What is rope access?

Imagine this:

A technician is suspended 80 meters above the ground, working on a wind turbine.
No scaffolding, no aerial platform — just a harness, two ropes, a descender, and an ascender.

That’s Rope Access: a safe and efficient method for carrying out inspections, maintenance, and repairs in hard-to-reach places.
What started in mountaineering has evolved into a fully developed industrial technique.

Did you know…

A Rope Access technician always wears standard PPE such as safety shoes, a climbing helmet, safety glasses, and work clothing. In addition, they use carabiners, slings, and a rescue kit.
Safety is always the top priority.

Rope Access is used when other collective safety measures — such as scaffolding or aerial work platforms — cannot be applied.

Read more about Rope Access

What does Rope Access mean?

Rope Access literally means “access via rope.”
Using industrial climbing equipment such as harnesses, ropes, descenders, and carabiners, technicians can work in areas that are otherwise inaccessible.

Typical examples include:

• High façades and glass structures

• Bridge constructions and viaducts

• Wind turbines and offshore platforms

• Steel structures or storage tanks

Because technicians position themselves using ropes, there is no need to build large structures.
That saves time, money, and disruption.

Safety according to Dutch law (Arbobesluit 7.23c)

In the Netherlands, Rope Access is regulated under Arbobesluit Article 7.23c, which requires that:

• At least two ropes are always used (one working line and one safety line);

• The technician wears a full-body safety harness;

• Each rope is equipped with safe ascending and descending devices;

• Tools must be secured against falling;

• A rescue plan and supervision are always in place;

• Employees receive specific training, including rescue procedures.

These regulations ensure that Rope Access work in the Netherlands is carried out safely and in a controlled manner.

How does Rope Access work?

A Rope Access system always consists of two lines:

• Working line (main line): the technician is suspended from this line and can move up, down, or sideways.

• Safety line (backup line): serves as a fall-arrest backup in case the main line fails.

The technician uses a full-body harness, descenders, ascenders, and positioning lanyards for maximum control.

There is always a second technician on site, equipped with a rescue kit and plan.
At Mennens, safety in Rope Access is never up for debate.

Where is Rope Access used?

Wind Energy

Inspection and maintenance of wind turbines, both onshore and offshore — from rotor blade inspections to minor repairs and component replacements.

Industrial Maintenance

In refineries, chemical plants, or power stations: inspections (such as NDT), welding, painting, or pipe installation at height.

Civil Engineering and Infrastructure

Inspections of bridges, locks, tunnels, and viaducts — safely and without long-term traffic disruptions.

Building Maintenance and Construction

From window cleaning to façade renovation — ideal for atriums or indoor areas where no permanent installation or aerial lift is available.

Events and Media

Installation of lighting, sound systems, or cameras in hard-to-reach locations — and occasionally even for teambuilding activities.

How safe is Rope Access?

Although it may look extreme, when performed correctly, Rope Access is one of the safest work methods at height.

This is due to strict international standards such as:

• IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association)

• SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians)

In addition, all Rope Access work in the Netherlands must comply with Arbobesluit 7.23c.

Standard safety measures include:

• Double rope anchoring;

• A pre-defined Task Risk Assessment (TRA) and rescue plan;

• Annual recertification of technicians;

• Regular inspection and testing of all equipment.

Important:
Safety also depends on which company you hire.
A certified Rope Access company has the proper insurance, supervision, and inspected equipment — something a freelancer cannot always guarantee.

The benefits of Rope Access

• Flexible – suitable for small or complex locations

• Fast – operational within an hour

• Cost-efficient – less equipment and downtime

• Environmentally friendly – no heavy machinery or cranes

• Low impact – quiet and space-efficient

Who is allowed to perform Rope Access work?

In principle, anyone can perform Rope Access work — as long as the requirements of Arbobesluit 7.23c are met.

An IRATA or SPRAT certification is not mandatory, but it is the international standard for training and safety.

Under Dutch occupational health and safety law (Arbowet), employers are obliged to provide the safest possible working environment.
In practice, this means well-trained technicians and inspected equipment.

The three IRATA levels

The future of Rope Access

The demand for Rope Access continues to grow, driven by:

• The rise of renewable energy (wind farms);

• Increasingly complex infrastructure and buildings;

• A stronger focus on safety and cost efficiency.

Rope Access techniques are also being combined more and more with drones and 3D inspections, making the work even safer and more efficient.

Rope Access at Mennens

At Mennens, we combine craftsmanship with safety.
Our Rope Access specialists work according to the highest standards and have all required training and equipment.

Whether it’s inspecting a wind turbine blade offshore or repairing a bridge structure in the city — we offer a safe and reliable solution at height and in depth.

Curious whether Rope Access could be the right solution for your project?
Contact our Rope Access team — we’re happy to advise you on the safest approach for your situation.

Read more about Rope Access