Many industries use rope access technicians. Within each industry, technicians are likely to have a range of skills that ensure they are employable and can complete tasks to a high standard. Some technicians will have very specific skills that relate to their core area of work, whereas others have a general set of skills that they can use across different contracts. There are six main functions of rope access work:
- Inspection and Testing of Structures
- Construction, Maintenance and Repair
- Cleaning and Painting
- Facilities Management Building Services
- Geotechnical/Civil Engineering
- Media & Entertainment
This article outlines some of the tasks carried out within each of these broad areas. The list in not exhaustive, but is designed to give a flavour of what you can expect from this type of work, so that you can identify which ones match with your interests and personal preferences.
1. Inspection and Testing of Structures
Doing:
Structural Surveys
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Working on:
Shafts
Confined spaces
Masts, towers and pylons
Satellite and radar tracking installations
2. Construction, Maintenance and Repair
Doing:
Concrete repairs
Stonework repairs
Other repairs
Sealant installation and re-instatement
Secondary fixings
Replacement cladding
Erection & maintenance
Working on:
Bridges
High rise buildings
Historic buildings
Churches
Monuments
Renewable energy sector – wind turbines
Flare stacks
3. Cleaning and Painting
Doing:
Jet spray
Grit blasting
Spray painting
Roller brush painting
Full surface preparation
Working on:
Tall buildings
Monuments
Renewable energy sector – wind turbines
Bridges
4. Facilities Management Building Services
Doing:
General Window Cleaning
Glazing Inspection Replacement and Repair
Services Repair Fitting and Maintenance
Pest Control
Bird deterrent installation
Facade Survey, Coating, inspection and maintenance
Working on:
Modern buildings
Historic buildings
Bridges
Monuments
5. Geotechnical/Civil Engineering
Doing:
Permanent Rock Anchorage
Soil Nailing
Sprayed Concrete
Rock fall prevention Meshing
Pressure Pointing
Slope stabilisation
Working on:
Infrastructure
Roadsides
Cliffs
Steep natural structures
6. Media & Entertainment
Doing:
Rigging for stage
Lighting & sound
Erection of banners
Aerial photography
Working in:
Concert venues
Music halls
Theatres
Opera houses
Any stage setting, including festivals
Public Spaces
Stadia
Sports venues
Outdoor Careers 
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