About SOFT
Samarbeidsorganet for tilkomstteknikk (SOFT) is an industry organization for suppliers and users of work in rope (rope access).
SOFT is a neutral and independent member organization that aims to promote safety and quality in the performance of Rope access in particular and work at height in general.
SOFT has contributed to the development of a national standard for rope access in Norway. SOFT will work to safeguard Norwegian interests in the European standardization organization CEN and contribute to increased cooperation with international organizations.
SOFT was founded at the statutory general meeting in Stavanger on January 20, 2000.
Contact us
Contact us
Visiting address
Fantoftneset 1
5072 Bergen
Postal address
PO Box 37, Slettebakken
5899 Bergen
E-mail: post@ttsoft.no
ECRA
ECRA (European Committee for Rope Access) is a forum for meetings between industry bodies within rope access in Europe.
The members are:
The aim of ECRA is to share experiences across national borders in order to increase safety in rope access work. ECRA will also be open to cooperation with authorities.
The starting point for this committee was that some industry bodies felt they were alone in their respective countries when it came to promoting rope access as a discipline. At the same time, they wanted to follow the European Union's idea of free movement of goods and services in Europe.
ANETVA, FISAT, DPMC and SOFT decided after the first meetings to maintain contact. IRATA was invited to join the group but did not see the same need. They are global with a high reputation and wanted to continue as before.
The focus was on a "crossover chart" which can be considered a simple compliance assessment.
The result was a joint acceptance by all four organizations, with the differences and similarities we have. The acceptance was laid down in a declaration consisting of 14 requirements. These requirements are common to all the organizations.
These are:
- All organizations shall seek to implement the highest level of safety by promoting the best available technology and the latest knowledge for everyone working with ropes.
- Examination must be carried out by an independent party.
- In all contexts, both work and training, extra measures should be considered.
- Only use EN approved equipment.
- Rescue should be part of all examinations.
- Certification level for personnel shall have at least 3 levels.
- Recommended methods for performing work in ropes must be established.
- Procedures for examination.
- Recertification should be mandatory, or in the process of being implemented.
- National, and when relevant, European guidelines and regulations must be implemented.
- Documentable experience hours to reach higher levels.
- Risk assessments must form the basis for all rope access activities.
- Ergonomics should influence our choice of methods.
- Organization charts for the organization shall be publicly available.
These requirements must also be met by any new members of ECRA.
Value base
Vision: Europe's most recognized industry body for working at height
Purpose: To promote safety and quality in the performance of rope access in particular and work at height in general, and everything related thereto.
Core values:
- Safety and security
- Training
- Understanding
- Security
Core values SOFT
Promises: We will promote our members' interests
The board of Soft
Torstein Eide
Chairman of the Board
Jørn Magne Olsen
Board member
Yngve Andrè Grüner
Board member
Ola Agledahl
Board member
Silje Strand
Board member
Leiv Røv
Board member
