The alarm doesn’t just wake you up; it’s a signal. Before the sun has even thought about stretching over the horizon, my mind is already running through a checklist. Not for groceries or daily errands, but for knots, anchor points, and wind speeds. Most people commute horizontally to their office. Mine is a vertical one, and the journey begins long before I ever clip into a rope.
Being an IRATA-certified rope access technician isn’t just a job; it’s a discipline. It’s a world of calculated risks, absolute trust, and views that most people only see from a plane window. Ever wondered what it’s really like to spend your day suspended hundreds of feet in the air? Come spend a day in my harness.
06:00 AM: The Ritual of Preparation
The day doesn’t start on-site; it starts at home. It’s a quiet, focused routine that sets the tone for a safe day.
- Mental Checklist: While coffee is brewing, I’m visualizing the job site. What’s the weather forecast? What are the specific tasks for the day? Are there any unique challenges we discussed in yesterdays debrief? This mental walkthrough is as crucial as any physical check.
- Physical Readiness: A good breakfast is non-negotiable. This job is physically demanding. You’re not just hanging; you’re working, maneuvering, and holding positions for extended periods. Fueling your body correctly is paramount.
- Gear Check, Round One: At home, I give my personal kit a once-over. Harness, helmet, lanyards, and descenders. It’s a habit. I’m looking for any signs of wear or damage that might have been missed. Trust in your gear starts here.
08:00 AM: The Site & The Team Huddle
Arriving on site, the energy shifts. It’s all about teamwork and communication. No one works in isolation in this industry.
- Permits and Paperwork: First things first, we review the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and the work permits for the day. This isn’t just bureaucracy; it’s our blueprint for staying safe.
- The Gear Layout: All equipment—ropes, carabiners, backup devices, anchor slings—is laid out on a clean tarp. Every single piece is inspected by each team member. We are each other’s keepers. We check our own gear, and then we check our buddy’s. It’s a critical layer of safety.
- The Plan: The team leader walks us through the day’s specific tasks, anchor points, and rescue plan. Everyone must know the rescue plan. It’s our emergency protocol that we hope to never use, but are always prepared to execute.
10:00 AM: Life on the Line
This is it. The moment you transition from the solid ground to the vertical world. After setting and double-checking our anchors, we rig our ropes. One last buddy check, a thumbs up, and then you lean back into the void.
The initial fear that every technician once had has long been replaced by focused adrenaline. Your world shrinks to your ropes, your tools, and the task at hand. Whether it’s inspection work on a bridge, window cleaning on a skyscraper, or maintenance on a wind turbine, the principles are the same:
- Efficiency of Movement: Every move is deliberate. You learn to be incredibly efficient, using your body to position yourself perfectly without wasting energy.
- Constant Awareness: Your head is on a swivel. You’re aware of your surroundings, the changing weather, your rope’s position, and your teammates. Communication via radio is constant, clear, and concise.
- The “Aha!” Moment: The most fulfilling part of the job is solving a problem that would be impossible to solve from the ground. Reaching that difficult spot, completing a complex repair, and seeing the result of your unique skill set is incredibly rewarding. And the view? It never gets old.
04:00 PM: The Descent and Debrief
As the day winds down, the process is done in reverse, but with the same meticulous attention to detail.
- The Final Ascent/Descent: The last descent of the day is often the most reflective. You’re tired, but there’s a deep sense of accomplishment.
- De-Rigging and Gear Care: Back on solid ground, the job isn’t over. Ropes are carefully coiled, and all equipment is cleaned and inspected again before being stored. Proper gear care is essential for longevity and safety.
- Team Debrief: We end the day as we started: as a team. We discuss what went well, what could be improved, and any observations for the next day. This constant feedback loop is how we maintain such high safety and quality standards.
More Than Just a Job
Being an IRATA technician is about trust. You trust your training, you trust your equipment, and you trust your team with your life. It’s a community built on a shared passion for working in unique and challenging environments.
Here at Evolution Access, that’s the standard we bring to every single project. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about the discipline, safety, and expertise woven into every moment of our day.
- Curious to see how our unique skills can solve your access challenges?
- Contact our team today to discuss your project. Let us show you what it means to work with the best in the business.