FAQ

Safety & Misconceptions

  • Any work at height carries risk, but rope access is one of the safest methods when done by trained professionals. We operate under AS/NZS 1891 (Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices) and follow the IRATA International Code of Practice. Our systems include redundancy, rescue planning, and constant monitoring — making rope access statistically safer than scaffolding or EWP use.

  • Not necessarily. A confined space is defined under the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016, Part 1, Clause 9 as any area with restricted entry/exit and a risk of harm. Hazards such as oxygen deficiency, airborne contaminants, or entrapment risks are assessed and controlled through air monitoring, ventilation, and safe entry permits.

  • Absolutely not. Confined space entry requires competency in standards like NZQA Unit Standard 18426 (Confined space entry and work), a documented rescue plan (per HSWA 2015, Section 36: PCBU duties), and specialised PPE. Attempting it without training and systems is extremely dangerous and non-compliant.

  • No — when designed correctly, rope access applies minimal load to structures compared to scaffolding. Anchor systems are designed in line with AS/NZS 5532 (Manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor devices) and manufacturer specifications, ensuring structural integrity and worker safety.

COMPLIANCE & LEGAL

  • Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), PCBUs and officers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that work is without risks to health and safety (Sections 36–44).

    We provide risk assessments, safe work method statements (SWMS), and rescue plans, aligning with WorkSafe NZ’s Good Practice Guidelines (Working at Height in New Zealand, 2020) and confined space guidance.

  • Yes. Both WorkSafe’s Rope Access Good Practice Guideline (2019) and the Confined Spaces Code of Practice require a documented and rehearsed rescue plan. HSWA also requires PCBUs to plan for emergencies (Section 48). We prepare site-specific rescue plans for every project.

  • Yes. Every confined space entry requires a site-specific, documented rescue plan with trained personnel and the right equipment. This ensures worker safety and compliance with HSWA 2015, GRWM Regulations 2016, AS 2865, and WorkSafe NZ Confined Spaces Code of Practice.

  • Not at all. While documentation is important, compliance is about real-world risk management. HSWA Section 30 (Duty of PCBU to manage risks) makes it clear that controls, training, and monitoring are just as important as paperwork. Our approach combines documentation with practical safety systems.

  • All projects have a site-specific rescue plan in place, in line with HSWA 2015, AS/NZS 1891.4, AS 2865, and WorkSafe guidance. If a rescue is needed, trained personnel follow the documented procedure using the correct equipment, ensuring rapid response and minimal risk to all workers.

Operational Best Practice

  • Scaffolding can be effective for large, long-term projects. However, WorkSafe’s Working at Height Guidelines recognise rope access as a safe and efficient alternative, particularly for short-duration or complex-access tasks. Rope systems can often be installed and dismantled in a fraction of the time scaffolding requires.

  • Not at all. In addition to rope access and confined space operations, we provide consulting, system design, rescue planning, and project management. Our consulting work aligns with ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems) principles to help clients build robust systems.

  • Through tailored access methodology planning, often informed by ISO 31000 (Risk Management). By matching the right method (rope access, MEWP, scaffolding, or hybrid systems) to the site, we reduce setup time, minimise disruption, and keep projects moving without compromising safety.

  • We assess site conditions, project scope, and hazards to choose the safest and most efficient access method. Options include rope access, scaffolding, MEWPs, or hybrid systems. Planning follows ISO 31000 risk management principles to reduce downtime and ensure worker safety.

COST & EFFICIENCY

  • In most cases, it’s the opposite. A 2019 WorkSafe industry report found that rope access often reduces downtime, labour costs, and site disruption compared to traditional methods. Because equipment is portable and setup is fast, overall project costs are usually lower.

  • That’s no problem. We operate within recognised frameworks such as IRATA/SPRAT international standards and WorkSafe NZ guidelines, but we also specialise in bespoke access solutions. If it involves safe access, compliance, or planning — we can design a tailored approach.

  • Absolutely. Rope access and confined space methods are ideal for short-duration inspections or maintenance tasks, reducing setup time and cost compared to scaffolding. Systems are designed to be safe, flexible, and compliant with AS/NZS and WorkSafe guidelines.

References & Further Reading

  • Sections 30–48 cover PCBU, Officer, and Worker duties.

  • Part 1, Clause 9 defines confined spaces.

    • Working at Height in New Zealand – Good Practice Guidelines (2020)

    • Rope Access Good Practice Guideline (2019)

    • Confined Spaces: Workplace Safety Management (Code of Practice)

  • AS/NZS 1891 – Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices

    • 1891.1: Safety belts and harnesses – Requirements for design, testing, and performance of full-body harnesses and belts.

    • 1891.2: Horizontal lifeline and rail systems – Standards for horizontal fall-arrest/ restraint systems (lifelines and rails).

    • 1891.3: Fall-arrest devices – Covers devices like rope grabs, retractables, and descenders designed to safely stop a fall.

    • 1891.4: Selection, use, and maintenance – Practical guidance on how to choose, use, inspect, and maintain fall-arrest equipment. Section 9.3.4 states that a rescue procedure must be developed for all fall-arrest systems, and users must be trained in it.

    AS/NZS 4488 – Industrial rope access systems

    • 4488.1: Specifications – Technical requirements for rope access equipment, system setup, and structural considerations.

    • 4488.2: Selection, use, and maintenance – Guidelines for how rope access systems are planned, operated, and maintained, including training and supervision expectations.

    • Requires that a site-specific rescue plan is part of every rope access job. The plan must be documented, rehearsed, and equipment must be on site.

    • IRATA International Code of Practice

    • SPRAT Safe Practices

    • ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems

    • ISO 31000 – Risk Management Principles & Guidelines

    • AS 2865: Confined Spaces – Clause 5.3.3 requires that all confined space entries have documented and rehearsed emergency response procedures.

    • HSWA 2015 & GRWM Regulations 2016 – PCBU duties to ensure safe work and emergency planning.

    • WorkSafe NZ Confined Spaces Code of Practice – Confirms requirements for rescue plans and trained personnel.