Choosing the right rope access service partner can have significant long-term benefits beyond the immediate value of sparkling clean windows and facades. The right partner will be reliable, and cost-effective, providing transparent communication and reporting on the state of your building’s façade and what it needs to keep it in good condition.
Professionalism, experience and a proven safety record are all important considerations when deciding who will be abseiling down your building’s façade on a regular basis, possibly for many years to come. Of course, quality workmanship is also incredibly important. Mismanaged preventative maintenance will lead to future costly repairs which negatively affect the building’s value, aesthetics and reputation as well as its occupants.
By choosing the right rope access service provider, building owners and managers can ensure that their buildings are properly maintained and kept in excellent condition. In this post, we will look at the key questions to ask a Rope Access Service Provider so that you can make informed choices.
Questions to Ask a Rope Access Service Provider
- What qualifications do your rope access technicians hold?
- What certifications does your company hold?
- Can you tell me about your industry experience?
- How long has your company been in business?
- What is your company’s safety record?
- What safety protocols and procedures do you have in place?
- What types of equipment do you use?
- Do you use any new or innovative technologies?
- Can you provide customer references or testimonials?
- Have you won any awards or do you have any case studies?
- What reporting and evidence do you provide of completed works?
- Will I receive a dedicated project manager?
- What is your pricing structure?
- What factors affect the cost of your services?
- What insurance coverage does your company have?
Qualifications and Certification
Qualifications of team members and certification of the rope access company, demonstrate a commitment to high standards in safety, workmanship and training. There are 4 key qualifications and certifications to consider when choosing a rope access partner.
- Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) is the most basic and essential form of certification for rope access technicians. This certification involves rigorous training and assessment in the safe use of rope access equipment and techniques and is recognised worldwide as the leading standard for rope access work.
- Trade Certification & License’s. Quality rope access service providers will ensure their technicians are trade qualified to perform the work required. Whether it’s painting, façade repair, waterproofing or window replacement, having the necessary skills is key to quality workmanship.
- Working at Height Association of Australia (WAHA) Certification. WAHA is the peak body for height safety in Australia. Membership and certification with WAHA, demonstrate a strong commitment to height safety standards and best practice operations.
- International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) Certification. The ISO is an NGO that comprises standards bodies from more than 160 countries. Relevant ISO certifications demonstrate a company that is willing to go above and beyond to meet the international standards recognition criteria.
Safety Record
A rope access company’s safety record can give you important insights into its commitment to safety and its ability to manage risks. Additionally, it is often a good indicator of the quality of work they provide.
Long-term providers that have successfully completed numerous projects, without any serious accidents or incidents, are only able to do so with effective safety protocols, procedures and an ingrained culture of safety. Typically it will also mean the company provides comprehensive training to its technicians and seeks highly experienced operators to lead their teams.
Accidents happen and even the best make mistakes. But a poor safety record may indicate that the company has not prioritised safety, tends to hire inexperienced technicians, or has failed to learn from past mistakes.
Equipment, Technology & Standards
Rope access work is high-risk work. Thankfully, modern equipment, technology and safety standards have made it possible to undertake abseiling services safely and efficiently. A reputable rope access company will invest in high-quality equipment and use the latest technology to ensure that its technicians can work safely and effectively at height.
Similarly, any company that has employees undertaking work at height should have a finger firmly on the pulse of height safety legislation and best practices. This not only ensures they are legally compliant but will greatly reduce the risk of serious injury or fatality while working on your building.Evidence of Quality Services
Evidence of Quality Services
Customer reviews and industry recognition are important factors to consider when choosing a rope access company because they provide valuable insights into the company’s reputation, customer service, and quality of work.
Customer reviews offer first-hand accounts of other people’s experiences with the company, including their satisfaction with the work performed, the level of communication, and the overall professionalism of the technicians. Industry recognition, such as awards can also be a good indicator of a company’s quality and commitment to excellence.
Be on the lookout for project case studies to gain insights into the services delivered and the results achieved, often with a testimonial from the client themselves.
Communication and Reporting
Communication is the key to any good partnership and the same is true for your rope access services provider. Because it’s just about impossible to inspect a multi-story building’s façade yourself, you will be reliant on the analysis, reporting and recommendations of the technicians who abseil your building.
Look for companies that provide detailed reporting including photographic and video evidence of the state of your building’s façade. A reputable rope access company should clearly lay out what aspects of your building’s exterior they have inspected and what they found. They should be happy and able to educate you where necessary with simple, easy-to-understand explanations of current and potential issues and solutions.
Last but equally important is that the company are responsive to your needs. Transparently providing any scope of works, costs and timelines is a must, while a dedicated hands-on project manager to ensure jobs are managed and completed on time and on budget should be on the wish list.
Cost and Value
Cost and value for money are likely at the top of most people’s minds when choosing a rope access service provider. While it’s natural to want to minimise costs, it’s essential to balance price with high-quality services that meet the requirements of the project.
When looking for a provider, compare quotes from several companies with consideration for all of the factors outlined above. Additionally, you should consider the long-term value of working with a reputable and reliable rope access services provider, to be your partner in comprehensive façade management.
Ultimately, by giving consideration to both cost and value, you can have greater confidence in your choice and enjoy a successful and productive working relationship with your chosen provider.
Insurance
A rope access company should have a full complement of insurance that provides appropriate coverage to safeguard all parties including you the client, the public, employees and the structure as part of standard operating procedures.
By choosing a rope access company with appropriate insurance coverage, you can have confidence that you will not be held liable for accidents or other incidents that may occur during the course of the project.
Summary
Choosing the right rope access service provider for your building cleaning and maintenance needs can result in a valuable long-term partnership for both parties. To make an informed choice be sure to ask about the qualifications and certification of the technicians and the company, their industry experience and safety record, the quality of their equipment and technology, evidence of quality services, reporting and communication, their pricing structure and insurance coverage.
By asking the right questions and thoroughly evaluating a potential service provider, you can ensure that you find a reliable, cost-effective partner that will help you maintain your building’s façade and keep it in excellent condition for years to come.
Author Bio
Brad Love is a veteran of the rope access painting and decorating industry, with over 47 years of experience under his belt. Brad is the Service Design and Estimator at Anchor Safe Rope Access and a trusted voice in the painting and decorating community.
Anchor Safe Rope Access
Proudly Australian-owned and backed by the strength of a national height safety leader, Anchor Safe Rope Access are proven and respected provider of external high-rise cleaning, painting and maintenance. Our Rope Access teams are highly skilled and accredited height safety specialists as well as trade-certified technicians, so you can trust Anchor Safe Rope Access to provide award-winning services at competitive prices.
