The IFMGA Rope Access Standard is a high-level rope access system used in both industrial settings and in the field of natural hazards. As different rope access techniques are required depending on the area of application, a range of techniques are taught accordingly in the IFMGA RAS.
Progressive climate change and natural hazards
Progressive climate change is leading to an increase in natural hazards. Mountain guides, thanks to their comprehensive expertise in rope techniques, risk management, their ability to move safely in challenging terrain, and their capacity to recognise changes in the natural environment at an early stage, possess the ideal prerequisites for rope-assisted work in the field of natural hazards.
Current activities of the IFMGA
The IFMGA RAS is continuously developed and adapted to changing conditions. All IFMGA member associations offering rope access courses are both supported and monitored by the IFMGA RAS Committee.
Note
All IFMGA/UIAGM rope access courses (Levels 1–3) are open to individuals without mountain guide training, provided they possess the necessary prerequisite skills and prior knowledge.
Since the early 2000s, training for rope access workers has been regulated by law in Switzerland and in most European countries.
From 2006, the Swiss Mountain Guides Association (SBV) developed a specialised training programme for work at height. This was aimed at both mountain guides and other interested professionals.
In 2011, the IFMGA RAS Committee was founded.
In 2012, the Swiss standard was converted into an international standard – the IFMGA Rope Access Standard (IFMGA RAS).
Subsequently, the German Association (VDBS) and the Austrian Mountain Guides Association (VÖBS) also adopted this standard and train individuals in accordance with IFMGA RAS.
In 2017, the first course took place in Georgia.
From 2018 to 2019, several Level 2 and 3 training courses were held in Lima, Peru, under the leadership of the SBV and the IFMGA RAS Committee. These courses trained future experts from various IFMGA member countries.
Almost every year, European specialists support the development of RAS training in South America.
Mountain guides have been working with ropes for many decades – whether with their guests in mountains around the world or during rock clearance natural hazards and safety consulting work on construction sites. Industrial climbing was added in the early 2000s.
