ISO 22846-1:2003
(Main)Personal equipment for protection against falls - Rope access systems - Part 1: Fundamental principles for a system of work
Personal equipment for protection against falls - Rope access systems - Part 1: Fundamental principles for a system of work
ISO 22846-1:2003 gives the fundamental principles for the use of rope access methods for work at height. It is intended for use by employers, employees and self-employed persons who use rope-access methods, by those commissioning rope-access work and by rope-access associations. ISO 22846-1 is applicable to the use of rope-access methods on buildings, other structures (on- or offshore) or natural features (such as cliff faces), during which ropes are suspended from or connected to a structure or natural feature. It is applicable to situations where ropes are used as the primary means of access, egress or support and as the primary means of protection against a fall. ISO 22846-1 is not intended to apply to the use of rope-access methods for leisure activities, arboriculture, general steeplejack methods or emergency personal-evacuation systems, or to the use of rope-access (line rescue) techniques by the fire brigade and other emergency services for rescue work or for rescue training.
Equipement individuel de protection contre les chutes — Systèmes d'accès par corde — Partie 1: Principes fondamentaux pour un système de travail
General Information
Overview
ISO 22846-1:2003 - Personal equipment for protection against falls - Rope access systems - Part 1: Fundamental principles for a system of work - provides the foundational principles for safe rope access work at height. Published by ISO, this standard defines the scope, terminology and core safety requirements for rope-access operations where ropes are the primary means of access, support and fall protection. It is intended for employers, employees, self‑employed operatives, clients who commission rope‑access work and rope‑access associations.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and definitions: clear terms (working line, safety line, anchor, ascender, descender, back‑up device, workmate rescue, etc.) to ensure consistent use of rope access vocabulary.
- Double protection principle: at least two independently anchored lines (working line + safety line) or equivalent back‑up to prevent a fall if one component fails.
- Equipment and inspection: selection of appropriate harnesses, ropes and devices; pre‑use inspections and regular thorough inspections; traceability to manufacturer/supplier and proper storage/maintenance.
- Connection and harness use: primary connections of both working and safety lines must be via the harness (sit or full‑body). Workseats do not replace fall‑protection connections.
- Rope‑access devices: requirements for descenders (controlled descent, heat dissipation, fail‑safe/auto‑stop desirable) and back‑up devices (must withstand foreseeable forces).
- Operational safety limits: avoid falls that produce impact forces > 6 kN; prevent impacts with ground or obstructions.
- Planning, supervision and competence: designated planner/supervisor, hazard identification, risk assessment, suitably trained and competent operatives, and team minimums (teams of two, with competent supervision).
- Rescue and communications: mandatory workmate rescue/retrieval plans, on‑site rescue capability, and reliable team communication.
- Exclusion zones and third‑party protection: control of worksite to protect public and operatives.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 22846-1 applies to rope access on buildings, industrial structures (on‑ or offshore) and natural features (cliff faces) where ropes are the primary means of access, egress or support. Typical users and beneficiaries:
- Rope access technicians and contractors
- Employers and safety managers in construction, inspection, maintenance and industrial rope work
- Facility owners who commission rope‑access services
- Training providers and accreditation bodies
- Rope‑access associations and standards committees
Practical uses include façade maintenance, offshore inspection, bridge and tower work, confined‑space access, and any work‑at‑height task where rope access offers an efficient alternative to scaffolding or powered platforms.
Related standards
ISO 22846 is a multi‑part series; Part 2 (code of practice) complements Part 1. Users should also consult national regulations and other ISO standards on personal fall protection and equipment inspection applicable to their jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
ISO 22846-1:2003 is a standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Personal equipment for protection against falls - Rope access systems - Part 1: Fundamental principles for a system of work". This standard covers: ISO 22846-1:2003 gives the fundamental principles for the use of rope access methods for work at height. It is intended for use by employers, employees and self-employed persons who use rope-access methods, by those commissioning rope-access work and by rope-access associations. ISO 22846-1 is applicable to the use of rope-access methods on buildings, other structures (on- or offshore) or natural features (such as cliff faces), during which ropes are suspended from or connected to a structure or natural feature. It is applicable to situations where ropes are used as the primary means of access, egress or support and as the primary means of protection against a fall. ISO 22846-1 is not intended to apply to the use of rope-access methods for leisure activities, arboriculture, general steeplejack methods or emergency personal-evacuation systems, or to the use of rope-access (line rescue) techniques by the fire brigade and other emergency services for rescue work or for rescue training.
