Project description
Rope access technicians use redundant rope systems to perform work tasks at elevated workplaces, workplaces that are difficult to access or impossible to reach with traditional access methods. During the last decades rope access was more and more professionalized and is considered to be an independent industry today. Safety and physical integrity for technicians and third parties are essential components of training and practical implementation. The field of application ranges from construction, heavy industries, power supply and event rigging to maintenance and telecommunication.
Use of rope access creates jobs. Specialized companies and non-profit associations are substantially involved in training and professional development of personnel.
Based on the experience of all partners a concept for a “European Professional Certificate for Rope Access” corresponding to the requirements of the European Qualification Framework (EQF) is to be developed.
This certificate will improve and harmonize the skills of rope access technicians and raise the acceptance of the access method in all participating countries.
Aims of the project
- Creation of a European certificate to harmonize the competences of rope access technicians
- Certification based on the experience and established certification schemes of the partner countries
- Revaluation of the national certificates through conformity with the European Qualification Framework
- Qualification to be classified within the eight EQF-levels
- Allocation of a certain number of ECVET points according to the European recommendation
Methodology
The project is graduated in three stages:
- Development of tools for the implementation: referential schemes and syllabuses
- Experimental phase: training and examination
- Dissemination and valorization of the results
Produces
- Referential for activities and competences of rope access technicians
- Referential for certification of rope access technicians
- Modular training system for rope access technicians
- Training program for trainers
- Training program for jury members
Documents in four languages: English, French, German, Spanish
Final documents will be compiled and edited by SFETH and GRETA VIVA 5 (France)
Expected outcome
- Vocational training of trainers
- Vocational training of jury members
- Training of rope access technicians
- Affiliation of certification procedures
Working groups
Three working groups are in action:
- Steering committee
- Transnational working groups
- National working groups
Steering committee
The steering committee is made up of members of all project partners and meets five times in total. It is responsible for fundamental and political decisions, controls and validates the progress as well as the produces, arbitrates in disputes and allocates jobs.
Transnational working group
Five meetings are scheduled for the transnational working group. This group is the moving spirit of the project as all substantial contents and results are developed together.
National working groups
This group coordinates work on national levels and is composed of the project partners originating from the respective country and additional associated partners.
The national working groups consist of:
- 1/3 trainers / training companies
- 1/3 rope access companies
- 1/3 institutions and authorities
