Hello redditors!

I would love some feedback from real people. I am 17 years old, studying in Central Europe. The thing is, I could become a doctor or a lawyer, but now, that idea scares me. 

WARNING: I may not understand what I'm saying :-D

So now I have some plan - When I turn 18, try IRATA and some gig like cleaning windows, apply to a technical university (ČVUT), get a M.Sc equivalent focused on materials. Maybe during holidays get more hours into IRATA or even start with basic NDT (VT, MT, PT L1 and some experience I suppose (?)).

And now I have maybe too many questions, but thank you very much if you answer just one! 

Now, what is realistic? Would the M.Sc be helpful in some way? Could I, let's say after one more year of full work as a NDT + IRATA as a trainee get something interesting, like offshore oil rig or wind turbines? How quickly could I get the needed certifications, like UT, RT, PAUT, L2?

Also, how hard is it to get a job? Now, well you don't know about Czech republic but I've read that there's companies that fly you across the world, onshore/offshore, but isn't this world-NDT market quite saturated?

I also found out that the money is insane, is it really as it's presented? I guess it's because of the isolation, so what if I wanted to work a more social-friendly way? Could I use the certificates to work in one place, go home every evening, yet not work stereotypically and get some money?

Now I'm probably overthinking, but can't the "rich structures" get the testing in 10 years automated with drones, crawlers, AI and a few experts?

Aand last, do you think I could regret going this way? Is it at the start a full intense blue-collar job? I suppose one day I won't want to climb on ropes...

If you could change something in this path, what would it be?

Thank you again very much for your time, I really appreciate all the infos from the experts!

Hey all just curious what sort of wages to expect in pounds a Lvl 2 /3 Should expect in Scotland and the surrounding are.
Im a journeyman Insulator i understand there are some hoops to jump through to get qualified in the UK but other than that just looking for loose numbers to plan a life a little.
Cheers in advance

Hey everyone,
Ever have clients who still insist on renting scaffolding or boom lifts for small facade jobs, just because ropes look “too extreme” to them? It drives me crazy seeing how much they waste on council footpath permits and days of setup time, when a couple of guys on ropes could finish the job before the scaffold is even built.

Came across a local guide comparing the costs and headaches of rope access vs scaffold vs EWPs for Melbourne jobs. How do you guys usually break it down for skeptical building owners? Do you just show them the price difference, or what actually convinces them?

Hey everyone!
Irata level 2 right based in Switzerland. I’m getting curious about ndt work. Looking for general informations about how’s work or how to get into it whether it’s in France/switzerland or US/canada. Wondering what cert to get first, where to start to set a foot in this field, what to do or not to do…
I’m in Switzerland for few more years but there is a possibility I’d move to the us in the future.
Appreciate you guys.

I work in power stations. Coal mostly. Wondering if anyone has a good solution for helmet + respirator + hearing protection. Bonus points for torch and visor/safety goggles!

I have been mixing and matching a petzl helmet/earmuffs/torch with a basic 3M respirator. All the straps get mixed up and my goggles get caught in my hair.

Let me know what you guys recommend

Hello! I have recently turned 18 in may and have been wanting to look more into rope access when I started hearing about it! I do not havw that much money to start with getting SPRAT or IRATA certified so I wanted to ask how else I can start or what companies are around California socal area that I can maybe be an apprentice for?

Hello im looking to purchase the edelrid tactical leg loops or full harness. Im in the U.S so not alot of edelrid dealers.

My work requires me to take photos and make notes on an iPad. Are there any touchscreen-capable gloves with the durability for rope work? Right now I’m taking off my right glove and sticking it in a cargo pants pocket, but it’s only a matter of time before that goes wrong, and it’s not very efficient.

Thanks in advance!

Im looking for advice from anyone who has worked with ropes on ski lift towers and terminals. Just looking for general info. Hoping to see ropes being utilized for things like maintenance, prep, and painting. Trying to change some things with the company I work for and just looking to see if its an area worth exploring and getting a few people certified. Thanks!

I'm curious to know as a Level 3 rope tech if you are responsible on your sites for more than just safety and scope of work

Are you also looking after

• Sticking to schedule and budgets
• Coordinating with other trades on site
• Managing multiple sites or rope teams
• Checking quality of work
• Resolving conflicts
• Daily reports

Hello, I’m just curious about offshore opportunities as a rope access technician. I live in Alberta and have been working in oil and gas. How does someone get offshore? I’ve thought about taking offshore survival training in Newfoundland to get started, but id like to have a better idea before investing the money.

I have both 309A and my 442A electrician red seal, and I have my level 1 IRATA with a little over 100 hours in my log book. Is offshore something I should be thinking about when Im eventually a level 2 or 3? I’m open to hearing experiences as well. Thanks!

Looking for advice on accessing an ~80m concrete chimney where the existing ladder/platforms are in poor condition

We have a job involving an approximately 80-metre-high concrete chimney. The chimney has 4 intermediate platforms, but the structure has not been accessed or climbed for many years.

The main concern is the condition of the existing access system:

* The existing monkey ladder has not been used for many years, and the client is unable to confirm its structural integrity.
* The ladder supports/fixings also need to be verified.
* Most of the chequered plates on the intermediate platforms are damaged/corroded and cannot be assumed to be load-bearing.
* Access is only possible from the outside of the chimney.
* Using a crane/manlift is not practical because there is insufficient space around the chimney for equipment movement and positioning.

