The exteriors of many structures present maintenance and repair challenges which make conventional access techniques impossible. Many contemporary building designs, such as sports stadia, high rise buildings, and public works of art require regular cleaning, inspection and maintenance which can only be carried out via rope access. Also, parts of many other structures such as railway and motorway viaducts, aqueducts, towers and chimney stacks can only be inspected and maintained via roped access.
As many of these types of structures are in isolated locations, work teams not only have to be qualified in a wide range of disciplines, they also have to be self-supporting and capable of working independently from their organisations.
