Rope access Blade repair - it’s not all good

[@movesydney1]

i just completed my IRATA level 1 , did a few days with a construction company and considering blade repair and my options. Being over 40 this is very informative and relatable. TY!

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

Cheers bro… all the best in the new career… Rope Access has so many avenues it’s just finding a trade that you enjoy. Abseiling and climbing is just a means to get you to the work face. As far as I’m concerned blade repair is for the youngsters. It’s too long sitting in a harness at 40+ in my opinion. Having been a level 3 for 23 years I think I have a good idea how long I want to spend in a climbing seat and it’s not 3-5hrs at a time.

[@aerialrescuesolutions3277]

6 hours sitting in a harness, even with a seat, is tough. One day is one thing, 6 days in a row would be rough. I did 4 hours with a seat, but even it bites into your legs no matter how many times you move it around. Great video, thank you for making it. Jim

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

Cheers Jim… yep day after day…. You sure needed that Sunday off to let the body heal. I still have knee pain from this job after resting my feet on the blade while standing in my etrier. It’s was a lesson in what I’m not willing to do any more that’s for sure. Glad you enjoyed the video 👍🏼

[@aerialrescuesolutions3277]

While watching your video, I had the thought of utilizing an etrier or two to straighten the legs, and take the bite off my side quads. I will be up there soon enough, I am doing the composite lay-up training now. On the ground ( thank you)@@jaysysumakaRatMaster3

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

@aerialrescuesolutions3277 you might be better off doing some training to work on platforms or MEWPS rather than being on a rope. Or even keep your feet on the ground. 👍🏼

[@mowglippml]

This was honestly fascinating. I am looking forward to seeing you get into the 1.9 ACC tho

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

Thanks Mowglippml… glad you enjoyed it… had a few races tonight on 1.9 and I’m pretty happy despite a game crash in the first half an hour. After that I’ve had a good few hours of racing and some close battles in the XCL lobbies 👍🏼

[@Psydrre]

Welcome to Sweden! While the work might not have been the best at least you seem to have enjoyed the landscape. Well, the landscape of villages at least 😅 I too reacted on that place having no curtains, WTH. It was a different experience at least, you never know how it truly is before you try it yourself. Hope you find a less physically taxing work, got to keep the body healthy so you can enjoy pension without aches and pains. Have you considered becoming a multimillionaire by winning on the lottery? 😂

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

Funny you should suggest trying the millionaire option because I’ve considered it on a number of occasions and never fully explored the possibilities of it being an achievable career option. But… I’d certainly be willing to give it a try lol. Yeah as much as I enjoyed visiting Sweden I guess the 2 combinations of work and pleasure were vastly disproportionate.

[@jordanclancy3822]

Great video mate. Very good insight into this sort of work. So the company you worked for, did they pay for flights,accommodation, food? How much did they fill your pockets too?

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

Flights paid, 8hrs pay during travel days despite my journey from Stockholm to Stormsund taking about 14hrs including the medical. 30€ per day for food Accommodation paid for. PPE paid for despite being 2 days late. No work on Sunday- Sunday unpaid. Safety was pretty poor by offshore standards… and certainly not a job I’d do for long. I was paid £5100 for 22 days away from home which includes £550 of food expenses. This is as a level 3 rope tech, blade technician with zero hours blade experience but over 20 years rope access experience. Working as an electrician offshore my basic salary before tax would be over £4000 more than this. Personally I’ll never work on a wind turbine again.

[@trevorvanzuydam8115]

I see that grinding is done with skin exposed which doesn't gel with me because when you remove the ppe that dust goes everywhere including eyes

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

@@trevorvanzuydam8115 Yep, safety on this job was shocking to say the least. In 15 to 20 years time silicosis type symptoms will undoubtedly hit a lot of blade repair technicians through using the wrong ppe. Every blade technician should be wearing an airfed mask during prep work. The biggest hazard isn’t the height exposure and wearing the wrong helmet is unlikely to be a deciding factor when it comes to life longevity.

[@jonbarnhard3681]

What other jobs have you done with rope access? I have been curious about rope access, but haven't figured out a job that uses it in my area really, one that would interest me. I'm from Ontario Canada, close to Sarnia. Not really big cities near me that require high rise maintenance or window washing. Sarnia has a big oil and gas industry.

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

I have tried many other jobs during my 25 years on the ropes and have finally found myself doing electrical maintenance in the oil and gas industry on offshore oil installation. If I could recommend any job as a rope technician this would be it. But, it obviously takes time to acquire the electrical knowledge and also money to do the courses… as with anything really. Other trades that people look for in this industry are: Rigging Non- destructive testing Instrument tubing - pipe fitting Painting Pipe lagging Bolt tensioning Drops surveys Derrick building Fire and gas engineers - electrical Electrical maintenance Electrical installation There’s a lot of avenues into Rope Access it’s just finding something you enjoy. Without a real trade with rope access you will more than likely be grafting every day of your life. Working offshore was a massive eye opener for me into how little is achieved in a working day sometimes and how little pressure is put on you. At least in the U.K. sector, time isn’t money… it’s all about doing the job safely and sticking to the many rules we live by day to day. As much as they often feel like they’re there to make your life harder, they more often than not make your job take longer and make it easier. And considering you’re paid to be here rather than what you achieve… I find it very easy to just roll with it. Hope that helps pal and all the best 👍🏼

[@jirayaalpinista]

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[@georgeboaden4002]

Hi jay, I’m looking at a career change, and was thinking about rope access, I was actually just doing some research when I came across your video. I’m from Warrington and judging by your accent, you’re not too far from myself. Any chance I could ask you a few questions and pick your brain about it a little?

