Rope access

Rope access, also known as industrial climbing and also as commercial climbing, is a form of work positioning, initially developed from techniques commonly used in climbing (and particularly big wall climbing), and in caving, which applies practical ropework to allow workers to access difficult-to-reach locations without the use of scaffolding, cradles or an aerial work platform.

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.