Rope Access Tips, Tricks & Chats
A podcast dedicated to the world of rope access, hosted by Leigh Greenwood. Each episode offers practical tips and tricks for professionals, alongside engaging conversations with guests about various aspects of the trade. The show aims to keep listeners updated with the latest information in the industry. It is designed for anyone currently involved in rope access or curious about the field.
Episodes
The only 3 things we have to do from the ICOP
This week we have a chat about the only three things you need to follow in the ICOP. Take a listen and let me know if you agree.
Wayne Russell Bit of kit
This week we had a chat with Wayne Russell our NZ lead trainer on what bit of kit does he need to have on his harness. Was a bit left of field for me. He can’t survive without a Pod Bag.
Assisted Aid Climbing, why is this not an assessable item?
This week we chat about assisted aid climb. I have seen this assessed in some level 3 assessments, but I can’t find it in the TACS. Should all level 3’s be trained and assessed on this?Do you agree that it should be added or not, let me knowleigh@5thpoint.com.auStay safe
Should we train 8 level 1’s on our own
This week we have a chat about if a level 3i should be able to train 8 level 1’s without an assistant. Let me know if you agree or notLeigh@5thpoint.com.auStay safe
Anchors or Anchorage
This week we are having a quick chat about anchors and anchorage. what’s the difference and how it fits in with rope access. We have found that using these terms make it easy to describe parts of the system and how it falls into IRATA ICOP to comply. it also helps work out where and when the 2 points of connection starts and stops. If you want to get in touch, drop me a line @Leigh@5thpoint.com.au
Rig Board
This week we take a look at a new bit of kit from Rig Board. If you ever needed to draw a rigging plan on a white board and couldn’t tell the difference between a descender and a back up, this is the bit of kit for you. great in training and planning of jobs. check them out at https://rigboard.shop/Tell them Leigh sent you. :-). Stay safe.
Singing rock Jack descender
Been playing with the Jack from singing rock for a while now. let’s say it’s the love child of a rig and a spark. have a listen to what it’s all about.
History of Descenders
This week we are going to take a look at where it started with descenders for rope access, way back in the 60’s all the way through till today. I may miss something. If I do drop me a message or e mail, leigh@5thpoint.com.au, always good to chat and learn. stay safe.
Harkin Radix, the new age of load cells
This week we take a look at the Harken Radix. the level of load cells has just increased. we look at all the features and where it will be great in our work flow. if you fancy buying me a coffee the link is below. Thanks. buymeacoffee.com/rattac
Hydrate!
Been a long hot summer in Sydney and it’s still going. just a quick reminder to hydrate, even on the cooler days. what’s the best way to carry fluids? We look at some options. If you fancy buying me a coffee click the link below Thanksbuymeacoffee.com/rattac
Skylotec ICX
This week we take a look at the Skylotec ICX. Is it worth the investment? What’s the deal with the batteries? what about rescue?if you fancy buying me a coffee click the link below. buymeacoffee.com/rattacThanks
Let’s warm up
I go to the gym to move some weights or do a cardio session and always do a warm up. What makes a day on the ropes any different. Let have a look at warming up before we jump on the ropes. If you want to buy me a coffee follow the link below. Thanks. buymeacoffee.com/rattac
Retrievable rigging
This week we chat about rigging ropes that can be retrieved. The IRATA document says can’t normally be used for rescue. Do we need to change this as we have better methods now. have a listen and let me know what you think.
First Aid ticket. Who needs one?
This week we have a quick chat about first aid tickets. What IRATA say we need and could we do a bit better. Let us know what you think. Reach out on the socials.
Skylotec Sirius & Spark used in Training
At 5th Point we have been using the Skylotec descenders for over 10 months now. Here is an update on what we know now.
IRATA RASS
The time we have been waiting a while for the RASS Rope Access Safety Supervisor course is here. What to know who can become a RASS, or who can run a RASS course. Take a listen and find out all the info.
Hanging haul
How did the hanging haul become a thing? This week we have a look at how we ended up in the roof of a training centre, hauling one of our mates to the roof. To then send him back to the ground. Is this a real situation?
Spark or a Rig, what would you use.
This week we have a chat about the main differences between the Petzl Rig and the Skylotec Spark. Which one would you use?If you would like to buy me a coffee, click the link below. buymeacoffee.com/rattac
Just Get It Done, Rope Access Challenge
This week we sit down with Andre Quinn from Just Get It Done and chat about the rope access challenge.Where did the idea come from?What’s it like to organise the first rope access competition in Australia?Where is it heading?
Answering some questions we have been asked.
This week we answer a few questions we have been asked, no particular order or topic, but some very interesting questions. Some of the answers may surprise you.