ISO 22846-1:2003 gives the fundamental principles for the use of rope access methods for work at height. It is intended for use by employers, employees and self-employed persons who use rope-access methods, by those commissioning rope-access work and by rope-access associations. ISO 22846-1 is applicable to the use of rope-access methods on buildings, other structures (on- or offshore) or natural features (such as cliff faces), during which ropes are suspended from or connected to a structure or natural feature. It is applicable to situations where ropes are used as the primary means of access, egress or support and as the primary means of protection against a fall. ISO 22846-1 is not intended to apply to the use of rope-access methods for leisure activities, arboriculture, general steeplejack methods or emergency personal-evacuation systems, or to the use of rope-access (line rescue) techniques by the fire brigade and other emergency services for rescue work or for rescue training.
ISO 22846-1:2003 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.340.60 - Protection against falling and slipping. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
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Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 22846-1
First edition
2003-11-15
Personal equipment for protection
against falls — Rope access systems —
Part 1:
Fundamental principles for a system of
work
Équipement individuel de protection contre les chutes — Systèmes
d'accès par corde —
Partie 1: Principes fondamentaux pour un système de travail
Reference number
©
ISO 2003
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ii © ISO 2003 — All rights reserved
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
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International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 22846-1 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 94, Personal safety — Protective clothing and
equipment, Subcommittee SC 4, Personal equipment for protection against falls.
ISO 22846 consists of the following parts, under the general title Personal equipment for protection against
falls — Rope access systems:
— Part 1: Fundamental principles for a system of work
— Part 2: Code of practice (in the early stages of preparation)
Introduction
Rope access is a system that provides a user with the means, typically using synthetic fibre kernmantel ropes
and associated equipment, to gain access to, be supported at, and then as a means of egress from, a place of
work for the purpose of carrying out a work task.
Rope access has its background in mountaineering and particularly in caving, where it has been well proven,
although it relies on only a single rope. For adaptation to the work environment, the techniques and some of
the equipment have been modified. The most significant change is the inclusion of a second rope to provide
additional safety. These modifications allow the system to offer a level of protection to the operatives equal to,
or better than, other similar forms of access.
In a typical system, one rope (the working line) is used for access and egress (usually ascent and descent)
and for support at the workplace. A harness is attached to the user and specially designed devices are
attached to the working line and to the harness. The other rope (the safety line) is connected to the user via a
safety device, which travels along the safety line as the user ascends or descends the working line. In the
event of a failure of the working line or any of its components, the safety line protects against a fall and limits
the load to the equipment and operative. This is one example of a system. However, the need to provide a
basic access system and a back-up system may also be accomplished in other ways. The techniques and
equipment used for this purpose may be extended to encompass traversing and aid climbing.
The safe use of rope access systems requires competence, normally acquired by training, and confirmed with
independent assessment and certification, not only in the use of the system itself, but also in workmate
rescue/retrieval.
While this part of ISO 22846 provides the generalized framework for the specification and the operation of
rope access, individual countries, states and localities may have particular requirements. These local
requirements should be followed in addition to those of this part of ISO 22846.
iv © ISO 2003 — All rights reserved
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 22846-1:2003(E)
Personal equipment for protection against falls — Rope access
systems —
Part 1:
Fundamental principles for a system of work
1 Scope
This part of ISO 22846 gives the fundamental principles for the use of rope-access methods for work at height.
It is intended for use by employers, employees and self-employed persons who use rope-access methods, by
those commissioning rope-access work and by rope-access associations. This part of ISO 22846 is applicable
to the use of rope-access methods on buildings, other structures (on- or offshore) or natural features (such as
cliff faces), during which ropes are suspended from or connected to a structure or natural feature. It is
applicable to situations where ropes are used as the primary means of access, egress or support and as the
primary means of protection against a fall.
This part of ISO 22846 is not intended to apply to the use of rope-access methods for leisure activities,
arboriculture, general steeplejack methods or emergency personal-evacuation systems, or to the use of rope-
access (line rescue) techniques by the fire brigade and other emergency services for rescue work or for
rescue training. Nevertheless, those engaged in other similar activities are likely to benefit from the advice
given in this part of ISO 22846, as many of the principles do apply to, and offer good practice for, activities
outside this formally defined scope.
NOTE This is the first of a planned multi-part series of International Standards for rope access.
2 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
2.1
aid climbing
method of progression in suspension, either by moving from one fixed anchor to another or by the use of
moveable anchors or anchor points
2.2
anchor
fixture or place for the attachment of lines or persons
2.3
ascender
rope adjustment device which, when attached to a line of appropriate type and diameter, locks under load in
one direction and slides freely in the opposite direction
NOTE Normally used for ascending the working line or positioning the operative on it.
