At Orb Rope Access we’re always keen to celebrate our fantastic team members. Here, we’d like to tell you about Tom and his professional progress both within and outside of our company.
Tom Horrocks began working for Orb Rope Access twelve months ago. He is an IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) Level 3 Rope Access technician who is employed part-time with us as he also has his own business.
The career development of our rope technicians, whether they are employed or freelance, enables Orb Rope Access to continually diversify and grow. Tom has had a very busy first year with us, learning new skills and nurturing client relationships that instil confidence in the work we do.
High Risk Confined Space Entry and Confined Space Rescue
In his first year at Orb Rope Access, Tom has become qualified in High Risk Confined Space Entry and Confined Space Rescue.
This is essential, highly skilled work that may involve silo access, a tunnel inspection, vessel cleaning, working in lift shafts or being on rescue standby. Now accredited to City and Guilds High Risk Confined Space standards, Tom has the knowledge, skills and experience to operate safely in these hazardous environments, above and below ground.
Confined space rescue involves the rescue and recovery of victims trapped in a confined space or in a place that is only accessible through other confined spaces. This calls for an exceptional level of competency, a calm, methodical approach and clear communication skills.
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Competent Person
In the last twelve months, Tom has also trained to become a PPE Competent Person.
Current UK legislation, including the Work at Height Regulations and LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations), states that work at height equipment must be regularly examined by a ‘competent person’.
Tom must keep up to date with current legislation and equipment standards to be able to appropriately select, identify, maintain and store our essential PPE equipment.
Bolting Inspector
Abseil anchors are installed on roofs of buildings for the safe connection of abseil equipment. Obviously it is critical that the abseil anchors are fit for purpose to protect the safety of rope access teams.
As part of mandatory maintenance, abseil anchors on buildings must be thoroughly inspected and tested by Bolting Inspectors every six months. During the last year, Tom became qualified as an Orb Rope Access Bolting Inspector to EN 795 and BS 8610 standard, in accordance with BS 7883:2019.
Hot Lime Mortar Course
Requests for Orb Rope Access to assist on heritage building projects have increased considerably over the last couple of years. To enhance Tom’s skills and knowledge when working on heritage buildings we asked him to complete a Hot Lime Mortar course.
Many heritage buildings were made with lime mortar which allows buildings to breathe and dry out. It is highly efficient at absorbing moisture and removing it. Tom learned about the types of lime and its application on heritage buildings in places such as gable ends and chimneys. He also broadened his understanding of cement, protection, mortar mixing, paints and limewash.
Adventure Fitness Consultants
While Tom has been working hard for us part time, he has also been managing his own business, Adventure Fitness Consultants, which we’re very happy to support.
Adventure Fitness Consultants specialise in the design and delivery of comprehensive mountain training and guiding programmes, alongside the provision of physiotherapy and injury rehabilitation, for all adventure sports.
Tom also offers mountain guiding services and learning to climb courses in Scotland and Wales throughout the year.
Get in touch
If you have a project that requires the professional working at height services of one of our amazing team members, contact Orb Rope Access.