Hoisting on a Grillion. Can you do this?
This week we take a dive into some of the uses that Petzl say you can use a Grillion for. Big question is, can you hoist on it? If you like what we do here you can buy me a coffee. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RATTAC
Is IRATA changing the age limit for courses?
This week we have a chat about the age limit on doing you level 1.The noise on the street is that IRATA has been looking at a change. What would be the knock on affects if this was to happen? what would be the benefits and what would be the drawbacks? If you like what we do here and want to help expand the podcast, you could 'buy me a coffee', click on the link below if you are keen, and
Harness through the years
This week we have a look at how my harness has changed over 25 years.What did I have on my harness in the late 90's and what has changed to today. Which bits of kit have lasted the test of time, what have i moved onto, and what do I miss.Let us know what you still have on your harness and isn't going anywhere soon.
Harken Multi Ascender
This week we take a look at the new Harken Multi Ascender.Could this be the new direction for a chest ascender, can we now call it a point of connection, once and for all?I love the way Harken are bring tried and tested sailing technology into the world of rope access.Have you had a play with the Harken Multi ascender? let us know what you think of it.
Edelrid Fuse v Petzl ASAP
This week we have a look at the new Edelrid Fuse and compare it to the Petzl ASAP.It has been a long time coming, but has another manufacture designed an auto following back up device that works better than the ASAP?Have a listen for a side-by-side comparison, and if you have used them both, let us know which one you prefer.
The French connection with the Lebanese introduction.
It's time to have a chat about another fun rescue when you are on your next IRATA course or when having a play in a training centre.This is another rescue along the lines of the Singapore special. Trying to tick as many level 3 assessment boxes as we can and only leaving the ground once.
Level 3 online exam
This week we chat about the new level 3 online exam, Im sure you all have lots of questions and would like to know how it is set up and what's involved.Have a listen and we will break down how it is set up and what you can do to prepare for it.
We are back season 2
Hi Everyone,We are back!, we have been on a break for a while, but now we are back.Its time to to have some more tips, tricks and chats.Have a listen on what's been going on and what we have planned for this season.
Steel or aluminium karabiners. What do you use?
This week we have a look at which type of karabiners we use. Are you team Ally or Steel?why do some people say you can't use Ally karabiners in heavy industry?That shape karabiners should you use?
Auto locking or Screw locking Karabiners, what's your preferred?
This week we carry on with our chats about the connector that keeps us safe, Karabiners.What's your preferred locking system Auto or Screw? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both of them?This week we take a look at why you would choose one over the other.
Pole straps, how can we use them?
This week we look at the common pole straps and how we use them in rope access, what the difference and what do you get extra for the money.
Karabiners, Do they all have to be done up?
This week we chat about the karabiners we use and do they need to be done up?The one on your footloop? how about the one on a pulley in a hauling system?We discuss them all and if its undone is it a discrepancy on assessment day?
What can I learn before i sit my IRATA level 1?
So you are keen to get ahead before you turn up for your level 1 course, this week we give you some tips of things to learn and try and understand before you turn up on day one.If you have friends who are thinking of getting into rope access, this is an episode for them.
RSI in the elbow.
Time to talk about the elephant in the room on every IRATA course. Hands up if you have ever suffered from repetitive strain injury (RSI) or occasional overuse syndrome (OOS). Yep that pain in the elbow after a long ascent, long aid climb or the 6th time you have done the loop rescue this week.We chat about how it happens, advice we have received off of experts of body movement to fix it and how
Powered Ascenders,
This week we have a look at some of the Powered Ascenders that are available on the market.We chat about what's the difference is between them, why choose one over another and how we have worked with them.
Chat with Mikey Reid
This week we are having a chat with Mikey Reid, from the outskirts of Aberdeen as a professional boxer and trainer, he got a tip to get a rope ticket, how will a roofers son go with 2 points? How did that get him to Australia?
Tips for your first IRATA course.
Booked in for your IRATA level 1? Or thinking of getting into rope access. This week we cover the things you can practice and look into before the course and some tips of what not to do during the week.
Using the ASAP in a rescue part 2
Seems we still had some unanswered questions about when and how we use the Asap in a rescue situation .If you missed the first part go have a listen only a few weeks back.Let us know how you use the ASAP in rigging of ropes.
When and why did we start using two ropes?
This week is 100 weekly episodes, thank you for coming on this journey into all things rope access.We thought now would be a good time to chat about how we ended up on 2 ropes rather than one. This story might surprise you.
SWL, WLL, MBS what's that all about?
This week we answer one of the questions we have been asked.Can you explain the difference between SWL, MBS and WLL.We take a look at how it all works and explain the difference and where you might come into contact with them.
