General Incorporated Association
The Rope Access Technical Association
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Our trump card for high and hard-to-reach places is

our three-dimensional rope access technology [SORAT]

The Rope Access Technology Association promotes the proper development and widespread adoption of Three-Dimensional Rope Access Technology [SORAT]

For the proper development and dissemination
of rope access technology.

Freely maneuvering in all directions up, down, left, right, forward,
and backward.

Safe, swift, and precise.

The Rope Access Technology Association was established with the goal of promoting rope access technology 【SORAT】, which enables free and three-dimensional movement in all directions—up, down, left, right, forward, and backward.

We provide technical training, certification programs, and on-site support to ensure safe and efficient access to challenging locations such as bridges, dams, and slopes, where conventional methods are difficult to apply. Through these efforts, we aim to elevate the overall technical standards of the industry.

The world's most advanced rope access technology SORAT is
setting a new standard for infrastructure inspection, survey, and maintenance.

What is 3Dimension Rope Access Technique
SORAT?

Accessing high and difficult locations through three-dimensional free movement.

By enabling three-dimensional movement in all directions—up, down, left, right, forward, and backward—safe, swift, and precise access to high and difficult locations, which were challenging with conventional methods, becomes possible. This allows for efficient inspection, surveying, and construction work while also offering excellent cost performance.

A proprietary technology developed by KiiStone Inc.

Originally conceived and developed by KiiStone Inc. in the 1990s, this proprietary technology has been continuously improved over the years. It is widely adopted in the fields of bridge inspection and infrastructure aging diagnostics in Japan, earning a strong reputation for reliability.

The world's latest and most advanced one-of-a-kind technology.

SORAT technology is a uniquely structured three-dimensional rope access system unlike any other. With an unparalleled level of technical excellence both domestically and internationally, it plays a vital role at the forefront of inspection operations.

A proven game-changer in infrastructure diagnostics.

In the periodic inspection and aging diagnostics of Japan’s bridges and infrastructure structures, SORAT technology is recognized as an indispensable solution. Its long-standing track record serves as a testament to its reliability.

Top 10 Strengths of SORAT Technology

1

Enables unrestricted three-dimensional movement.

Moves three-dimensionally in all directions—up, down, left, right, forward, and backward—allowing flexible adaptation to any worksite.

2

Safe, swift, and precise access to high and difficult locations.

Provides safe and swift access to high and difficult locations without the need for scaffolding or aerial work platforms.

3

Ideal for close-up visual inspection and direct observation.

Allows for detailed close-up visual inspection and direct observation in high and difficult locations.

4

Enables construction without the need for scaffolding.

Allows for safe execution of repair, component replacement, and painting tasks without the need for scaffolding.

5

Extensive track record across diverse worksites.

With a proven track record in bridge inspections, as well as tunnels, rock walls, and slopes, SORAT technology has been successfully utilized for inspecting and surveying various infrastructure structures.

6

Over 30 years of accident-free safety record.

For over 30 years since its founding, we have maintained a flawless safety record, establishing a rigorous safety management system.

7

Technology compliant with the revised Industrial Safety and Health Regulations.

SORAT technology complies with the revised Industrial Safety and Health Regulations and is also recognized under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s Bridge Periodic Inspection Guidelines.

8

Organized development and dissemination of technology with over 30 years of accident-free safety record.

The Rope Access Technology Association systematically and actively promotes the development, management, and dissemination of the technology.

9

Rigorous certification system.

We have implemented strict standards that prioritize not only technical skills but also safety awareness and character, fostering highly reliable rope access technicians.

10

Regular certification renewal and skill maintenance.

Annual skill assessments and rescue training are mandatory for certification renewal, ensuring that certified technicians maintain their proficiency and prevent skill degradation.

With these strengths, SORAT technology has earned overwhelming trust in
the inspection, survey, and construction of infrastructure structures.
Efforts to Address Reputation Management.

There is a challenge where incorrect rope access techniques have spread due to unskilled contractors and low safety awareness. As a result, even proper techniques sometimes suffer reputational damage. In response to requests from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the association is actively working to promote the correct dissemination of Three-Dimensional Rope Access Technology (SORAT) and to eliminate misinformation. Through these efforts, we continue to uphold the reliability of the technology and the overall safety of the industry.

Details of Rope Access Technology SORAT

SORAT Certification System and Training Programs

Training to Learn the Technology, Certification System to Prove Expertise

Acquire the skills required in the field.

The safety of rope access comes from knowledge and skill.

In SORAT training, experienced instructors provide guidance on the essential techniques required in the field.

Additionally, the certification system serves as proof of a technician’s reliability.

From education to certification, we offer comprehensive support to ensure excellence in the field.

Association Overview

Name

General Incorporated
Rope Access Technical Association
(abbreviated as SORAT, ‘Soratto’,
空人 ‘Soranchu’)

Objective

Management, Promotion,
and Development of
Three-Dimensional Rope Access Technology
[SORAT]

Established

1997/4/1

Operating Entity

Keystone Corporation

For detailed information about the Rope Access Technology Association, please check here.

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