Rope Access & Equipment

Rope access is a method of reaching difficult positions using ropes, anchors and a carefully specified set of hardware. This category explains how it works, what the equipment does, and where the method fits alongside scaffolding, mobile elevating work platforms and cradles.

Here you’ll find articles on abseiling techniques and rigging principles, anchor selection and load testing, ropes and their construction, harnesses, descenders, back-up devices, ascenders, connectors, helmets and PPE.

We cover inspection intervals, equipment retirement criteria, how kit should be stored and logged, and the standards each item is certified against. We also publish comparison pieces — rope access versus scaffolding, and how to judge which method suits a particular building or asset.

Not sure which access method your project needs? Contact us and our experts will guide you step by step.