At Nationwide Safety, we provide professional rope access services designed to provide safe, efficient access to difficult-to-reach areas. Rope access is a highly effective method of working at height, ideal for projects where conventional means such as scaffolding or MEWPs are impractical, time-consuming, or too costly. Our fully trained rope access technicians deliver high-quality results across various commercial, industrial, and residential environments.
Unlike traditional methods, rope access is fast to deploy, versatile in application, and significantly less disruptive. Using ropes and associated equipment, our technicians are supported securely while carrying out tasks such as inspection, installation, maintenance, or cleaning - all while maintaining the highest levels of safety and compliance.
What Is Rope Access And Where Is It Used?
Rope access is a safe system of work that allows access to high or awkward areas without the need for large platforms or lifts. By combining knowledge, training, and specialist gear, rope access technicians are able to carry out a wide range of tasks efficiently and safely, including building repair, cleaning, inspections, and more. It is particularly useful where space is limited or where traditional access would be impractical.
Rope access is used in a wide range of industries including oil and gas, construction, power generation, and utilities, as well as more urban applications like high-rise property maintenance. It is also commonly deployed for non-destructive testing, vegetation clearance, signage work, and even within heritage conservation projects. The combination of flexibility and precision makes it suitable for both short-term tasks and long-term planning.
Why Choose Rope Access?
The main advantage of using rope access methods is gaining access to locations that would be unreachable by any other means of access, often with minimal impact on other operations, surrounding areas and the environment.
Safety
Safety is our top priority in rope access. Our IRATA-certified technicians follow strict protocols to ensure a secure working environment. Choosing rope access means minimising accidents, reducing downtime, and prioritising your team’s well-being.
Adaptability
Traditional access methods have limitations, but rope access offers unmatched versatility. Our technicians easily navigate confined spaces, steep inclines, and complex structures, delivering efficient, tailored solutions.
Cost
Traditional methods involve cumbersome setups and high costs. Rope access streamlines operations, reduces setup time, minimises disruptions, and maximises productivity, offering a cost-effective solution with exceptional results.
Rope Access Standards
Rope access techniques require technicians to work at height for the full duration of the rigging where operatives are required to work in suspension for the duration of their work. Work must be carried out in accordance with BS 7985: 2013 – Code of practice for the use of rope access methods for industrial purposes. The current acceptable training standard is from the Industrial Roped Access Trade Association (IRATA).
BS 7985: 2013
The British Standards Institution (BSI) has published BS EN 7985: 2013, a code of practice for the use of rope access methods for industrial purposes. This new edition, which replaces BS 7985: 2009, provides supplementary recommendations and guidance to BS ISO 22846-1: 2003 and BS ISO 22846-2: 2012. It offers practical advice on the duties of employers, employees, and self-employed individuals who use specialist rope access methods for work at height. The first edition of BS 7985 was based on the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association’s (IRATA) guidelines and included contributions from the Federation of Master Steeplejacks and Lightning Conductor Engineers, now known as the Association of Technical Lightning and Access Specialists.
BS EN 813:2024
BS EN 813 specifies requirements, testing, marking and information to be supplied by the manufacturer for sit harnesses to be used in restraint, work positioning and rope access systems, where a low point of attachment is required. Sit harnesses are not suitable to be used for fall arrest purposes.
Increase Safety While Working At Height
When working at height, safety must always come first. That’s why rope access is governed by strict protocols and international standards. All technicians undergo comprehensive training and assessment to ensure they have the necessary skills to work safely in complex environments. Before any task begins, a detailed risk assessment is carried out to identify potential hazards and to put in place the appropriate controls.
Unlike other methods that may involve heavy infrastructure or crowded workspaces, rope access provides a supported and secure way to complete work while reducing potential risks to both technicians and the surrounding environment. Technicians are trained to work as part of a team, always supervised by an IRATA Level 3, ensuring there’s always someone on site with advanced course qualifications and experience.
Whether on a busy site or a live building, our approach means fewer obstructions, less interference with ongoing operations, and minimal downtime. By reducing the number of moving parts, we reduce the number of potential failure points - delivering a method of work that is both safe and highly effective.
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Rope Access Projects
Examples of recent projects where Rope Access techniques have been implemented to install or strike our works:
NESS Energy Project
In 2021, Nationwide Safety partnered closely with Entec Design to deliver safety netting, edge protection, and access towers for a large-scale energy plant in Aberdeen.
As industry leaders in safe working at height, we take pride in our commitment to customer satisfaction and our proactive approach to minimising fall risks. Our team installed over 1500 square meters of safety netting and 300 meters of edge protection using rope access techniques, including to the Upper Enclosure roof as shown in the accompanying image.
Gillette Corner
In 2020 Nationwide Safety erected Safety Netting, Edge Protection & Access Towers to the above project with its varying roof levels and tight access.
The limited access and varying roof levels meant rope access was essential to install safety netting and edge protection.
We worked closely with our client and Harmonix Construction to provide safe working at height for all operatives on site across all the roof levels.
The photos depict the rope access technicians at work.
Due to the tight access and multiple levels of steelwork, rope access was necessary to install over 2000sqm of safety netting and 300m of edge protection to varying levels.
ABP Newport (add Huddersfield)
Following on from our completion of other works on this project we were invited to return and install via rope access safety netting & edge protection to the Calcification Building which was dense with machinery and steelwork therefore requiring installation and striking from IRATA operatives.
For Industrial Applications...
Rope access has become an essential tool across multiple industry sectors. In large-scale commercial or infrastructure projects, it offers a quicker, safer, and more efficient alternative to traditional access methods. Whether it’s the inspection of bridges, the installation of pipework, or high-level painting, rope access allows the job to be done without disrupting day-to-day operations.
It is also widely used during the final stages of builds or refurbishments, where time is critical and areas are difficult to reach. When a construction completed milestone is approaching, rope access allows last-minute works to be finished rapidly, helping to meet deadlines and maintain quality.
...And Residential Projects
The benefits of rope access aren’t limited to commercial or industrial settings. For residential buildings, it offers a discreet and minimally invasive solution to carrying out repairs, cleaning, or structural surveys. Whether on a high-rise apartment block or an individual property, rope access delivers efficient results with reduced impact on residents and surroundings.
From vegetation clearance on rooftops to repointing masonry or inspecting hard-to-reach areas, our rope access services are tailored to meet the unique demands of every project. This approach minimises noise, mess, and equipment clutter - providing a smooth and professional experience for homeowners and tenants alike.
OUR SERVICES
Rope Access
Why Choose Nationwide Safety?
Nationwide Safety is trusted across the UK to deliver reliable, compliant, and efficient rope access solutions. We combine technical expertise with a commitment to safety and precision.
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Fully trained, IRATA-certified rope access technicians
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Thorough site form evaluation and job-specific planning
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High standards of compliance with BS and EN regulations
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Proven success across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors
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Tailored rope access services for complex, confined, or high-risk environments
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Transparent communication and detailed reporting every step of the way
With Nationwide Safety, you gain a partner that puts safety first, understands your environment, and completes every job with professionalism and care.
Contact Nationwide Safety Now
If you need reliable, flexible access solutions for your next project, rope access could be the answer. Whether you're maintaining a high-rise property, carrying out an urgent inspection, or completing a sensitive installation, our experienced team can support you with safe, cost-effective techniques that meet the highest industry standards.
Let’s discuss how we can support your project from start to finish. Contact our team today to request a consultation, get advice, or receive a no-obligation quote tailored to your unique requirements.
