Rope access is a method used to reach high or difficult-to-access areas via a rope and harness system. It is commonly used to conduct a variety of work including glazing, cleaning, installation, restoration, repair, waterproofing, and painting.
What are the Benefits of Rope Access?
Rope access is the access method of choice for many building owners, property managers, strata managers, and facility managers. This is because it presents many benefits over alternative methods of access. Some of these benefits include:
- Efficiency: Rope access equipment can be assembled and disassembled very quickly. This reduces time requirements, allowing for a more efficient service.
- Safety: Rope Access Technicians must undergo extensive training in order to conduct rope access work.
- Versatility: Rope access allows workers to access areas that would not be accessible using other methods. It does not restrict mobility and can be used in an abundance of areas ranging from confined spaces to large-scale high-rise buildings.
- Environmentally Friendly: As rope access does not require the transportation of large, heavy equipment through the supply chain and on-site, it releases much fewer emissions than alternative access methods.
- Minimises Disruption: Compared to alternative height access methods, such as scaffolding, rope access has minimal disruption on a building and the building’s occupants.
If you require any work for your high-rise building or other hard-to-access structure, get in touch with Magic Glass. Our certified Rope Access Division offers a variety of services for both commercial and residential clients. These services include:
- External window and facade cleaning
- Height safety installation
- Make safe services
- Facade inspection and reporting
- Facade remedial repair
- Safety and debris netting
- Bird proofing and pest control
- Rust removal
- Facade painting and waterproofing
- Signage installation and removal
And more!
Contact Magic Glass for more information.
As a provider of rope access services, Magic Glass is committed to ensuring the safety and stability of our projects. One key element of this is the use of anchor points, which are used to securely attach ropes and other safety gear to a structure or surface. Anchor points play a vital role in rope access work, and it's important to choose the right ones for each project.
To find out more about anchor points and why they are so important, read on!
What are Anchor Points?
Anchor points are fixed points on a structure or surface that are used to attach ropes, harnesses, and other safety gear. They are designed to withstand a specific load, and they are typically rated by a professional engineer or other qualified individual. There are many different types of anchor points, including:
- Natural anchor points: These are existing points on a structure or surface that can be used as anchor points, such as beams, columns, or other structural elements.
- Temporary anchor points: These are anchor points that are installed specifically for a rope access or fall arrest project and are removed when the project is complete. They may be made of materials such as steel or concrete, and they are typically installed by a qualified professional.
- Permanent anchor points: These are anchor points that are permanently installed on a structure or surface and are used for ongoing rope access work. They may be made of materials such as stainless steel or aluminium, and they are typically installed by a qualified professional.
Why are Anchor Points Important?
Anchor points are an essential component of rope access and fall arrest work, as they provide a secure attachment point for ropes and other safety gear. Without proper anchor points, rope access work would not be possible, as there would be no way to safely attach the ropes and harnesses.
In addition to being necessary for the work itself, anchor points also play a critical role in ensuring the safety of workers. Rope access work involves working at height and using specialised equipment, and anchor points help to ensure that the ropes and harnesses are securely attached and able to hold the weight of the worker.
How to Choose the Right Anchor Points
Choosing the right anchor points is essential for the safety and stability of rope access work. Here are some factors to consider when selecting anchor points:
- Load rating: It's important to choose anchor points that are rated for the specific load that they will be subjected to. This will depend on the type of work being done and the number of workers that will be using the anchor point.
- Compatibility with the structure: Anchor points should be compatible with the structure or surface to which they are being attached. This may involve considering the material of the structure, the size and shape of the anchor point, and any other factors that may affect its stability.
- Location: The location of the anchor point is also important, as it should be in a position that is easily accessible for the workers, doesn’t put workers in danger and doesn’t interfere with other elements of the structure.
Anchor points are an essential component of rope access and fall arrest work, and choosing the right ones is crucial for the safety and stability of the project. In order to ensure your anchor points are installed correctly and meet all relevant Australian safety standards, we recommend you get in touch with Magic Glass.
