Start a SPRAT Rope Access Program for the Entertainment Industry: Step-by-Step Guide

In the fast-paced world of entertainment, technicians often find themselves working at height, whether it’s rigging lights, setting up staging, or adjusting scenery. As thrilling as these environments can be, they also come with risks. This is where rope access comes in—a safe, efficient way to perform work at height. If you’re considering starting a SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians) rope access program for your entertainment team, this will serve as a good resource to get you started. In this blog, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to get your SPRAT Rope Access Program off the ground and ensure your team is working safely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards.

Step 1: Understand the SPRAT Standards and Requirements

Before starting a rope access program, familiarize yourself with SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians) standards. SPRAT outlines guidelines for safe practices, certification levels, and the use of rope access techniques in various
industries, including entertainment.
Key SPRAT Documents:

• Safe Practices for Rope Access Work: This document outlines safety protocols and procedures.
• Certification Requirements for Rope Access Work: Specifies the different certification levels (Level I, II, and III) and the skills required for each.

Understanding these standards is crucial for building a compliant program and ensuring your team is working safely at height.

Step 2: Designate a Program Manager or Administrator

Appoint a Rope Access Program Manager who will oversee the development, implementation, and day-to-day operations of the program. This individual should be experienced in rope access techniques and ideally certified at SPRAT Level III.
Responsibilities:

• Develop the rope access policies and procedures.
• Ensure team members are properly trained and certified.
• Manage equipment procurement, inspections, and maintenance.
• Monitor compliance with both SPRAT and OSHA standards.

The Program Manager will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation and safety of the rope access program.

Step 3: Establish Written Rope Access Policies and Procedures

Create a written plan that outlines all aspects of your rope access program. This document should provide a clear roadmap for how your team will perform rope access work in the entertainment industry.
What to Include:

• Scope of Work: Define the specific rope access activities needed (e.g., rigging, lighting adjustments, scenic installations).
• Roles and Responsibilities: Outline who is responsible for what within the program (Program Manager, Supervisors, Technicians).
• Rescue Procedures: Detail how emergencies will be handled, including rescue plans and who is responsible for carrying out rescues.
• Equipment Management: Procedures for the inspection, maintenance, and replacement of rope access gear.
• Risk Assessment: A process for identifying and mitigating risks on job sites.

This written plan will help ensure consistency, compliance, and safety across all rope access operations.

Step 4: Select and Train Rope Access Technicians

Your team of rope access technicians must be certified under SPRAT standards. Depending on the tasks involved, you’ll need a mix of Level I, Level II, and Level III certified technicians.
SPRAT Certification Levels:

• Level I (Rope Access Worker): Entry-level technicians who are trained to perform rope access work under the supervision of higher-level technicians.
• Level II (Lead Technician): More experienced technicians capable of supervising Level I workers and performing advanced rigging techniques.
• Level III (Supervisor): Fully certified rope access supervisors who are responsible for overseeing the entire rope access team, rescue operations, and safety compliance.

Training Program:

• Partner with a SPRAT-certified training facility to ensure your team members are properly trained and tested.
• Provide ongoing training and skills development to keep technicians up-to- date with the latest industry practices and safety protocols.

Certification is not only a safety requirement but also enhances the team’s credibility when working in high-risk environments.

Step 5: Procure and Manage Rope Access Equipment

The equipment used in rope access work must meet industry safety standards and be regularly inspected to ensure it remains in good condition.
Essential Equipment:

• Harnesses: Full-body harnesses certified for rope access work.
• Ropes: Kernmantle ropes designed for high-strength access and rigging.
• Ascenders and Descenders: Devices for safely ascending and descending ropes.
• Connectors: Carabiners, slings, and other attachment points.
• Anchors: Secure anchor points from which ropes can be suspended.

Equipment Management:

• Implement a regular inspection schedule to ensure all equipment is safe for
  use. All equipment must be inspected before each use and documented.
• Store equipment in a safe, controlled environment to prevent damage or wear.

Document all equipment purchases, inspections, repairs, and retirements to maintain an up-to-date inventory and ensure compliance with SPRAT’s safety guidelines.

Step 6: Develop Rescue and Emergency Procedures

Rope access work in the entertainment industry can involve high-risk environments, so having a comprehensive rescue plan is essential. SPRAT standards require that rescue procedures be in place before any rope access work begins.
Key Elements:

• Rescue Plan: Develop a detailed, site-specific rescue plan for each job. This should include self-rescue and assisted rescue procedures.
• Rescue Training: Ensure that Level III Technicians and designated rescue personnel are trained and capable of executing rescue operations.
• Practice Drills: Conduct regular rescue drills to ensure the team is prepared to respond quickly in case of an emergency.

By having trained personnel and well-practiced rescue procedures in place, you can minimize the risks associated with rope access work.

Step 7: Perform Job-Specific Risk Assessments

Before any rope access work is performed, conduct a site-specific risk assessment. This assessment will help identify potential hazards and determine the appropriate control measures.
Risk Assessment Process:

• Identify the hazards specific to the entertainment environment (e.g., overhead lighting, temporary structures, moving scenery).
  Assess the risks associated with those hazards (fall risks, equipment failure, environmental conditions).
• Implement appropriate control measures (proper anchoring, fall arrest systems, and barricades).

A thorough risk assessment will reduce the likelihood of accidents and ensure the safety of the entire crew.

Step 8: Ensure Compliance with Industry Standards

In addition to SPRAT, your rope access program must comply with OSHA regulations for working at height in the U.S., particularly OSHA 1910 for General Industry.
Compliance Areas:

• Ensure that all fall protection equipment meets OSHA requirements for strength and durability.
• Adhere to OSHA’s guidelines on worker training, equipment inspections, and rescue procedures.

Maintaining compliance with both SPRAT and OSHA will help protect your team from legal and safety-related issues.

Step 9: Conduct Regular Program Audits and Evaluations

Regular audits of your rope access program will help ensure that it remains compliant with SPRAT standards and effective in protecting your team. Audits should cover all aspects of the program, from training to equipment management.
Audit Focus Areas:

• Review the training and certification status of all technicians.
• Inspect equipment logs to ensure that inspections and maintenance are being performed regularly.
• Evaluate job-specific risk assessments to ensure they are being conducted before each job.

By regularly auditing your program, you can identify areas for improvement and maintain the highest levels of safety.

Step 10: Continuously Improve the Program

Finally, a successful rope access program should evolve over time as new technologies, safety standards, and techniques are developed.
Continuous Improvement:

• Stay updated on the latest SPRAT standards and industry best practices.
• Integrate feedback from audits, incident reports, and team members to make improvements.
• Update your rescue procedures, equipment, and training as needed.

By continuously improving your program, you ensure that your rope access team remains safe, efficient, and compliant in all aspects of their work.

Conclusion

Starting a SPRAT Rope Access Program in the entertainment industry requires careful planning, training, and compliance with safety standards. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a robust and effective program that protects your technicians, ensures compliance with SPRAT and OSHA standards, and helps your team safely manage work at height in complex entertainment environments.

Trevor Whipkey

Rigger -UNITED STATES

Trevor Whipkey began his career as an intern with Cirque du Soleil and shortly thereafter, was hired as a rigger. Trevor spent nearly a decade with Cirque before moving into industrial rope access projects and currently manages a team of multi-disciplinary rope access teams on projects in renewables, construction and structural inspections. Trevor is IRATA 3 certified and has logged over 10,000 hours on ropes on projects including:

Vineyard 1 Offshore Wind Farm
Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil
Allegiant Stadium
Mercedes-Benz Stadium

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