There is a lot happening with the standardisation and regulations for vertical rope work and work using various rope-based systems and fall safety equipment.   Over the course of this autumn, Standards Norway will be completing the Norwegian standard for “Vertical Rope Work (prNS 9600)”, which will cover all vertical rope work.  The standard will differentiate between basic and advanced vertical rope work.  Offshore work will be classified as advanced, but several types of operations on land, in the energy and construction industries, for example, will also fall into that category.

“Working Together for Safety” is one of the most comprehensive HSE collaboration projects in the oil and gas industry.  Participants in the project include oil companies, contractor companies, and employee organisations, represented by the Norwegian Oil Industry Association (OLF), the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO), Lederne (An organisation for management, technology, and competency development), Industry Energy, Fellesforbundet (A confederation of trade unions affiliated with LO), The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, DSO, KIS, and the Federation of Norwegian Industries.  The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway is participating in the project as an observer.

Working Together for Safety has developed recommended guidelines for fall safety and rope rescue, is currently in the process of developing curricula for fall safety training. AAK is following this work closely and contributing with representatives in the workgroups for standards and guidelines.

We will be able to see the results of their work in late fall, 2009.

Safety and Training

Even though current regulations have specified little concerning the content and duration of fall safety training, the objective has always been clear.  Personnel working with fall safety equipment must have adequate training, both theoretical and practical, to be able to perform their work safely (“Regulations on the use of personal protective equipment in the workplace, order number 524, section 10”).

Even so, there are still work accidents associated with work at height.  For example, the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority’s statistics for 2008 show that falls, and been hit by falling objects, are the most common causes of death in the construction industry.  The accident statistics for land-based operations describe a reality where the frequency of accidents during work at height is alarming, and AAK believes that training is an important tool for improving the situation. Read more at http://www.arbeidstilsynet.no/c26977/artikkel/vis.html?tid=47708

“Training and competence are crucial factors for working safely at height.  Having competent staff, at all levels, systems for refreshing competence and further education, and acquiring experience over time, are important factors for avoiding injuries and accidents.  This is also true for AAK’s staff, whether they are working as course leaders or performing work at height,” says Marcus Brevik, Managing Director at AAK Safety.

Even with focus on training, a significant number of work-related accidents are still caused, either directly or indirectly, by human error.



Perhaps someone acts against his or her better judgment, perhaps a situation arises that one does not understand, or maybe one is not in a position to identify a hazard before it is too late.  These are skills that are difficult to acquire through courses, but where experience and attitude play an important role.

Comprehension Based Safety

“Over the course of 20 years in the industry, AAK has developed its own safety philosophy, Comprehension Based Safety (CBS).  This safety philosophy addresses the relationship between competence, training, and experience.  Familiar terms, such as double barriers and buddy check are key – and are taken directly from the climbing world.  Elements from this safety philosophy are also incorporated into AAK’s courses,” says Leif Røv, Competence Centre Manager at AAK Safety.

AAK’s safety philosophy is an acknowledgment that a large percentage of accidents happen as a result of human error, and that, in that context, it is important to understand the hazards and situations that can lead to injuries and accidents.  The ability to act safely is closely linked to understanding the consequences of one’s own actions as well as understanding of the consequences of others’ actions.

In addition to solid theoretical training, training on cooperation in situations with continuously changing framework factors, and training on preventing hazards, by understanding barriers and their usage, are integral to AAK’s safety philosophy.

About AAK
AAK Safety is Scandinavian’s leading competence environment for work at height.  For more than 20 years, AAK has been working, both nationally and internationally, to develop standards, curricula, methods, and equipment for work at height.  AAK’s access techniques have been approved by the Norwegian authorities, and they are also behind the industry Association, SOFT (Collaboration Organisation for Access Techniques).

By: Leif Røv, AAK Safety.