ASTM released its first Rope Access Standard (E 2505 - 07) on August 1, 2007. This 9 page standard falls under the ASTM committee E06 "Performance of Buildings" but covers rope access as applied to various structures, not just buildings. This is a big step forward for rope access since it is the first major standards organization based in North America that has an approved rope access standard. Most of the document follows similar lines to SPRAT Safe Practices and Certification Requirements.

Among the details that we noted as particularly relevant:

• A level 3 technician is required on every rope access team and that level 3 is limited to supervising no more than 6 lower level technicians.
• Anchors are required to be at least equal to or greater than 6 times the maximum intended static load and 2 times the dynamic load due to a potential fall.
• Rope access personnel are required to carry means of both ascent and descent regardless of the anticipated requirements of the job.
• Level 1 Technicians shall receive a copy of the ASTM rope access document
• Level 2 Technicians shall complete a first aid training course
• The Bowline knot is included as a required knot
• Level 1’ s are required to perform aid climbing and horizontal traversing (horizontal lifeline)
• Level 2 requires at least 500 logged hours and level 3 requires at least 1000
• Level 2 candidates shall demonstrate the use of beam clamps as well as lead climbing
• Level 2’s shall demonstrate the use of cable ways or tensioned ropes
• Level 3’s are required to have a comprehensive knowledge of pulley systems and their load effects, the basic use of shackles, slings, winches, snatch blocks and similar basic lifting/rigging gear.

Following the ASTM standard is not a mandatory requirement. It does lend additional credibility to the SPRAT and IRATA standards, and makes it more difficult for companies and individuals to work outside of an industry consensus standard.