Rope Access Tips, Tricks & Chats

This week we had a chat with Wayne Russell our NZ lead trainer on what bit of kit does he need to have on his harness. Was a bit left of field for me. He can’t survive without a Pod Bag. 

This week we chat about assisted aid climb.  I have seen this assessed in some level 3 assessments, but I can’t find it in the TACS.  Should all level 3’s be trained and assessed on this? Do you agree that it should be added or not, let me know leigh@5thpoint.com.au Stay safe

This week we have a chat about if a level 3i should be able to train 8 level 1’s without an assistant.  Let me know if you agree or not Leigh@5thpoint.com.au Stay safe

This week we are having a quick chat about anchors and anchorage.  what’s the difference and how it fits in with rope access.  We have found that using these terms make it easy to describe parts of the system and how it falls into IRATA ICOP to comply.  it also helps work out where and when the 2 points of connection starts and stops.  If you want to get in touch, drop me a line @ Leigh@5thpoint.c...

This week we take a look at a new bit of kit from Rig Board.  If you ever needed to draw a rigging plan on a white board and couldn’t tell the difference between a descender and a back up, this is the bit of kit for you.  great in training and planning of jobs.  check them out at https://rigboard.shop/ Tell them Leigh sent you. :-).  Stay safe. 

Been playing with the Jack from singing rock for a while now.  let’s say it’s the love child of a rig and a spark.  have a listen to what it’s all about. 

This week we are going to take a look at where it started with descenders for rope access, way back in the 60’s all the way through till today.  I may miss something. If I do drop me a message or e mail, leigh@5thpoint.com.au, always good to chat and learn.  stay safe. 

This week we take a look at the Harken Radix.  the level of load cells has just increased.  we look at all the features and where it will be great in our work flow.  if you fancy buying me a coffee the link is below. Thanks.  buymeacoffee.com/rattac

Been a long hot summer in Sydney and it’s still going.  just a quick reminder to hydrate, even on the cooler days.  what’s the best way to carry fluids? We look at some options.  If you fancy buying me a coffee click the link below   Thanks buymeacoffee.com/rattac

This week we take a look at the Skylotec ICX.  Is it worth the investment? What’s the deal with the batteries?  what about rescue? if you fancy buying me a coffee click the link below.  buymeacoffee.com/rattac Thanks

I go to the gym to move some weights or do a cardio session and always do a warm up.  What makes a day on the ropes any different. Let have a look at warming up before we jump on the ropes.  If you want to buy me a coffee follow the link below. Thanks.  buymeacoffee.com/rattac

This week we chat about rigging ropes that can be retrieved.  The IRATA document says can’t normally be used for rescue. Do we need to change this as we have better methods now.  have a listen and let me know what you think. 

This week we have a quick chat about first aid tickets. What IRATA say we need and could we do a bit better.  Let us know what you think. Reach out on the socials. 

At 5th Point we have been using the Skylotec descenders for over 10 months now. Here is an update on what we know now. 

The time we have been waiting a while for the RASS Rope Access Safety Supervisor course is here.  What to know who can become a RASS, or who can run a RASS course. Take a listen and find out all the info.  

How did the hanging haul become a thing?  This week we have a look at how we ended up in the roof of a training centre, hauling one of our mates to the roof. To then send him back to the ground. Is this a real situation? 

This week we have a chat about the main differences between the Petzl Rig and the Skylotec Spark.  Which one would you use? If you would like to buy me a coffee, click the link below.  buymeacoffee.com/rattac

This week we sit down with Andre Quinn from Just Get It Done and chat about the rope access challenge. Where did the idea come from? What’s it like to organise the first rope access competition in Australia? Where is it heading?

This week we answer a few questions we have been asked, no particular order or topic, but some very interesting questions. Some of the answers may surprise you.

This week we take a dive into some of the uses that Petzl say you can use a Grillion for. Big question is, can you hoist on it?  If you like what we do here you can buy me a coffee. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/RATTAC

This week we have a chat about the age limit on doing you level 1. The noise on the street is that IRATA has been looking at a change. What would be the knock on affects if this was to happen? what would be the benefits and what would be the drawbacks?  If you like what we do here and want to help expand the podcast, you could 'buy me a coffee', click on the link below if you are keen, a...

This week we have a look at how my harness has changed over 25 years. What did I have on my harness in the late 90's and what has changed to today. Which bits of kit have lasted the test of time, what have i moved onto, and what do I miss. Let us know what you still have on your harness and isn't going anywhere soon.

This week we take a look at the new Harken Multi Ascender. Could this be the new direction for a chest ascender, can we now call it a point of connection, once and for all? I love the way Harken are bring tried and tested sailing technology into the world of rope access. Have you had a play with the Harken Multi ascender? let us know what you think of it.

This week we have a look at the new Edelrid Fuse and compare it to the Petzl ASAP. It has been a long time coming, but has another manufacture designed an auto following back up device that works better than the ASAP? Have a listen for a side-by-side comparison, and if you have used them both, let us know which one you prefer.

It's time to have a chat about another fun rescue when you are on your next IRATA course or when having a play in a training centre. This is another rescue along the lines of the Singapore special. Trying to tick as many level 3 assessment boxes as we can and only leaving the ground once.