ABOUT SPRAT

SPRAT’s mission is to advance the safe use of rope access through education, standards development, and administering certifications.  Since 2001, thousands of rope access technicians representing dozens of companies and government agencies have been certified to SPRAT standards.  

SPRAT was established in the mid 90’s to address the needs of a growing number of companies and operators employing rope access techniques in North America. While various forms of rope access had been used in industry for decades, the development of modern rope access systems collided with the growth of industries that provided conventional means of access such as scaffolding and swing-stages. These conventional methods required standard fall arrest systems.

Without specific standards and legislation in North America to support rope access systems, companies and operators were at times prevented from working by safety managers and legislators. SPRAT’s development of industry-consensus standards, including Safe Practices for Rope Access Work and Certification Requirements for Rope Access Work raised the awareness of the safety and effectiveness of rope access systems.

SPRAT’s Evaluation Guidelines found in Public Documents.