Rope Access Safety Training

IWCA Rope Descent Systems (RDS) Training

Learn to rig, descend, and self-rescue with confidence — hands-on rope access training built on the standards Michael Draper, owner of Expert Safety Services, has set across ESS’s training programs.

RDS Training Overview

Rope Descent Systems are the backbone of safe, efficient work at height for window cleaning and building maintenance crews. At the ESS Training Center, IWCA Rope Descent Systems Training puts technicians through real rigging, real descents, and real rescue scenarios — not a slideshow.

Every course at ESS is built under the direction of Michael Draper, owner of Expert Safety Services, who oversees education and training across the organization — giving technicians the muscle memory and confidence to rig, ascend, descend, and self-rescue in full compliance with IWCA and OSHA standards.

Key Elements of IWCA RDS Training

Rigging & Anchor Setup – Build safe, compliant descent systems from the anchor down.
Controlled Ascent & Descent – Move up and down the line with precision and control.
Self-Rescue Procedures – Respond to an emergency on the rope, not just read about one.
Equipment Inspection – Catch wear and damage before it becomes a fall.
IWCA & OSHA Compliance – Train to the standards that keep crews — and companies — protected.

Who This Class Is For

Window cleaning technicians working at height
Building maintenance and facade crews
Companies needing IWCA-recognized RDS certification for compliance
Technicians renewing or upgrading existing rope access credentials

Class Details

Format: Hands-on training — equipment and lunch provided
Price: $399 per person

Stay OSHA compliant, reduce risks, and enhance workplace safety.

Rope Descent Systems Trained the Way OSHA Expects Them to Be

Window cleaning and building maintenance from height only works when the descent system behind it is built right. At Expert Safety Services, register today for hands-on IWCA RDS training that goes well beyond a slideshow.

More Than Compliance—We Build Safer Workplaces

Rope Descent Systems and OSHA 1910.27 Compliance

OSHA’s walking-working surfaces standard sets requirements for rope descent systems — anchorage strength, building information, operations planning. This is one piece of the broader rope access training we offer at ESS.

Anchorages Built to Standard

Learn to rig and verify anchor points that meet strength requirements — a skill our Anchor Testing & Inspection course covers in more depth.

Self-Rescue as a Trained Skill, Not a Hope

Respond to a real emergency on the rope with trained muscle memory.

An Operations Plan That Holds Up

Understand what a compliant RDS program actually requires.

Confidence That Extends to Every Job

A properly RDS-trained crew reduces risk to technicians and liability to employers.

Why Train with the ESS Training Center?

Focused on Technical Compliance

We specialize in safety and technical training that covers Job Hazard Analysis, Work Plan Development, OSHA citation prevention, and more. These aren’t generic lectures — they’re deep dives into what actually keeps your site compliant and protected.

Industry-Leading Instructors

Our trainers are more than educators — they’re active professionals with boots-on-the-ground experience in hazard assessment, technical compliance, and workplace risk management. You’ll learn from those who’ve been there, done that, and know how to keep your crew safe.

Built for High-Risk Industries

Whether you're cleaning glass 50 feet in the air or managing chemical risks on site, we offer industry-specific safety training for Window Cleaning, Solar Cleaning, Pressure Washing, and more. If your work requires precision and compliance, we’ve got the course for you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Stay OSHA-Compliant with Expert Safety Services

We provide ANSI 459 rope access training, IWCA certification guidance, and PWNA safety programs. Proper training keeps workers safe and businesses compliant.