Industrial rope access specialist Skyriders Access Specialists aims to bridge the rope access skills deficit in the artisan industry through offering training at its Midrand-based facility, states Skyriders marketing manager Mike Zinn.
Skyriders aims to mitigate this challenge by keeping more than 330 rope access technicians trained, competent and skilled in the various artisan disciplines at its training facility, established in 2010. All training courses are accredited by the relevant sector education and training authority.
Zinn says work at height is one of the most common safety risks at all sites – which can range from a residential area to heavy industry – and can result in disastrous consequences if inadequate training has been received.
Rope access is a skill that enables technicians to safely move between various work positions at height and within confined space, with the scope of work ranging from welding, rigging and painting to inspections for the client, Zinn adds.
With more than 360 rope access technicians employed by Skyriders, Zinn says the training facility also assists with licence renewals, which are valid for three years, so that technicians can continue operating.
“The training facility mainly caters for in-house training needs, but does offer training to outside clients,” says Zinn. Training for these clients – mostly from heavy industry – can also be offered on site using a temporary training facility, usually requiring clients to assist in erecting a scaffold tower, he concludes.