Using a Petzl ASAP in a rescue
This week we chat about where the Petzl ASAP is used in hauling and lowering situation.Are we setting ourselves up to fail an Assessment.
No knots in your ropes? what could go wrong?
This week we look at an near miss where no knots in the ropes was only part of the problem.We hope this chat highlights the posable issues and how we can all avoid them.Stay safe
Learning from injuries on the ropes
This week we look at a safety bulletin on strains while working on the ropes.We hope this helps anyone from avoiding injury.we look back on some tips from Charles Cooper back in our chat last year. check that out in Ep 61.
IRATA safety bulletin 19, slings slipping on anchorage.
This week we are looking at an IRATA safety bulletin about slings slipping on an anchorage.If you are rigging ropes around round or square structure this episode is for you. We include some great lessons learnt and how to avoid a similar situation.
Where to put the pulley
This week we do some basic maths to work out how to best set up a 3-1 pulley system with some basic rope access gear.Using an ID and karabiners is surprisingly inefficient, but how bad is it?
Harness setup
The gear i use everyday has changed a bit this year.I do a rundown on how my harness is set up. How i use a some new gear and changing the way some gear is used.Also a bonus fast way to pass knots.
Hot Works
This week we chat about working on the ropes and undertaking hot works, cutting, grinding,welding. All of these tasks that introduce a new hazard to our work environment.We chat about what we have seen used and not used on site.As always a few tips for products that might work for you.
Retrievable rigging
This week we chat about retrievable rigging or pull throughs. We look at the plus sides and down sides of various systems and how we could do it safer.Let us know your preferred system and why you like it.
Skylotec Spark
This week we take a look at the Skylotec Spark, this may have answered the question I have heard a lot since the Sirius came out, ' can we get one without the panic feature?' well the Spark is exactly that.Have a listen as we run through the features.
Chest ascender, is it a point of attachment
This week we chat about the chest ascender, is it half a point or one point? we discuss the story behind the this urban myth.What about if you attach to a casualty on an ascender, can they be used as a point of attachment?
Double Descender Rescue
This week we have a look at rescues on two descenders.Why do we not teach this to Level 1's?Should we be work on two descenders more?
Do we need to increase hours between IRATA levels?
Is the standard of technicians dropping? Do we need technicians to get more hours between levels? Is it more experience that's needed or more hours on ropes? Sound we get more training for each level?We ask these and more questions this week.
IRATA Level 4
Do we need an IRATA level 4? I think i first heard this discussed when i was a level 1, but it comes up more often in conversation theses days.What would you like to see on a level 4 course, We have a look at a few options.
Should lowering a casualty past a set of knots on assessment day?
This week we turn the normal level 3 rescue, passing a set of knots on its head.Why don't we get level 3's to lower a casualty and have to to bypass knots?We look at situations where you may need this skill in the field, and options for how it is done.Let us know if you would like this rescue added to the level 3 syllabus.
Why do we get Level 2's to rescue past a a single deviation?
This week we discuss the single deviation rescue, This is a level 2 skill, we ask why do we get level 2's to do this rescue? Could you just unclip the deviation? shouldn't we have level 2's rescue past a double deviation?Let us know what your thoughts are on the single deviation.
Should Breaking into a tight line come back?
This week we take a look at breaking into a tight line, Why this was taken out of the IRATA level 3, Is it a good skill to know and should it come back.Let us know what you think about the technique and if it should make a comeback.
Looking after the ropes that keep us safe.
We have been asked to share our knowledge on how to look after our ropes to make them last longer and keep us safe.Various manufacturers give different advice and we try and work through this and give you some points to follow.
Chat with Tane Hardwick, on working in the tropics.
This week we chat with Tane from Caines Rope Access, We cover working in the tropics, going from employee to owner in 3 months and how you can travel the World on an IRATA ticket.
What is the deal if my IRATA ticket expires?
This wee we look at all the myths we have heard about what you can do if your IRATA ticket expires.We then look at each level and see what you need to do to upgrade or revalidate.This is a good one to share with your mates to ensure they stay current and save some money.
Chat with Mac from Mac Pro.
This week we chat with Mac Northeast the inventor of the Mac Pro and the Ladder Safe Leash.We chat about how these products came about, one from an accident Mac witnessed, the testing process and the evolution of the products.If you are keen to get your hands on them check out.www.mac-pro.com.au and Ladder Safe Leash on Face book.
Working out the angles in your rigging
This week we take a look at how we can work out the angles in our rigging. We look at using our hands to help us work this out, and the use of some technology to make life easier?
Chat with Dave Stafford, is being a level 3 a trade?
