Differences Between Rope Access & Scaffolding
Introduction Where working at height is involved, from tall buildings in need of maintenance to the construction of a grandstand and everything in between, there are usually two options: rope access or scaffolding. It’s no secret that rope access is a more cost effective and overall more efficient method of working at height, but there is still a place for scaffolding within the construction industry.
Determining which is the best option for your project will depend upon an array of different factors, from speed and safety to cost and convenience. In this post we will consider under which circumstances you may opt for one over the other and why rope access is generally the preferred option. Of course we are going to be a little biassed towards rope access but where safety is of paramount importance, we only provide honest and accurate advice. Let us first find out what they actually are.
What is Scaffolding? Well, scaffolding is a provisional framework which is usually used to give support to the building’s structure, and at the same time frame, it also works as a platform for the labourers to do the construction works. Based on the type of construction work, the type of scaffolding may differ.
What is Rope Access? Rope access refers to various advanced access techniques that use specialised equipment and especially ropes to support the labour force working at hard-to-reach places. With this technique, you don’t require any cradles, aerial work platforms, or scaffolding. Also, you can traverse, descend, or ascend ropes for access while working since the harness suspends you.
Which is Better? When it comes to construction, facade maintenance at heights or inspections in hard-toaccess places, where a crane might not be suitable, Rope Access or Industrial abseiling works significantly more than Scaffolding. Rope access is popular because it is considered extremely safe. The regulations around working with rope access systems are stringent and it requires no additional terrain, flat or otherwise, to work from and this means work can begin quickly. Many property owners and developers find rope access to be an affordable option, especially for the highest buildings. Here’s our take on why Rope Access is more advantageous compared to Scaffolding for whatever needs your structure or building has.
Costs Less One of the most important things when it comes to any construction project is time. The more efficiently things are done on a site, the less time and money are wasted. The construction of scaffolding, on all counts, is more costly. It requires specialised equipment that needs to be transported and constructed, which takes time. Deconstruction is also time-consuming, making it an unappealing option when you’re pressed to hit a deadline. The time needed to set up industrial abseiling, on the other hand, is far shorter. Industrial rope access also needs significantly less equipment and is made up of far less costly materials. They are also less versatile, as scaffolds over a certain height often need special licences in order to be constructed.
Rope Access Is Safer At first glance, rope access methods might seem more dangerous, but it has been seen that they are by far the safest option among all the means of high access. This is because technicians are rigged to two separate ropes as a precautionary measure. One acts as the mainline, while the other acts as a fail-safe should the mainline fail. Tools are also tethered to a rope access technician in case they are dropped, preventing injuries from falling tools. Given their high standards of required training more so than scaffolding or other types, rope access professionals exercise proper safety protocol and are injured far less often.
A Faster Option Time is money and the more time your property project takes, the more you will pay. Rope equipment enables quicker access to height safety installation than scaffolding, as it is lightweight and can be installed and removed in minutes. Scaffolding, on the other hand, can take a team days to erect, that’s before any work is even completed. By reducing the overall lead time on your project, you save significant money. The prevailing opinion in the construction industry is that there is no longer any viable reason to use scaffolding when working at height, unless for basic building works.
More Flexible
Depending on the architecture and design of a building, there are parts of it that will be difficult to access even with scaffolding. The wonderful thing about the rigging used to set up rope access is that it takes up very little space, and experienced technicians can reach these difficult spots with ease. This setup is also more friendly on the eyes, as the structure of a building is not covered up by the unappealing scaffolding. It allows for repairs and maintenance to be performed without drawing too much attention to these operations. It also allows for minimal disruption of the building’s operations, and won’t block too many windows and doorways.
Many jobs such as the cleaning or inspection of structures and confined spaces such as silo tunnels can only be undertaken by rope access because scaffolding and platforms wouldn’t provide access to them. Availing the Australian height safety service is a great way to get started with rope access set up for their workers.
Conclusion The primary objective when using rope access methods is to plan, manage & carry out the work with minimal accidents, incidents or dangerous occurrences, i.e. to ensure a safe system of work is maintained at all times, and with no damage to property or harm to the environment.
Industrial Rope Access Sydney is a team of trained professionals that ensure a rescue component. Like any other method of working at height, this should be regarded as a complete system, in which planning, management, competence and suitable equipment should be treated with equal importance, as each is dependent on the others to ensure a safe system of work.