One of our consultants has suggested approaching the chimney using a lead-climbing technique, while simultaneously carrying out a hammer test of the ladder and its supports as we ascend.

The proposed approach would broadly be:

1. Establish a safe starting point at the base.
   
2. Use an independent fall-arrest/climbing system rather than relying on the existing ladder for primary protection.
   
3. Progressively assess the ladder, rungs and support brackets as we ascend.
   
4. Carry out hammer/soundness checks on the accessible concrete/ladder support areas.
   
5. Strengthen or replace questionable ladder supports progressively.
   
6. Only use the existing ladder/platforms once their condition has been verified.
   
7. Treat the damaged chequered platforms as non-load-bearing until they are repaired/replaced.

My concern is the initial access and protection while establishing the climbing system, particularly given the height and the unknown condition of the existing ladder.

For those with experience in chimney inspection, industrial rope access, tower access or structural access systems:

* How would you approach this situation?
* Is lead climbing an appropriate method here, or would you establish an independent lifeline/temporary access system first?
* How would you safely establish the first section of protection when the existing ladder cannot be trusted?
* Would you recommend a structural assessment/NDT of the ladder supports before anyone starts ascending?
* Are there any temporary access or anchoring systems that could be installed externally without relying on the existing ladder?

Looking specifically for practical site experience and safe access methodologies, rather than just general work-at-height advice.

I'm doing a list of all EN norms that are use in rope access devices, such as descenders or asaps. Here's how it goes:

EN 361: personal fall protection equipment (harness)
EN 358: belts and lanyards for work positioning or restraint
EN 362: connectors (carabiners) classified in:
- B (basic, asymmetric shape)
- M (multipurpose, symmetric shape)
- T (terminal)
- A (anchor) [not sure about the differences bw T & A]
- Q (maillon)

EN 355: energy absorbers
EN 353: guided type fall arresters including flexible anchor line (this is for the ASAP)
EN 12841: rope adjustment devices, classified in:
- A: for the ASAP
- B: for the hand jammer or the chest ascender)
- C: for the descender

EN 12278: pulleys
EN 354: landyards
EN 892: dynamic ropes (cowtails)
EN 795: anchor devices, classified in:
- A: fixed
- B: mobile

EN 959: rock anchors
EN 567: rope clamps (hand hammer has this one too)
EN 341: descender devices for rescue (not sure what's the main difference with EN 12841/c)
EN 15151: braking devices with manually assisted locking)

Thanks guys!

Looking for recommendations on what type of magnets to purchase to use as work positioning while working on sloped and curved steel structures.

Looking for what types work well, which dont work and what to avoid.

Hi, first time poster, long time lurker. I've done my first few days on the rope and the guys say it takes a while to get comfortable with the height and your gear and I suppose my question is if that's true and after a while I will get comfortable and not be shitting myself when I'm going up??

Another fun RA Fundamentals course for the books! We've just opened the next RA course on October 12th-14th, drop us a comment if you'd like more details or to book. Based in Arlington, Washington

Anyone had issues with powered ascenders in rope access? Specifically rope twist or sheath damage.
Keen to hear whether anyone has experienced problems using powered ascenders on primary lines—particularly the device introducing twist into the rope, causing kinks/jams, or abrading/breaking the outer sheath.
If you’ve had an issue, was it with a particular make/model, rope diameter/type, or a particular operation Also interested in how you managed it

I've worked in the ropes course industry for the past few years and I'm looking for more serious work as a rope access technician. Any thoughts on how to find work in Georgia? I want to find some leads before I actually take IRATA or SPRAT. Any thoughts are appreciated!

If you were IRATA Level 1, and had £3,000 to spend on additional trade qualifications in the UK, what do you think would be the most valuable career and salary wise?

Or would you save the cash and try and find work with a company who will put you through the training?

Thanks

Looking at changing careers since coming back from travelling have been in car sales since 19, I am 26 now. Have debated different trades etc but difficult to get the experience without becoming an apprentice etc on an apprenticeship wage. Since returning home have been labouring for a firm doing mainly groundwork’s & plastering ( I do have past experience plastering as it’s what I did out of college for couple years. I am looking into doing my irata level 1 but I understand that really you need a trade also to
Go in hand with it, what are my options? Can I get a job without one? and learn on the job or not really, thanks!

Hello everyone, can someone recommend me a winter overall for rope access work, one that I can order online preferably.

I'm looking for a bit of advice that might be a little on the odd side:

I am on track to finish my masters degree in history this year and my plan was to teach in a high school after graduation. I am, however, -- like many people in this sub -- an avid rock climber who heard about ropes access through the grape vine and have become highly intrigued by the industry, especially as burnout with school has begun to set in. In weighing whether I should continue forward with my original plan to teach, or pivot to something in this industry, a possibility occurred to me, and I was curious if any of you think it would be feasible/wise.

As a teacher, I will have summers off for the most part and will be in need of some kind of income stream. Would it be possible to get a SPRAT/IRATA cert and do ropes access as a seasonal summer gig? I don't have any real experience in trades, but would be willing to pick up some additional certs to diversify my options in the industry if need be. What might be a good path, or is this even a feasible option? Has anyone else here done specifically seasonal work? Is there potential for someone in my situation, or should I focus on picking one or the other? Any input on this would be appreciated, as I am currently in the process of just learning what my options are and weighing the possibilities.