Our dedicated Rope Access Technicians are highly experienced in installing, inspecting and certifying anchor points of all different types for all different buildings.
For more information, or to get a free quote, call Magic Glass today!
When it comes to preventing falls on worksites, there are a number of height safety options you can consider. One of these options is edge protection.
What is Edge Protection?
Edge protection is a type of height safety system that involves physical guardrails around the edges of rooftops and fragile at-height surfaces, including skylights and polycarbonate sheeting. These physical barriers can be permanent or temporary.
Edge Protection Requirements
Each edge protection system must satisfy a number of criteria to be considered safe and compliant. They must be provided at every open edge of a work platform and be strong enough to withstand the force of someone falling.
Edge protection systems must also be comprised of a handrail, mid-rail, and toe-board, or a handrail and brick guard.
The specific requirements of your edge protection system will differ depending on factors such as roof pitch, surface, and length. Below are some general components all edge protection systems must include.
- Top, mid and bottom rails or toe-boards with gaps not exceeding 450 mm. Where toe-boards are used in place of bottom rails they should be able to withstand the likely impact loads.
- Toe-boards or mesh infill to prevent tools, materials or debris falling from the roof, unless exclusion zones that prevent all personal access below the roof edge are in place.
- No gap between the roof edge, including the gutter, and a guardrail located outside the roof line exceeding 100 mm.
- A clear distance between the roof cladding and the bottom rail of no less than 150 mm and no greater than 275 mm.
- A guardrail height above the roof surface of no less than 900 mm (for roofs with a pitch over 10 degrees, the effective height should be measured from a point 300 mm inside the roof edge).
- Infill panels are used where the pitch of the roof exceeds 26 degrees.
If you own or manage a high-rise building, it is your responsibility to make sure it is inspected thoroughly and regularly. This will ensure your building is safe for all inhabitants and passer-byers, and prevent the need for expensive restoration and repair work as a result of unnoticed and untreated structural maladies.
Failure to get your high-rise building inspected regularly can result in severe structural complications that can inflict injury, cause mortalities, and leave Building Managers and Owners liable for negligence.
Read on to learn more about what building inspections are and why they are important.
What are High-Rise Building Inspections?
A building inspection is a routine inspection of the property. It is carried out by an accredited professional to identify any existing or potential issues with the structural stability of the building. Most inspections will include an assessment of the building’s foundation and roofing, exterior walls and facade, and height safety installations.
Why Do High-Rise Buildings Need Regular Inspections?
High-rise buildings are particularly susceptible to safety breaches. Ensuring your building is inspected regularly will therefore give you the best chance of making sure your building is in compliance with all relevant safety regulations. It will also prevent the occurrence of catastrophic building defects that can be hazardous to residents, workers, and the general public alike.
In addition, regular high-rise inspections can help identify and treat any minor issues before they become serious. This can prevent any major disruptions and expenses associated with major structural repairs and restorations, and increase the value of your property.
How Often Should High-Rise Buildings Be Inspected?
How often your building should be inspected is dependent upon a number of factors such as its age and environment.
In order to get an accurate idea of how often you should be having your building inspected, we recommended you get in touch with the Magic Glass team. We’ll be able to advise you on when you should get your building inspected, as well as provide you with a free quote.
Our Magic Glass Rope Access Division can carry-out thorough external building inspections quickly and with minimal-disruption. We can also perform high-rise window and facade cleaning, height safety installations, remedial repair works, and facade painting and waterproofing services.
Contact us today for more information.
Rope access is a relatively new form of access method that more and more businesses are beginning to employ. Because it’s so new and often perceived as ‘scary’, many people have questions surrounding rope access and its uses.
Fortunately, Magic Glass is here to answer some frequently asked questions about rope access.
What is Rope Access?
Rope access is a form of work positioning that allows workers to access difficult - to - reach areas without the need of scaffolding or aerial work platforms . It involves the use of ropes and harnesses to support the worker as they complete the required job.
