The Definition
Rope access is a safe, efficient and highly flexible method of working at height or in areas with difficult access. Originally developed from caving techniques, it was designed to provide a simple yet highly reliable solution for reaching challenging locations.
The first large-scale application of rope access was on oil and gas platforms in the North Sea, where it proved invaluable for inspections and maintenance in hazardous environments. Since then, rope access has evolved to become a trusted solution across many industries, both offshore and onshore.
Today, rope access is widely used for tasks such as:
- High-rise window and façade cleaning
- Routine building maintenance
- Structural repairs and remedial work
- Geotechnical inspections and surveys
- Work on some of the world’s most iconic structures
Safety and Standards
Its adaptability, combined with strict safety protocols, makes rope access a cost-effective alternative to scaffolding or other traditional access methods.
All rope access work is carried out in accordance with the IRATA International Code of Practice (ICOP), ensuring the highest safety and operational standards. Teams are trained to work efficiently while minimising risk to people, property, and the environment.
Rope access is more than a method, it’s a trusted solution that allows work to be completed in locations that would otherwise be difficult, expensive or impossible to reach safely.
