on a building face, is high-risk construction work (HRCW) because workers are exposed to a fall of more than 2 metres. A SWMS must be prepared before the work starts and kept available on site. Rope access is also used for routine maintenance that isn't construction work, but a SWMS is still the simplest way to show you have planned it, and most building managers will ask for one.
Under the hierarchy of controls, rope access sits low: it relies entirely on the worker's equipment, technique and anchors. Use it where a building maintenance unit, EWP or scaffold is not reasonably practicable. The Australian standard for industrial rope access is AS/NZS 4488 (Parts 1 and 2), and anchors and fall-arrest equipment are covered by AS/NZS 1891. The core rule is two independent lines, a working line and a backup (safety) line, each on its own anchor, so that the failure of any single component does not result in a fall.
The hazards specific to this work are anchor failure, rope damage over sharp edges or parapets, falling tools and materials onto the public below, suspension intolerance if a worker is left hanging after an incident, and weather, especially wind gusts on tall buildings. Rescue is critical: a suspended, unconscious worker can deteriorate within minutes, so the team must be able to perform its own rescue immediately. Calling emergency services is not a rescue plan.
There is no high-risk work licence for rope access, but technicians should hold current industry certification (for example IRATA or ARAA) at the level that matches their role, and every team needs a suitably experienced supervising technician. Never work alone. Check your state or territory regulator for any local requirements.
Customise this template with the building address and elevations to be worked, the anchor schedule (permanent anchor IDs and their last inspection date, or the temporary anchor method and engineering sign-off), the rope access team members and certification levels, the drop zone layout and how it will be controlled at street level, the wind and weather stop limits, and the written rescue plan including the rescue kit kept at the top of each drop.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Risk of a person falling more than 2 metres
Risk Assessment
1.Pre-job planning, anchor verification and equipment inspection
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchor failure due to uncertified, damaged or unsuitable anchor points | Catastrophic | Use only permanent anchors with current inspection and certification records (inspected within the last 12 months) or temporary anchors designed and approved by a competent engineer. Rate each anchor for the number of people attached. Never rely on pipework, balustrades, TV antennas, plant equipment or gutters. Record anchor IDs in the SWMS and sight the anchor certificate before rigging. | Low | Rope Access Supervisor |
| Equipment failure from worn or damaged ropes, harnesses or devices | High | Each technician inspects their own harness, devices and connectors before every use, and the supervisor inspects ropes before rigging. Remove from service any rope with sheath damage, glazing, chemical contamination or core irregularities. Keep an equipment register with in-service dates and the last detailed inspection, at the interval set by the manufacturer and at least every 6 months. | Low | Rope Access Technicians / Supervisor |
2.Establishing the drop zone and controlling the area below
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falling tools, materials or debris striking the public or other workers | Catastrophic | Set up a barricaded drop zone at ground level directly below and to each side of the work drop, sized for the height and wind drift. Use a ground person or spotter where the public can approach. Close or redirect footpaths and building entrances with the building manager's agreement. Tether every tool and use closed tool bags; no loose items carried on the harness. | Low | Rope Access Supervisor / Ground Spotter |
| Building occupants opening windows or accessing balconies into the work line | Moderate | Notify occupants in writing before work starts. Ask the building manager to lock or restrict access to affected balconies and windows. Post notices at the lift lobby and roof access. | Low | Rope Access Supervisor / Building Manager |
3.Rigging the working line and backup line
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rope cut or abraded over parapets, roof edges or facade features | Catastrophic | Fit rope protectors at every edge contact point and re-check them before each descent. Use edge rollers or a re-belay or deviation to keep ropes off sharp features. Rig the working line and backup line to separate anchors so a single edge or anchor failure cannot affect both lines. | Low | Rope Access Technician |
| Fall at the roof edge while transitioning onto the ropes | Catastrophic | Clip into a restraint or fall-arrest line before approaching an unprotected edge. Attach to both the working line and backup line, and do a buddy check of the harness, descender and backup device, before going over the edge. Never unclip from both lines at once. | Low | Rope Access Technicians |
4.Descent and work in suspension
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontrolled descent or loss of control from incorrect device use | High | Use descenders with auto-lock and anti-panic functions. Tie stopper knots in the ends of all ropes, and confirm ropes reach the ground or a safe landing before descending. Keep the backup device positioned high, above the waist, so fall distance stays short. Never use the backup line as a second working line. | Low | Rope Access Technician |
| Fatigue, heat stress or suspension intolerance during long drops | High | Plan drops so no technician stays in suspension longer than the job requires. Use a work seat for longer tasks. Schedule rest breaks, carry water and avoid peak heat on exposed facades. Technicians must report feeling unwell and come off the ropes straight away. | Moderate | Rope Access Technician / Supervisor |
| Wind gusts swinging technicians into the facade, or lightning | High | Check the forecast before starting and monitor wind at roof level with an anemometer. Stop work at the wind limit in the SWMS (set by the supervisor for the building and the task) and immediately during thunderstorms. Use deviations or rope grabs to stop swing on curved or stepped facades. | Moderate | Rope Access Supervisor |
5.Rescue readiness
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delayed rescue of an injured or unconscious technician in suspension | Catastrophic | Keep a pre-rigged rescue kit (lowering or hauling system) at the top of each drop. At least one team member able to carry out a pick-off or lowering rescue must be on site whenever someone is on the ropes. Practise the rescue for this site before work starts. Agree radio or phone check-in intervals. Call 000 as well, but do not wait for them to arrive. | Moderate | Rope Access Supervisor |
6.De-rigging and site clean-up
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rope or equipment dropped while de-rigging | Moderate | Keep the drop zone in place until all ropes are pulled up or lowered under control. Never throw ropes or bags off the roof. Bag and tag any damaged equipment for inspection, and record it in the equipment register. | Low | Rope Access Technicians |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.