Why Use Rope Access?
There are a multitude of reasons why rope access is becoming more commonly used. These include:
- Increased safety
- Increased versatility
- Less disruption to the building
- Increased efficiency
- More cost - effective
What are the Applications of Rope Access?
Rope access is most commonly used in the construction industry. It can be used for:
- Structural inspections of buildings
- Height safety insta llations
- High - rise window and facade cleaning
- Concrete repair
- Painting and waterproofing
- Glass repair and replacement
- Signage installation and removal
Can Anyone Become a Rope Access Technician?
In order to become a Rope Access Technician you must undergo mandatory IRATA training to become certified.
Magic Glass Rope Access Division
Our Rope Access Division can offer a number of services such as:
- External window and facade cleaning
- Height safety installation
- Make safe services
- Facade inspection and reporting
- Facade remedial repair
- Safety and debris netting
- Bird proofing and pest control
- Rust removal
- Facade painting and waterproofing
- Signage installation and removal
And more!
To get a free quote on your rope access job, contact Magic Glass today.
If you’re a property owner or strata manager, it is your responsibility to ensure your building is kept in good condition. This not only ensures that your building is looking good, but also ensures that it is safe for its occupants and the general public, alike.
An important step in doing this is getting regular facade inspections.
Regular facade inspections are critical in maintaining the safety and visual appeal of buildings. They can identify potential issues before they become major structural complications, in turn, saving you money and drastically reducing the risk of injury and mortality. Regular inspections can also improve the aesthetics and value of your property.
Facade inspections regularly pick up issues that cannot be seen from the ground and could be potentially dangerous if not fixed, such as cracked render and concrete.
It is generally recommended that building owners and managers get their property’s facade inspected every 5 years if their building is in excellent condition. If it is in fair condition, it should be inspected every 2-3 years, and if it is in poor condition, it should be inspected yearly.
If you notice any physical signs of deterioration, such as cracks, rust stains, deterioration around balconies, and displacement of stone, concrete blocks or bricks, you should get your building inspected immediately.
For facade inspections of both commercial and residential buildings, contact the Magic Glass team. Our experienced Rope Access Technicians can conduct thorough and efficient external property inspections for high-rise buildings of all sizes.
Call us today for a free quote.
When it comes to working at heights, implementing effective safety procedures is a must. Falls from heights are the second leading cause of work-related mortalities within Australia, so ensuring your building or worksite is secure and has preventative measures in place is critical.
The most common types of height safety systems are fall arrest and fall restraint systems. Although they are commonly used interchangeably, they have a number of key differences. Read on to find out more.
Fall Arrest Systems
Fall arrest systems are designed to protect workers in the event of a fall. When a worker falls, the arrest system will catch them, preventing the occurrence of injuries or deaths.
Fall arrest systems fall into two categories - personal and general. Personal fall arrest systems involve specific Height Safety PPE and attachment systems, such as harnesses and ropes. General fall arrest systems protect all workers as a whole rather than individually, such as safety nets and catch platforms. Both types of fall arrest systems should prevent workers from falling no more than two metres.
Examples of fall arrest systems include:
- Full-body harnesses
- Suspension belts
- Rope lanyards
- Safety nets
- Catch platforms
Fall Restraint Systems
Fall restraint systems are preventative safety measures. They are designed to prevent falls altogether, rather than catching workers after they have fallen.
Examples of fall restraint systems include:
- Guardrails
- Walkway systems
- Static restraint lines
These restraint systems are used for lower-risk situations, where falling is less likely or less hazardous.
Having effective fall protection systems in place is an absolute necessity in preventing workplace injuries and deaths.
If you’re unsure about your requirements or what fall protection equipment you should be using for your building or worksite, get in contact with Magic Glass for more information.
Proper maintenance of your building’s exterior is critical not only in terms of visual appeal, but also in terms of safety and functionality. Conducting facade inspections, cleaning and repairs can be a complex and time-consuming process, however. Fortunately, the use of rope access can make facade maintenance much more simple.