2.4
back-up device
rope adjustment device for a safety line of appropriate type and diameter, which accompanies the user during
changes of position or allows adjustment of the length of the safety line, and which locks automatically to the
safety line, or only allows gradual movement along it, when a sudden load is applied in one direction, e.g., in
the event of a fall
2.5
belay
system incorporating a device to control, by friction, a running rope which acts as a brake should the user
experience sudden movement or fall
2.6
competent
suitably trained or qualified by knowledge and practical experience to enable the required task or tasks to be
carried out properly
2.7
descender
manually operated, friction-inducing rope-adjustment device, which, when attached to a line of appropriate
type and diameter, allows the user to achieve a controlled descent
NOTE Normally used for descending the working line or positioning the operative on it.
2.8
exclusion zone
zone designa
...
Die ISO 22846-1:2003 bietet grundlegende Prinzipien für die Anwendung von Seilzugangssystemen bei Arbeiten in der Höhe. Diese Norm richtet sich an Arbeitgeber, Arbeitnehmer sowie Selbständige, die Seilzugangstechniken nutzen, und ist auch für Auftraggeber von Seilzugangsarbeiten sowie für Seilzugangsverbände von Bedeutung. Der Anwendungsbereich der Norm umfasst den Einsatz von Seilzugangstechniken an Gebäuden, anderen Strukturen (sowohl onshore als auch offshore) oder natürlichen Gegebenheiten, wie beispielsweise Felswänden, wo Seile von oder an einer Struktur oder natürlichen Merkmalen befestigt werden. Ein herausragendes Merkmal der ISO 22846-1 ist die klare Definition der Sicherheitsstandards, die erforderlich sind, um das Risiko von Stürzen zu minimieren. Die Norm legt die wesentlichen Prinzipien fest, nach denen die Seilzugangssysteme nicht nur als primäres Mittel für den Zugang und den Ausstieg, sondern ebenfalls als wesentliche Schutzmaßnahme gegen Stürze eingesetzt werden. Dies ist besonders relevant für die Sicherheit der Beschäftigten, die in Höhenlagen tätig sind. Die ISO 22846-1:2003 zeichnet sich durch ihre umfassende Relevanz in der Branche aus. Sie sorgt dafür, dass alle Beteiligten – vom Arbeitgeber bis hin zu den Arbeitern selbst – ein gemeinsames Verständnis der Sicherheitsanforderungen und der besten Praktiken im Zusammenhang mit Seilzugangssystemen haben. Zudem grenzt sie klar die Anwendung der Seilzugangstechniken von Freizeitaktivitäten oder Notfallevakuierungen ab, wodurch ein unmissverständlicher Fokus auf die Arbeitssicherheit gelegt wird. Insgesamt stellt die ISO 22846-1:2003 eine essentielle Norm dar, die nicht nur zur Verbesserung der Sicherheitsstandards beiträgt, sondern auch das Vertrauen in die Seilzugangssysteme stärkt. Die Kombination aus praxisrelevanten Richtlinien und einem klaren Fokus auf Sicherheit macht diese Norm zu einem unverzichtbaren Dokument für alle, die im Bereich der Seilzugangstechniken tätig sind.
La norme ISO 22846-1:2003 établit les principes fondamentaux pour l'utilisation des méthodes d'accès par corde lors de travaux en hauteur. Son champ d'application est particulièrement pertinent pour les employeurs, les employés et les travailleurs indépendants utilisant ces méthodes d'accès. En soulignant l'importance de protéger contre les chutes, cette norme constitue un cadre essentiel pour ceux qui commandent des travaux d'accès par corde ainsi que pour les associations concernées. Parmi ses forces, ISO 22846-1 clarifie les pratiques sécuritaires à suivre dans des environnements variés tels que des bâtiments, des structures offshore, ou des caractéristiques naturelles comme des falaises. En insistant sur l'utilisation des cordes comme moyen principal d'accès et de protection, elle garantit un niveau de sécurité accru pour les travailleurs en hauteur. De plus, en établissant des protocoles clairs, cette norme aide à prévenir les accidents potentiellement mortels lors d'opérations à risque. Il est également crucial de noter que la norme ne s'applique pas aux activités de loisirs ou aux techniques de sauvetage par corde utilisées par les services d'urgence, ce qui renforce son caractère spécialisé et sa pertinence dans le contexte professionnel. Ainsi, ISO 22846-1:2003 se démarque comme un outil indispensable pour assurer la sécurité et l'efficacité des opérations en hauteur, apportant une valeur ajoutée au secteur en matière de sécurité au travail.
