What is Rope Access?

WHAT IS INDUSTRIAL ROPE ACCESS?

Rope access is the use of specialised rope techniques to allow workers to reach difficult locations in a vertical work environment. These techniques are often used by construction specialists, high-rise window cleaners, steeplejacks, building inspectors, antenna fitters, painters and arborists.

These techniques were originally developed by Rock Climbers by modifying mountaineering techniques and offering their services to clean windows on high rise buildings. Although disputed by some, rock climbers tend to have a good success rate in the Rope Access industry due to their ability to problem solve whilst "on rope" and a thorough grounding in risk assessment.

Rope access techniques provide:

Efficiency - It can place the worker where they need to be to do the job best!
Safety - Proven techniques and equipment backed by industry safety standards!
Flexibility - Custom solutions to specific work access problems!
Correct Skills - Identifies and uses trained professionals for the particular job!
Compliance - Meets your occupational health & safety needs.
Cost Effective - It often beats the cost of other means of providing access to difficult positions

Often Rope Access is perceived by the general public, and promoted by unscrupulous practitioners, as dangerous in the extreme in order to charge higher prices of jobs.

Although Rope Access by nature exposes workers to risk, these risks, properly managed by well trained workers are no more dangerous then any other work at height such as working on scaffolding etc.

The techniques are specialised, but are easy to learn for anyone who is practically minded and who is physically fit. It is a physically demanding career, and workers must be able to cope with these demands. A good head for heights is essential.