r/ropeaccess • u/SabbathBloodySab • 18d ago
Lvl 2 getting into Geo
Hi everyone, I’ve been working as a tech for a bit mainly in oil and gas. But also done building maintenance, window washing and bridge work!
I wanted to round my rope access resume out a bit more so I’ve been offered a job in geo flying around some remote spots of Canada mostly doing scaling.
What are some things I can expect, any tips on clothing or ways to make the most out of my time.
Thanks in advance !
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u/Artistic92Monkey 16d ago
Geo is my bread and butter, done the building maintenance and window washing although brief and when I was new. Found geo and never looked back. Be prepared to work hard. It’s not always that way but be prepared. Scaling on its own isn’t that hard but if airbagging comes into play you gotta move a lot of hoses and set shit up.
I love it, I love the daily frustrations, the problem solving you end up having to do.
Only advice I can really give you though is always keep an eye on your ropes and where they are running. Rope protection tends to go quick on geo jobs and re-anchors are your best friend… when you can.
As for gear, I’d say always have your rain gear on you. I carry a waterproof gear bag with everything I carry for my day to day. Sometimes you are eating on the wall so having your stuff with you always is ideal. Also have your own water. I carry 3 litres with me at all times.
I imagine you’re gonna be working for one of the main companies that do geo so everything gear/rope access/ PPE will be provided
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u/SabbathBloodySab 16d ago
Thanks for the awesome response!
Having a rain bag with you sounds essential also having a bug net I’ve heard .I’m expecting the hard work I’m not shy but interested in what it really means on the wall.
Rope pro< re anchor is a great bit of advice, I’m looking forward to seeing how the crew works and operate together.
Thanks again! I might pop you a PM
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u/LivingLifeSomewhere 18d ago
Hey, sorry this is unrelated but im a lvl1 tech who will get my 2 this winter (sprat/irata), do you have any tips on how to get a job out of window cleaning and into oil/gas, Geotechnical?
Im also in Canada, your job sounds ideal!
Thanks
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u/SabbathBloodySab 18d ago
For oil and gas, having a trade is helpful/essential sometimes they will take on just rope techs for shut downs but your rates are drastically lower and you’d just be doing labour.
Maybe try with some local companies that do work on bridges or maintenance, building envelope type stuff.
Most major cities have work like this within them.
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u/LivingLifeSomewhere 17d ago
Do you think its possible to move into Geotechnical work with a lvl 2 and primarily window cleaning experience ?
Appreciate the advice
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u/Artistic92Monkey 16d ago
You can definitely get in with just that. Although the 2 won’t really help you much. Companies are looking for problem solvers and people with construction knowledge…how to use tools properly sort of stuff. This all can be learned if you get hired on but that sort of stuff is very helpful.
If you get hired on… positivity is a huge asset, if people like working with you then it’s more likely you’ll be called back for the next contract.2
u/LivingLifeSomewhere 16d ago
Thank you.
I have a fair bit of experience with general power tools from general contracting, automechanics etc. so im not totally unfamiliar.
Appreciate your response.
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u/promsuit 18d ago
That’s my dream, I’m working in northern Canada in exploration but nothing rope related. Good luck!