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Sometimes you may need to get to the plumbing of a building. For example, you may worry about needing an expensive scaffolding setup to access plumbing pipes after construction work. Rope access solutions can come in handy, ‘but do plumbers use rope access?’
Here, you can find an answer to your question. You can also learn about the role of rope access technicians in building construction, height safety assessments and solutions, and the benefits of using rope access trade teams.
This post also considers other rope access trade work services and guiding regulations for industrial rope access activities in Australia. Finally, there is information on the requirements for rope access work technicians, the qualities of a good rope access technician, and what to expect from high-rise plumbing companies.
Are There Plumbers Who Use Rope Access?
Only rope-access licensed plumbers can perform rope-access work in buildings and other structures. In other words, you will enjoy two benefits in one if you hire trained, licensed, and qualified plumbers to perform rope access work. Meanwhile, rope access technicians can have their speciality in performing plumbing, electrical, or other building construction work.
Rope access in building construction
When it comes to the construction of tall (high-rise) buildings and towers, you can hardly do without the services of rope access technicians. Their services become helpful in different capacities, such as plumbing, electrical, building maintenance, and height safety systems.
Electrical rope access technicians
- An electrical rope access technician can perform electrical installation and repairs.
- They can also perform height electrical safety installation.
- You can depend on them for electrical audits and inspections.
Rope access window cleaning
Abseiling and rope access technicians can perform glazing and window cleaning services in residential or commercial construction.
Rope access plumbing
Plumbing is a necessity in high-rise construction and design. Rope access plumbers are needed to provide height-restricted plumbing repair and maintenance services. They can help you avoid expensive cranes, scissor lifts, and scaffolding solutions.
Benefits of Using Rope Access Trade Teams
There are many benefits of using a team of rope-access licensed plumbers for building and construction plumbing solutions.
- Rope access trade teams provide environmentally friendly services that use less power and fuel.
- They can provide cost-effective solutions for plumbing elements such as gutters, external pipes, stack vents, and hot water heaters.
- You can basically invite them for installations such as height safety installations.
- They are qualified to repair and maintain plumbing equipment on high-rise buildings.
- They have the skills and experience to perform tasks while suspended from a rope.
- You can depend on them for the proper hardware for height safety systems installations in high-rise buildings. This includes equipment and machinery for height access.
Rope Access Plumbing Services
Many plumbing companies have dedicated teams that provide rope access plumbing services. These teams can come in for a wide range of plumbing services, and this includes the following:
Plumbing installation, repairs, and maintenance
Rope access plumbing teams can perform the plumbing installations, repairs, and maintenance services for the following:
- Hot water heater systems
- Drain pipes and gutters
- Rainwater heads
- Sewer renewals and repairs
- Drain inspections and cleaning
- Gas pipework
- Water pipework
Abseiling plumbing services
This category of service includes the following:
- Downpipe system installation
- Downpipe system repairs
- Guttering
- Waste pipe system installation and repairs
Emergency plumbing services
You should be able to depend on your rope access plumber to perform the following emergency plumbing works on time:
- Leak detection and repairs
- Fixing overflowing drains
- Burst pipe repairs
Other Rope Access Trade Work Services
Meanwhile, you should be able to call on your rope access plumber to perform the following rope access trade work services:
- Facade inspections
- Facade repairs and painting
- Building maintenance
- Window cleaning
- Protective netting
Guidelines for Rope Access Activities in Australia
You must be mindful of the relevant requirements and industry guidelines for rope access activity in Australia when performing rope access plumbing. You must pay serious attention to the standards and codes of practice adopted by the rope access industry associations.
For instance, you must follow the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) International Code of Practice. IRATA International actually employs rope access technicians as part of a worldwide trade association.
In fact, they have an impressive number of registered and trained technicians.
Likewise, you should follow the ISO 22846-2 Rope Access Code of Practice.
Other standards, requirement guidelines, and recommendations to keep in mind include the following:
- Relevant sections of the Work Health and Safety 2011 Act as enacted in your State.
- The industry standards described in AS/NZS 4488 Industrial Rope Access.
- The Australian Rope Access Association (ARAA) recommendations.
Requirements for Rope Access Work Technicians
Currently, rope access technicians are not recognised as an outright employment category. This is because rope access operators work as other trade classifications. For instance, plumbers may have rope access licences.
Another reason is that industry associations are limited to influencing regulatory decisions and policies at Safework Australia.
However, you can refer to the standard for rope access activity as detailed in the Australian Standard 4488.
This standard gives guidelines for using rope access equipment and techniques. Furthermore, rope access technicians must meet abseiling tickets and trade-related training requirements.
Height safety assessments
Everyone who works where there is a fall risk (such as on high-rise building constructions) needs safety solutions. That is why it is essential to have rope access professionals provide height safety inspection, assessments, and solutions for high-risk construction work sites.
Height safety solutions are generally needed for commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. Examples of height safety solutions and services include the following:
- Fall arrest systems
- High-rise walkways
- High-rise handrails
- Custom height safety systems
- Track systems
- Temporary guide rails
Qualities of a Good Rope Access Technician
- Good abseiling trade professionals should be able to quickly set up anchor points and pack down.
- Rope access plumbers should be experienced and competent to reach difficult locations and confined spaces.
- A good rope access technician should follow a well-established plan of action and operating protocols to properly troubleshoot, install, and fix plumbing issues.
- Good rope access technicians follow and maintain high work and safety standards.
What to Expect from High-Rise Plumbing Companies
If you want the best assurance of a professional rope access service, you should hire a plumbing company specialising in high-rise rope access plumbing work.
Here are some things to expect from high-rise plumbing companies:
- Ability to use professional rope access techniques even for difficult-to-reach areas.
- High-priority placement on safe and efficient operating practices.
- The use of the latest in technology and techniques for high-rise plumbing system installation and maintenance.
- Quick response times for emergency plumbing services.
- Excellent workmanship and professionalism.
- Customer friendliness and attention to detail.
- Expertise in backflow prevention testing and installations.
Rope Access Licensed Plumbers
From the above discussion, the concise answer to whether plumbers use rope access is that plumbers with rope access licences and who are well-trained can use rope access.
From this post, you also know the role of rope access technicians in building construction, the benefits of using rope access trade teams, and rope access trade work services.
Performing rope access work on tall buildings and other high-rise structures is not taken lightly. There are regulatory frameworks to remember, and you must set up safety systems. Above all, you want to ensure a professional plumbing job that will be long-lasting.
As such, hiring an experienced rope access plumbing contractor is best. By hiring an experienced rope access plumbing contractor, you can ensure the successful and efficient execution of your project while prioritising safety and optimal results.
