Rope Access

Rope Access

SST-NDT rope access methods allow technicians to access challenging work sites whilst offering a safe, reliable and cost effective solution to other work at height methods. 

We offer a full time multi-disciplined team of qualified technicians who are able to access work locations with minimal impact on other operations, surrounding area and the environment including:

  • Inspection services (All NDT Methods)
  • Coating application and surface preparation
    • Abrasive blasting (Garnet and Grit)
    • UHP Hydro-blasting
    • Power tooling
    • Airless spray
    • Manual applications (roller and brush)
  • Specialised access solutions
  • Temporary and permanent working at height solutions
  • Welding and burning
  • Fabric maintenance
  • E & I
  • Rigging

Inspection Services

SST-NDT can carry out all NDT inspection methods by our existing, highly experienced and qualified rope access team. This ensures that not only is the inspection carried out the highest quality but also ensuring the most efficient, cost effective and flexible solution is selected, further minimising the impact on existing operations and environment.

Coating application and surface preparation

Approximately 80% of paint failures are a result of poor surface preparation or poor paint application (source Institute of Corrosion); SST-NDT understands the important role quality surface preparation and coat application plays in ensuring the integrity of an asset and provides only the highest level of skilled workers and techniques. SST-NDT offers a qualified and trained rope access Coatings Team.

Surface preparation

SST-NDT is capable of providing the three main types of surface cleaning methods in accordance with international standards:

Abrasive blast cleaning - involves propelling abrasives, such as garnet, aluminium oxide or grit, towards a surface at high speed producing a surface profile. To ensure customer satisfaction blast cleaning carried to an agreed standard such as ISO 8501-1. Most commonly used criteria for determining finish include the Swedish (Sa) classification, the Society of Protective Coatings (SSPC) and National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE).
Ultra-high-pressure water jetting - utilising high pressure water pumps capable of operating at 2000 bar and greater this is a preferred method when solid waste and debris is an issue as it greatly reduces the amount of solid waste compared to abrasive blast cleaning.
Hand and power tooling (for example, grinding / sanding, rotary wire brushing or using needle guns or other impact tools) - suitable for small areas, those with difficult access or where larger equipment required for abrasive blasting/water jetting is not feasible. Whilst this method is a practical solution for such areas the surface finish is unlikely to meet the levels achieved by abrasive blasting.

SST-NDT ensures the highest standards possible are achieved and by agreeing a visual appearance stand with the client prior to starting work. These include ISO 8501-1,2,3 using the Swedish (St) classification or the Society of Protective Coatings (SSPC).

Coating application

The performance of a coating is heavily dependent on the application method; if the wrong method is chosen along with improper ambient conditions then the performance will be significantly altered. The skill of the operator is of upmost importance - SST-NDT ensures frequent internal training is conducted to maintain competence.

Brush and roller - ideal application method for small localised areas or those with poor accessibility; or for stripe coating of edges and welds (brush application). These are labour intensive processes heavily reliant on technique.
Spray application - commonly used application method, not only a faster method than brush and roller it produces a more even and consistent film thickness throughout.

Specialised Access Solutions

SST-NDT is able to provide a customised work at height safety system specific to the customer’s needs and requirements. This can be utilised by either SST-NDT’s extensive working at height and IRATA qualified rope access teams or alternatively can be tailored for use by the customer’s work force. Systems include tension nets, suspended scaffolding, fall arrest and fall arrest systems. All of these can be offered as a temporary or permanent solution.

Welding and burning

Carrying out any hot work combined with rope access requires an increased level of skill and competency. SST-NDT only provides experienced, qualified and certified welders in accordance with AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, API 1104 and ISO 9606 in all arc and gas welding processes.

Fabric Maintenance

SST-NDT is able to provide the full range of fabric maintenance services for new build, asset maintenance and decommissioning services. Our experienced inspection team will ensure a full asset condition assessment is completed and the correct solutions are established. Each of our in-house trade specialist department will bring together their expertise to support and provide the correct solution in order to maintain and extend the operational life of our customer’s assets.

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