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Urban Sloth

Rope ACcess Services

Solutions for all rope access projects

Urban Sloth delivers safe, efficient, and cost-effective Rope Access solutions for work at height and in hard-to-reach environments. Backed by decades of industry expertise we provide inspections, maintenance, training, certification, and technical consulting.

About Urban Sloth

Richie Spence is the Principal of Urban Sloth, a specialized Rope Access service provider recognized for its dedication to safety, technical excellence, and reliable access solutions. With an extensive career spanning more than a decade, Richie has been a qualified IRATA Instructor since 2012 and serves as Lead Trainer for one of Canada’s largest Rope Access organizations.

In addition to his instructional work, Richie has played key roles in industry oversight and certification. He was appointed a SPRAT Evaluator in 2016, became an IRATA Auditor in 2019, and advanced further to become an IRATA Assessor in April 2023. These positions highlight his commitment to maintaining and elevating global standards within the Rope Access community.

Based in western Canada and occasionally working abroad, Richie brings a blend of technical expertise, mentorship, and practical leadership to every project. At Urban Sloth, he guides operations with a focus on professionalism, safety, and delivering reliable, efficient access solutions across diverse sectors.

Services

Instruction and Training

Professional Rope Access training designed to develop safe, competent technicians through hands-on instruction, real-world scenarios, and industry-recognized standards.

Certification and Assessment

Formal evaluations that verify a technician’s skill level and ensure they meet IRATA, SPRAT, or company-specific requirements for safe work at height.

Certification and Assessment

Formal evaluations that verify a technician’s skill level and ensure they meet IRATA, SPRAT, or company-specific requirements for safe work at height.

Inspection

Thorough examinations of structures, equipment, and hard-to-reach areas to identify issues, ensure compliance, and provide accurate reporting for maintenance planning.

Maintenance

Safe, efficient Rope Access solutions for repairs, cleaning, installations, and general upkeep in areas where traditional access methods are costly or impractical.

Maintenance

Safe, efficient Rope Access solutions for repairs, cleaning, installations, and general upkeep in areas where traditional access methods are costly or impractical.

Auditing

Independent reviews of Rope Access operations, safety systems, and documentation to confirm compliance with industry standards and improve overall performance.

Contact Us to Learn More

Image Gallery

Explore the Urban Sloth photo gallery for a comprehensive look at our Rope Access work, training environments, and projects in action.

Availability

Check the Urban Sloth availability calendar to view current open dates for training, assessments, or project support. Please contact us using the form below to discuss how we can help with any upcoming projects.

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FAQs

Browse the questions below for some quick answers to common queries.

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What’s the difference between IRATA and SPRAT?

SPRAT provides a technician certification only, IRATA is an accreditation organisation providing certification to companies through third party audit, as well as technician certification.

Why would a company need separate rope access procedures, surly safety documents for generic working at height suffice?

Rope access technicians rely on their equipment which is classed as PPE (personal protective equipment). This is the last line of defence in the hierarchy of risk. Specific procedures are another control type therefore reducing risk to the worker.

Can I use my rope access certificate for other means of working at height (fall arrest)?

No. Rope access courses are specific to rope access maneuvers and equipment. It does not cover all the requirements of a fall arrest (working at height) course. Most legislation around the world separates rope access from other means of working at height, therefore specific certification may be required depending on the region you are in.

How do I get involved in the certification bodies (IRATA or SPRAT)?

Anyone can get involved in SPRAT. There is a membership fee, once paid, you are eligible to join in any of SPRAT’s committee meetings. IRATA is made up of company members, all of which have successfully completed an audit. Only representatives of a member company can be part of a committee.

Contact Us

Have a question, need a quote, or want to discuss an upcoming project or training need? Use the form below to reach out to us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.