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

Yeah sure… 👍🏼 I’m near Sheffield and would always recommend doing your training at Access Techniques Ltd. You could also checkout their KZbin channel to give you idea of the training involved. What trade do you have?

[@georgeboaden4002]

What’s your email mate?

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

@georgeboaden4002 are you on FB… message me on messenger. Jay Sysum

[@alastair-9120]

Hi mate, can I ask, did you need to apply for an A1 form beforehand, to ensure you only paid social security in the UK? or did you have to register for social security payments in Sweden?

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

Yeah I had to fill out an A1 but the company also used another accountancy company to pay tax in Sweden. I refused to use this and paid the tax myself here in the U.K.

[@alastair-9120]

@@jaysysumakaRatMaster3damn it takes around 3 months to get one issued though doesn’t it?

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

@@alastair-9120 You can still work while you’re waiting for it to be processed. I don’t remember it being a hard process it’s just finding the right forms to fill in… I’ve tried to find a link to the one I completed but I’m a little busy just now… I’ll try and have another look later 👍🏼

[@alastair-9120]

@@jaysysumakaRatMaster3 ah thanks man that was what I was confused about. Appreciate the help 👌🏻

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

@@alastair-9120 Finally found it… this is the form you need. www.gov.uk/guidance/check-which-countrys-social-security-legislation-applies-to-you-ca8421i If the company tells you you need to fill out an F tax registration form just tell them you don’t need to. You want paying in full but you need to make sure you’re submitting a tax return. I operate as a limited company and wasn’t employed during this contract. I’m a sub contractor. This might be different for you?

[@lipenaval1]

Are there many openings for rope access technicians in Europe? in relation to the wind area.

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

There’s loads just now… use LinkedIn GEV wind, Blade defence Muehlhan CAN renewables Vesta’s Siemens Aventus energy Advanced blade repair services Just to name a few companies… they post daily looking for workers. Good luck…

[@lr6474]

Currently in temp job in a pub earning minimum wage making £1400 a month its abismall struggling to even save to pay for the irata training if you have any advice like a way to get into this work, which jobs are decent pay when starting out any tips ect. my background is van delivery driving and a long time ago did a couple years as a carpenter loft conversions.

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

I understand your situation; the rope access industry can seem difficult to get into at first, but once you’re in, it’s definitely worth the effort. Given your background in delivery driving and carpentry, you already have some transferable skills that can be valuable in this field as well as dealing with customers in the bar. Here are a few tips on how to get started and possibly secure funding for IRATA training: 1. Start with Research: One of the biggest misconceptions people have when they start out in the industry is they are a climber first and foremost. This is the wrong way to look at it. You need a skill to offer. Rope access is purely a means of getting to where you’re going to work. If you’re young enough to do an apprenticeship I’d always suggest this first. Anyone can learn to be a rope access technician in a week. Get a trade behind you, electrician, Non destructive testing inspector, welding, pipe fitting, painting, spraying and blasting, blade repair (if you’re young enough) bridge inspection, window cleaner, glazing installation. Having a driving license is definitely a good skill to have though. Learn about IRATA skills on the Access Techniques KZbin page. If you can do your training there as well, it guarantees a good level of training and assessment. I personally started out installing fall arrest roof safety equipment for the first year working for a rope access company. 2. Look for Entry-Level Jobs: Some companies might offer positions where you don’t need a full IRATA qualification right away, but can gain experience while working towards it. You could start by looking for roles like trainee technician or general laborer with companies that already specialize in rope access. They might help with the cost of training once you’ve proven yourself on site. I know plenty of guys who worked as store men in rope access companies getting vans ready for lads to pickup on a Monday morning. 3. Reach Out to Rope Access Companies: Contact local rope access companies and express your interest in working in the industry. Some companies may have training schemes or offer financial support to help you get your IRATA qualification in exchange for a commitment to work with them for a set period. 4. Grants or Funding: While grants specifically for IRATA training can be hard to come by, you can look into some general schemes. For example: • Jobcentre Plus offers advice on training schemes and may have funding options, especially if you’re on a low income. • Trade Unions sometimes offer grants or financial help for workers looking to gain new qualifications, especially in industries like construction. • Charities such as the Prince’s Trust or Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) can sometimes provide funding or support for training. 5. Consider Other Types of Funding: If you’re struggling to save for the course, look into personal development loans or even crowdfunding options. Some people have successfully used platforms like GoFundMe to raise money for professional training. I hope these suggestions help, All the best in your pursuits.

