Rope access, also known asindustrial climbing and also ascommercial climbing, is a form of work positioning, initially developed from techniques commonly used inclimbing (and particularlybig wall climbing), and incaving, which applies practicalropework to allow workers to access difficult-to-reach locations without the use ofscaffolding, cradles or anaerial work platform.[1][2]
Rope access technicians descend, ascend, and traverse ropes for access and work while suspended by their harnesses. Sometimes a work seat may be used. The support of the rope is intended to eliminate the likelihood of a fall altogether, but a backup fall arrest system (Personal protective equipment) is used in case of the unlikely failure of the primary means of support. This redundancy system is usually achieved by using two ropes - a working line and a safety line.[1][2]
