FAQs
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions that we receive about rope access training.
Am I eligible to participate?
Rope Access is a physically and mentally high demanding activity, but it’s not for everyone. To endure this course, you must be meet the following criteria:
Be at least 18 years of age on the first day of training (you will be asked for ID so please bring it along)
Be comfortable with heights
Not have any medical condition which may prevent you from working safely (notes on this below)
Be responsible and safe
Physically fit
What conditions could make me ineligible to participate?
Here are the principal reasons for ineligibility. There may be other reasons as to why rope access is not safe for you though.
• prescribed medication that may impair physical and/or mental function;
• alcohol or drug dependence;
• diabetes, high or low blood sugar;
• high or low blood pressure;
• epilepsy, fits or periods of unconsciousness, e.g. blackouts;
• vertigo, giddiness or difficulty with balance;
• heart disease or chest pain;
• impaired limb function;
• musculoskeletal issues, e.g. back pain;
• psychiatric illness;
• fear of heights;
• sensory impairment, e.g. blind, deaf.
If you’re concerned about any of the above, please get in touch with us and we can further advise. We may ask for you to provide evidence from your Doctor that you are medically fit enough to complete the training requirements, but ultimately, it will be up to the company’s discretion during your training that will decide if you are ‘fit’ enough to complete the course. Your health and safety takes first priority here.
Ok, I seem eligible but am worried about the general fitness levels I will be required to have?
We understand that this is a pretty vague description, but ideally, based on the manoeuvres, we have come up with a couple of exercises that you should be able to do at home which will help you determine if you have the physical capabilities for the course:
1 x Chin up/Pull up (or a good attempt)
Approx. 20 x Sit ups/ Crunches over a short period of 1-2 minutes to gauge your abdomen muscles
Perform approx. 20-30 step ups (on stairs) within a period of 1-2 minutes
During your week of training, you will be put through strenuous levels of physical activity for 5 consecutive days over a period of 8 hours a day. Which should give you a good indication of what it will be like working as a Rope Access technician.
Please note that for any job you will have physical limitations, so don’t be put off by what you have just read. Challenge yourself, but pace yourself. Train responsibly and adapt a willingness to learn and you will fit in just fine!
Our contact details are just below, so if you have any further queries/questions, then please get in touch, we are always happy to help!