Rope access and envelope repair questions
Twelve questions we hear from strata councils, property managers and contractors in Metro Vancouver, each answered in under fifty words.
Questions about rope access
What it is, how safe it is and what it costs.
What is rope access?
A way of working at height on two ropes, a working line and a backup, each on its own anchor. Technicians descend from the roof to the work. It replaces scaffold and swing stages on jobs where setting those up would cost more than the work itself, which is most repair and inspection work on a tall building.
Is rope access safe?
Yes. The method is built on redundancy: two ropes, two anchors and a backup device on each technician. Everyone on the ropes is IRATA or SPRAT certified and a Level 3 supervises each site.
Is rope access cheaper than scaffolding?
Usually, when the work is scattered or the building is tall. Setup takes hours, not weeks, and nothing is rented by the month. For wide areas of the same work a swing stage can be cheaper, and we will say so.
What is the difference between IRATA and SPRAT?
They are the two international rope access certification bodies. Both have three levels, both require logged hours and independent assessment, and WorkSafeBC accepts both.
Rope access, two ropes at a time
Each technician hangs on a working line and a separate backup line, on separate anchors.
Questions about the work
Anchors, weather, consultants and houses.
Does our building need roof anchors?
Most rope work ties off to certified roof anchors. If your building has none, or their inspection is out of date, we can inspect and test them or plan another tie-off with an engineer.
Can you work in the rain?
We can inspect, wash and remove old sealant in light rain. New sealant, membranes and coatings need a dry surface, so that work is planned around the forecast.
Do you work with engineers and envelope consultants?
Yes. We inspect, test and repair to a consultant’s specification and report with photographs located on the elevation.
Do you take on residential work?
Yes. Houses on steep lots or with tall glazing are often easier to reach by rope than by ladder or lift.
Documents behind the answers
Ask for any of these with a quote.
- Certification IRATA and SPRAT
- WorkSafeBC Clearance letter
- Insurance $5 million commercial general liability
- Method Rope access plan
- Rescue Site rescue plan
Questions about Moravia Prime
Insurance, areas, quotes and history.
Is Moravia Prime insured and covered by WorkSafeBC?
Yes. Moravia Prime Contracting Inc is registered and in good standing with WorkSafeBC and carries $5 million commercial general liability insurance. A clearance letter and an insurance certificate are available with every quote.
Which areas does Moravia Prime serve?
Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland: Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, Richmond, New Westminster, Langley, White Rock and the North Shore. Ask us about sites elsewhere in BC.
How do I get a rope access quote?
Send the address, a few photographs and what you have noticed, by the form, by email or by phone at 778-866-2255. For most jobs we visit the roof before pricing.
How long has Moravia Prime been in business?
Since 2021. The crew brings more than ten years of rope access and building envelope experience.
Rope access answers on site
Two technicians on a glass tower, and a balcony edge with a view of the city.