What is Rope Access?
Rope access involves the use of ropes and harnesses to traverse the exterior of buildings to conduct inspections, repairs, removals, installations, and cleaning services.
Due to strict training requirements and safety standards, rope access is considerably safer than alternative access methods such as the use of scaffolding and cranes.
Why is Rope Access Ideal for Facade Maintenance?
Aside from being the safest access method, rope access is also a faster, less-disruptive, and less-expensive method of carrying out facade maintenance work.
With little set-up and pack-up times, rope access drastically reduces the time it takes to carry-out facade work. This, in turn, cuts costs associated with labour and equipment and makes the process much more straight-forward.
In addition, the lack of scaffolds, platforms and cranes makes rope access a much more subtle process. This reduces disruption to your building and its inhabitants and won’t compromise your building’s visual appeal.
Rope access is also much more ideal for facade maintenance as it provides workers with greater mobility and flexibility to move around the building. This allows them to reach more difficult-to-access areas with very little restriction from equipment.
If you’re wanting to make the change to rope access, get in contact with the Magic Glass team today. Our dedicated Rope Access Division offers an abundance of services that will keep your building’s facade clean, safe and functional.
When it comes to Rope Access, an acronym that is frequently thrown around is IRATA. If you’ve heard this acronym but are unsure as to what exactly it means, this article is for you.
What is IRATA?
IRATA stands for the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association. This association was established in the United Kingdom in the 1980s as a means for providing a safe working environment in the oil and gas industry.
As these industries began to employ a number of industrial rope access techniques, it was recognised that ensuring these practices were safe was an important factor in maximising workplace health and safety. From this, IRATA developed their own rope access technique that emphasised safety and could be used in a range of repair, maintenance, inspection, and access work.
IRATA is now recognised as the world’s leading authority on industrial rope access. It has over 570 member companies globally and has trained roughly 130,000 Rope Access Technicians from a multitude of different countries.
IRATA directs and regulates the training of all Rope Access Technicians seeking IRATA qualifications and certifications.
What Does IRATA Do?
IRATA’s main activities include:
- Regulating the IRATA system as used by their members.
- Reviewing and updating policies and procedures relating to standards, audit, and assessment.
- Promoting and maintaining a high standard of industrial rope access activities in terms of safety and quality.
- Providing guidance and training of personnel involved in industrial rope access.
- Producing publications and guidance on safety, good working practices, training, and other related topics.
- Preparing submissions and providing opinions and advice to global government departments and organisations surrounding work at-heights, health and safety, and training.
- Ensuring safe rope access training and work procedures are introduced and developed.
- Supporting members with enquiries.
- Organising annual events for the rope access community.
What are the Objectives of IRATA?
The main aims of IRATA are as follows:
- To promote and maintain high standards in safety and work quality of practices in the industrial rope access industry.
- To improve the practices of individuals working in rope access.
- To promote continuous improvement in the education and training aspects of rope access.
- To increase awareness surrounding the advantages of rope access over alternative access methods.
IRATA plays a paramount role in promoting and encouraging safe rope access practices around the world. They offer thorough training and certification programs for Rope Access Technicians to ensure they maintain a high standard of safety and quality when carrying out work at-heights.
At Magic Glass, all our Rope Access Technicians are IRATA trained and certified. This ensures all our practices are of the highest safety standards, and all our work is of the best possible quality.
For any repair, maintenance, and installation requirements at-heights or in hard-to-access areas, get in contact with the Magic Glass Rope Access Division now!
Although rope access may appear scary to many, it is actually the safest option when it comes to height access work.
Compared to alternative methods such as scaffolding and cranes, rope access has very little risk. This is due to several factors outlined below.
1. Full Accreditation Required
In order to become a Rope Access Technician in Australia, you must be fully accredited and IRATA trained.
All Rope Access Technicians at Magic Glass undergo thorough training before they are permitted to work. This enables them to become familiar with all safety procedures and protocols and understand how to tackle all jobs at-height as safely as possible.
