Rope Access Training, Fitness Guidelines

The following guidelines are provided to help identify suitable candidates for work-at-height. If you have any questions about these guidelines do not hesitate to contact our training department.

GENERAL GUIDELINES
· Minimum age requirement for certification is 18 years

· Good strength-to-weight ratio and average to good cardio fitness level

· Healthy joints and full-function of extremities (especially hands)

· Recommended maximum body weight of 220 lbs for people up to 6 ft tall. Due to equipment limitations, body weight maximum is 285 lbs.

· Will be required to perform moderate to strenuous activities for five consecutive eight hour days

· Each participant must assume all responsibility for monitoring their own physical limitations

· Individuals should abstain from activities that may threaten their health

· Candidates will be expected to keep up with an established course schedule and group pace

· A physical examination by a doctor is recommended

MENTAL APTITUDE GUIDELINES
· Healthy respect for heights

· Consistent safety attitude

· Willingness to learn and improve

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTE TEST
Candidates wishing to register for rope access training should be able to complete the following tasks in order to successfully attend a rope access training course:

· One chin-up (or pull-up); with chin held above the bar.

· Twenty sit-ups with hands behind head in a two minute period (shoulder blades touching the ground each time)

· Twenty stair steps onto a 16”-18” platform in a two minute period without using hands/arms (Harvard Step Test)

 

PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTE TEST
· Heart disease or hypertension

· Epilepsy, seizures, or blackouts

· Dizziness or impaired balance

· Severe allergic reaction to insect bites (anaphylactic shock)

· Brittle or uncontrolled diabetes

· Peripheral Vascular Disease (poor blood circulation to extremities)

· Severe hearing loss

· Psychiatric Illness

· Extreme sun sensitivity

· Severe tendonitis or arthritis

· Obesity

Additional Notes: For those taking a rope access training course for the first time, please note: arm, elbow and shoulder strains are relatively common for course participants not familiar with working on rope. A short warm up, or stretching routine, before the day of training can help minimize the potential for muscle strains and other injuries.