This week we sit down with Dave Stafford and chat about a 20 plus year career in rope access.Do you need a trade or can you work as a level 3 and make that your trade, keeping people safe on the ropes and solving the access problem.
Deviations, Another rule with 60
Carrying on from our other episode on the rule of 60, we talk about how the number 60 can help you work out the rough load on a deviation anchor.How much force are you putting on that anchor? Here is a quick way to work it out.
Alastair Rugg chats about FIFO work and 20 plus years in rope access
This week we sit down with Ali Rugg, to talk about the reality of working away in rope access, it could be on regular swings , shut down work or just stand alone projects.How do you deal with it and how it affects family.Ali and I have known each other for nearly 3 decades, so a little trip down memory lane was inevitable.
The story of the Shunt
We have been asked if we can tell the story of the Petal shunt.How did it become the rope access back up of choose?Can we still use it?Is it illegal to use it on site?hope this answers some of the questions you may have.
Mike MacDonald Chat
This week we sit down with Mike MacDonald. He started his career being sponsored by the UK Government to undertake IRATA training.This followed a 20 plus year career offshore finding his area of expertise in Special surveys.A great chat with some cool tips for techs from all over the World.
Helmets and the standards they follow
This week we look at the European standards for the helmets we use.what is the difference between the standards and which one should we use.would the standard change which helmet you use? or is fit more important?
Keeron Le Busque Chat
This week we have another chat, This time with Keeron Le Busque.Keeron turned a change in career into a 20 plus year life style choose.From cleaning glass in the city to building Oil facilities in the ocean, this is a good one, with lots of advice for anyone getting into or working in our rope access World.
The Rule of 60
This week we try something a bit different.I hope this one works.We sit down and explain the rule of 60, a great way to work out forces on anchors when in the field.Please let us know how we did, if it worked for you.Stay safe.
The IRATA TACS update explained
This week we try and explain the updates in the IRATA TACS.We chat about how the assessment day needs to run and what are your options if it goes wrong and in what circumstances you can have another assessment on the same day.
5 things you should know about tension lines.
This week we look at 5 things you should know about tension lines.How we should set them up.What you should look for.The basic do's and don'ts.let us know how you like to set up tension line, drop us a line on facebook, rope access tips tricks and chats.stay safe, see ya soon, cheers.
Willie Johnstone, How rope access started in a climbing club in Scotland.
This week we sit down with Willie Johnstone and chat about rope access through the 80's, 90's to today.Willie is an Auditor, Assessor and consultant for companies.These chats are so real even his grandfather clock gets to chime in.The question is why didn't Willie want to jump in the Delorean to go back to where it started?Great chat with another Legend of rope access.
Pulley systems What's that all about?
This week we chat about pulley systems.How do you work out mechanical advantage?what's a compound system?We start with the basics of how to work out mechanical advantage, and what makes a compound system.Hope this sheds some light on what can be a confusing situation.
Chat with Richie Spence, How a rope ticket can take you around the World.
This week we sit down with Richie Spence.Richie has gone from a Level 2 who didn't want to take the responsibility of being a Level 3 all the way through to Technical Authority to Evaluator, and IRATA Auditor.A great chat about how rope access can take you to places you didn't imagine, if you are willing to put in the work and take opportunities presented to you.
EN 12841 Whats that all about?
This week we have a look at the EN 12841 standard for rope access, try and explain how it works and what's covered in it.Don't worry I'm just a rope tech talking about a standard, i'll keep it a simple as possible.
Scott Appleby chat
How a chance meeting on the streets of Melbourne can take you to the Red sand of Western Australia and back to the mountains of Canada. Once again a unique story of life in rope access.
IRATA, Whats that all about?
This week we take a look at IRATA.We all know IRATA and the level 1,2 and 3 system, but how is it set up and who is involved.We hope this answers a few questions you had, and maybe some you didn't know you wanted to ask.
A chat with Keeley Prockiw
Keeley is a second generation welder and IRATA rope tech, having found some great support at Women Building Futures in Alberta, Canada, Keeley has kicked down some doors and created a great future for herself and her kids, She is now passing the baton to her daughter as a IRATA level 1, the first mother daughter rope techs I have found in IRATA.Great little chat about how taking opportunities can
Load sharing, what's that all about?
Time to chat about all things load sharing.Do we have to do it?Why should we do it?When don't we do it.Why you want to do it.Let us know what you do to load share.www.rattac.net
Charles Cooper chats about rope access in the 80's
This week i had the pleasure of sitting down with Charlie, this is where it all started for me back in '98.Charlie on the other hand has been on the ropes since the 80's.Developing his own techniques to ensure having a back up and using an Orange Chair???A few trips down memory lane for me in this one. 2 mates having a chat.Hope you like it.
