In Rope Access Services, there is a number of pieces of kit we need to ensure the safety and protection of our team while making sure that we can complete the job for our customers.
The actual ropes used in rope access are as you would expect are vitally important to what we do. But we use more than one type of rope so to explain the difference, here is a look in more detail at Low Stretch Ropes.
All low stretch ropes are what is called Kernmantel. This is simply the name given for the combination of the core called the Kern and the sheaf which is called the Mantel. The core of the rope is the load bearing part while the sheaf provides protection to the worker from abrasions and cuts.
Low stretch rope have to meet EN1891 standards for personal protection equipment in the prevention of falls from height and come in two standards. Type A and Type B.
Most Low Stretch ropes are Type A but some specialist at height work requires Type B ropes to be used. Type A ropes provide a higher breaking strength and have a stronger resistance to abrasions and cuts. While there are different diameters of rope used in rope access work, 10.5mm and 11.0mm are the most common sizes of rope used.
Low Stretch Ropes used in Rope Access work are 16 plaits. The higher number of plaits, the stronger the core of the rope is.
What is Low Stretch Rope made from?
Polyester is the preferred material for Low Stretch Ropes as it is very durable and has a good resistance to chemicals while also being hydrophobic meaning it is quick drying and doesn’t shrink as much as other materials. Vital in a climate like Scotland.
There are also Nylon ropes but they absorb more moisture and can cause the rope to shrink and become stiff.
What exactly is Rope Access?
Rope Access is a safe method of working at height using rope systems and related equipment. It is the exact same type of climbing equipment used in mountaineering, rock climbing and abseiling. Because it can be used almost anywhere with little in the way of set up requirements, the uses for Rope Access are near limitless. It has become one of our signature services for customers who require difficult access cleaning, repairs and inspection work carried out.
Find out more
If you would like to know more about our Rope Access Services and the many benefits they have over traditional forms of access including scaffolding, please contact us. We can talk you through the process of using rope access and share case study examples of the work we have done in this field before. At Balmore, we are one of the leading Building Maintenance and Roofing Contractors in Scotland and Rope Access is one of our specialist services that allows us to become Difficult Access Experts. Please contact our Glasgow Head Office today by calling 0141 944 6100 or by emailing sales@balmore-ltd.co.uk