ISO 22846-1:2003 provides essential guidelines for personal equipment aimed at protection against falls using rope access systems. This standard is foundational for the safe implementation of rope access methods in various work environments, emphasizing the importance of safety and efficiency for activities conducted at heights. The scope of ISO 22846-1:2003 is well-defined, targeting employers, employees, and contractors engaged in tasks that require rope access. It encompasses all relevant situations where ropes serve as the primary means for access, egress, or support, establishing the critical framework for safe practices. Importantly, this standard clarifies that it is not designed for leisure activities or emergency rescue operations, which solidifies its focus on occupational safety. One of the strengths of this standard is its comprehensive approach to defining the fundamental principles for rope access work. It ensures that all stakeholders-ranging from those commissioning work to workers who directly utilize rope access methods-are aligned in their understanding of the necessary precautions and protocols. This alignment is crucial in minimizing risks associated with falls and enhancing workplace safety. Moreover, by excluding leisure and emergency applications, ISO 22846-1 narrows its focus to professional scenarios, thus increasing its relevancy and effectiveness in industry settings. The specificity of the standard helps to prevent misuse or misunderstanding of rope access systems in non-work contexts, ensuring that safety measures are applied effectively in environments where they are needed the most. In summary, ISO 22846-1:2003 stands as a pivotal reference for anyone involved in rope access work, underpinning the fundamental principles that guide safe and effective operations at height while protecting individuals from fall hazards. Its clarity, targeted scope, and emphasis on safety principles make it a critical standard in the field of fall protection through rope access systems.
ISO 22846-1:2003は、高所作業におけるロープアクセス手法の使用に関する基本原則を提供する標準です。この標準は、ロープアクセス手法を使用する雇用主、従業員、自営業者、ロープアクセス作業を委託する者及びロープアクセス協会を対象としています。ISO 22846-1の適用範囲は、建物、その他の構造物（陸上または海上）や自然の特徴（崖面など）でのロープアクセス手法に関連しています。 この標準の強みは、ロープが構造物や自然の特徴から吊るされたり接続されたりする状況で、ロープがアクセスや退出、または支えの主要な手段として使用されることを明確に定義している点です。さらに、この標準は、落下からの保護のための主要な手段としてロープを用いることに重点を置いており、労働者の安全を確保するための重要なガイドラインを提供します。 ISO 22846-1は、ロープアクセス手法がレジャー活動、樹木管理、一般的なスティープルジャック手法、緊急の個人避難システム、及び消防やその他の緊急サービスによる救助作業や救助訓練のためのロープアクセス（ラインレスキュー）技術に適用されないことを明確に明示しており、ロープアクセスの使用に関する誤解を防ぎます。これは、特定の業界内での安全基準を遵守するためにも重要です。 以上のように、ISO 22846-1:2003は、ロープアクセスを必要とする高所作業における安全性と信頼性を高めるための基盤を提供し、実務者が合理的かつ効果的に作業を進めるための重要な指針となります。
ISO 22846-1:2003 문서는 높이에서의 작업을 위한 로프 접근 방법의 기본 원칙을 제시합니다. 이 표준은 로프 접근 방법을 사용하는 고용주, 직원 및 자영업자와 로프 접근 작업을 의뢰하는 이들, 그리고 로프 접근 협회에 의해 활용되도록 설계되었습니다. ISO 22846-1은 건물, 기타 구조물(해상 또는 육상) 및 자연 특징(예: 절벽)을 포함하여 로프가 구조물이나 자연 특성에 매달리거나 연결되는 상황에서 적용 가능합니다. ISO 22846-1의 강점 중 하나는 로프 접근 방법이 접근, 출구 또는 지지의 주요 수단으로 사용되며 추락에 대한 보호의 주요 수단으로서 그 유용성을 강조하고 있다는 점입니다. 이러한 표준은 로프 접근 기술이 안전하게 수행될 수 있도록 필수적인 운영 원칙을 제시하며, 이는 작업자의 안전을 보장하는 데 중요한 역할을 합니다. 또한 ISO 22846-1의 적합성은 다양한 산업에서의 로프 접근 방법에 대한 명확한 가이드라인을 제공하여, 로프 접근 작업을 수행하는 기업 및 개인의 업무 환경에서 안전성과 효율성을 증대시키는 데 기여합니다. 이 표준은 높이에서 작업하는 경우 로프 접근의 필요성을 인식하고, 이에 따른 안전 절차와 책임을 명확히 함으로써 사고를 예방하는 데 중요한 기준을 마련합니다. 결론적으로, ISO 22846-1:2003은 로프 접근 시스템의 작업을 위한 기본 원칙을 제공하며, 이는 고위험 환경에서 작업하는 모든 관련자는 물론, 로프 접근 기술을 실제로 사용하는 인력에게 필수적인 문서로 자리잡고 있습니다.
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