[@jlfc9024]

If you want some advice try and go cash in hand sign on and ask the jobcentre to pay for it they're doing mine

[@lr6474]

@@jaysysumakaRatMaster3 Yes this is massivly helpful gonna be busy reasearching for while thankyou for the help. :)

[@interacaosocial9255]

I was considering this career, but after reflecting a lot and now watching your video, i realize it is not for me… sure it pays well, but to hang on the rope everyday might be rough, far from home and family… I m now considering to become a welder, have you considered this career?

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

I’ve never considered being a welder but i became an electrician after many years of studying. You could also try NDT. I would say blade repair doesn’t pay very well either in comparison to being an electrician or an NDT technician. All the best with your career choice 👍🏼

[@leooneill1693]

How tough was the fitness test and medical. Many thanks

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

Very tough… one of the hardest medical I’ve ever done.

[@leooneill1693]

Thank you​@@jaysysumakaRatMaster3

[@bradleythurman1754]

Pitch the blade and rig basket would’ve been a lot easier lol.

[@jamesrothwell7758]

It sounds like you need to work for a well setup company.

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

This was one of the biggest companies in the industry. I think I just need to try electrical work rather than blade repair & in the U.K.

[@TheDamnSpot]

So I've seen the other side of excessive safety protocols in a corporation. What happens is that someone does something and gets killed. Someone else develops a safety protocol to prevent that from happening in the future. (After an expensive fine/lawsuit.) On a long enough timeline the entire corporation runs as an entity catering to the absolute lowest common denominator in society. If you're a fuckup and a moron, they will make sure that you're nice and safe... or at least can't successfully sue. Among other things, I am very competent with VERY dangerous equipment. Stuff I've worked with for decades. That equipment is 20% as useful with all the safety crap as without. But you WILL get fired if you don't use it. When I tell them that from about 1885 to 2005 no one ever had access to half the safety shit, I get annoyed looks. When I ask them just to tell me the safety stats of the equipment before and after all the safety additions, I get progressively more hostility. I make them see that all they're doing is catering to idiots without improving safety. For some things you need safety, period. Can't do it without it. No space walks without space suits, that's a given. But I find that skill and knowledge is what you really need. If your guy is not skilled enough not to cut through his own rope with a disc grinder, you need to put that guy to learn at least 2 more years on how to become better at both belaying and grinding. Whatever the job, if you have some guy who's been doing it for 10 years without issues, he won't need half the safety stuff you give him. It sounds like I don't approve of safety protocols. I actually do. I wish it was a properly applied science however. Do the stats, where does it actually improve safety and where are you just keeping incompetents from wrecking themselves? If you build your organization to only cater to the talented experts and then improve THEIR safety record, I am all onboard. But if you're putting a guy who's 2 weeks into the industry on a rope at 100 meters and hanging pillows off of him to keep him alive after he falls... well, you get it. It's a waste.

[@neilmcg7272]

Safety Protocols are an applied science, it's called risk assessment matrix. If you have someone that is good a risk assessment and puts in the right control measures instead of all the control measure you normally find things get done much more effectively. Also your attitude is probably what gets people annoyed, think about it from their point of view and your the manager. Do you want a team that says yeah we all have 20 years with a disc grinder we don't need rope protection, or do you want the team that say yeah thats fine bit of a hassle but considering the result of the rope getting cut is having to rescue a guy out his asap or scrap him off the floor it's probably a good idea.

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

@neilmcg7272 No one plans to have an accident but we can all plan to avoid one. The worst thing in the blade repair industry is that it’s so young. It’s only in 15 to 30 years from now that we will see the effects of working with these chemicals and the dust created from grinding have on the body. Especially when the right PPE isn’t being provided. Everyone doing blade repair should be wearing an air fed full face mask. Anyway… it’s not a career path I’ll be pursuing any further. Good luck to you guys.

[@neilmcg7272]

@@jaysysumakaRatMaster3 Totally agree I liked the improvisation with the pipe, everyone should be looking at things and thinking to themselves is this safe? is there a better way of doing it as that is the only way things improve. I am not in the industry i do building cleaning & maintenance, I was surprised to see you's on the rope for so long and griding and sanding for that length of time definetly will cause issues if you are doing that day in day out. Looked like a cool trip though really enjoyed the video all the best and stay safe what ever you get up to next :)

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

@@neilmcg7272 cheers bro… likewise 👍🏼

[@dannyzelinsky8137]

Why do it ,IF you don,t like it ..????????????????????????????????????

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

How will you ever know that you don’t like something if you don’t try it? I thought it would be a great career choice. Out in the countryside, working away at a leisurely pace. Since filming this I have never done another Blade repair job and have chosen not to refresh my GWO certs.

[@BUTTERY-APEX]

nope nope and nope ....... lol

[@jaysysumakaRatMaster3]

My thoughts exactly… I guess I gave it a go & it’s not for me.

[@BUTTERY-APEX]

@@jaysysumakaRatMaster3 From oklahoma and here we have ground crews, hell even looking up that high makes me sick lol wasn't for me either. But man if you where cool with heights other then sitting in the harness for way to long it doesn't seem bad. Wish ya well Jay