2. Less Equipment, Less Risk
Compared to using scaffolding or cranes, rope access requires very little equipment and set-up.
Because of this, there is less space where something could go wrong and less equipment that could fail.
3. Less Time, Less Risk
Rope access is also by far the fastest and most efficient method of height access work.
Because of this, there is less time for complications to arise or for something to go wrong.
4. Safer for Passer-Byers
Rope access is also much safer for passer-byers of the building or construction site.
This is because all tools required for the job at hand are secured to Technicians via ropes and harnesses. In the event that a Technician accidentally drops their tool, it will stay intact to the Technician instead of falling to the ground and potentially harming pedestrians and other workers on the way.
For all your rope access needs, get in contact with the Magic Glass team.
All of our dedicated Rope Access Technicians are highly experienced and IRATA trained.
Fall arrest systems are an important part of all at-height construction and work sites. They play a critical role in reducing workplace injuries and fatalities caused by falls. To learn more about fall arrest systems and the different types, read on.
What are Fall Arrest Systems?
A fall arrest system protects workers in the event of a fall. If a person working near an unprotected edge should take a fall, the fall arrest system combined with a fall arrest harness will catch the person and prevent them from hitting the ground or area below.
It’s important to note that fall arrest systems are different to fall prevention systems. Fall arrest systems protect workers after they’ve fallen, whilst fall prevention systems prevent the occurrence of falls (such as edge protection and roof guardrails).
What are the Different Types of Fall Arrest Systems?
Fall arrest systems can be categorised as either general or personal. General fall arrest systems include nets and catch platforms, whilst personal arrest systems include lanyards and harnesses.
Some of the most common types of fall arrest systems include:
- Static Lines
- Anchor points
- Rope grabs
- Safety nets (ideal for worksites where there are no scaffolds, and the fall hazard is less than 25 metres)
- Rails
Many of these fall arrest systems involve anchor points. These are points where workers can attach their lanyards to anchor themselves to the building and catch them in the event of a fall.
Like all fall arrest equipment, it is important to get anchor points inspected regularly and ensure they are certified for use. All height Safety systems must be inspected and certified every 12 months by a certified professional.
When Should Fall Arrest Systems be Used?
Fall arrest systems should always be used when working at a height that could potentially cause injury in the event of a fall. This may include when carrying out electrical, glazing, cleaning, and roofing work.
Even if the risk of injury is minimal, at least one form of fall protection should always be used.
If you require height safety installation, get in contact with the Magic Glass team. We are highly experienced in installing, inspecting, and certifying a range of different height safety hardware including fall arrest systems, anchor points, safety ladders, ladder points, and temporary and permanent edge protection.
Most building owners and strata managers have probably heard of anchor points. But what are they exactly? And why are they important? Read on to find out.
What are Anchor Points?
An anchor point is a point of attachment for a fall arrest system. They are usually found at the top or on the side of a building and serve as a secure and safe way to ensure that those who are working on elevated surfaces will be protected from any potential falls.
There are three main types of anchor points: surface mount, concrete mount, and temporary anchor points.
Surface mount anchor points are typically found on metal roofs. They are easy to install, attaching directly to the rooftop with screws.
Concrete mount anchor points are designed to be fixed onto concrete surfaces. They are commonly used on high-rise buildings with concrete roofs for abseiling and installation of fall arrest systems.
Temporary anchor points are most commonly used for one-off jobs. They are not suitable for abseiling as they are not as strong as concrete or surface mount anchor points.
Why are Anchor Points Important?
Anchor points are important as they allow for the installation of fall arrest systems. These are systems that prevent injuries and fatalities when people working at-heights fall (such as netting and harnesses).
All building and strata managers have a legal obligation to ensure their building has functional, safe, and certified anchor points that are checked frequently.
For all anchor point installation, certification, and maintenance requirements, contact Magic Glass today. Our Rope Access Division can carry out thorough height safety inspections, ensuring your anchor points are compliant with all relevant Australian standards.