How rope access cuts cost and downtime for buildings, industry, and bridges

A simple way to unlock safe access and faster delivery

Rope access places certified technicians directly at the work face. It removes large temporary works, keeps operations running, and brings qualified trades to the task. For many assets this is the most efficient way to access, inspect, and maintain.

1. Plan the access approach. Choose rope access, height safety systems, or a blended method.

2. Inspect with the right technique. Visual, NDT, thermography, drone, or coating assessment.

3. Act on the findings. Complete targeted remedial works with qualified trades.

4. Close out. Provide photos, reports, and certification for clear records.

What is rope access?

Rope access is a proven method that uses certified systems to reach hard locations at height or within confined spaces. It is safe, efficient, and well suited to live sites. Technicians are IRATA certified and work under strict procedures. The benefit for you is direct access with minimal disruption.

Where rope access makes the biggest impact:

Bridges and infrastructure
Complete inspections without lane closures. Our team has inspected structures over the Waikato River with NZIHT qualified bridge inspectors and provided accurate data for engineers.

Industrial shutdowns
Inspect and repair within tight windows. At a cement facility we completed a cooling duct survey with ultrasonic testing and then carried out welding and plate replacement within the shutdown.

City high‑rise
Reglaze, repair, or paint without cranage or long street closures. In Wellington we replaced two 300 kg panels on a Deloitte tower using specialist rigging and glazing.

Heritage remedial
Restore performance and appearance with care. At Hannah’s Factory apartments we rebuilt sills, replaced corroded steel, and reinstated watertight integrity while keeping interiors spotless.

Height safety
Design, install, and certify systems that make ongoing maintenance simple. We delivered the height safety installation for New Zealand’s tallest residential building.

Results you can expect

• Lower project cost through reduced temporary works
• Shorter time on site and less disruption for occupants or the public
• Accurate inspection data that informs smart decisions
• Clean, compliant closeout with reports, photos, and certification

Cost comparison in plain terms

Scaffolding suits long duration, full elevation works. Rope access suits targeted scopes and large height differentials. If the task is localised, recurring, or inspection heavy, rope access almost always wins on time and cost.

Checklist: is rope access the right choice

• The area is hard to reach with plant or scaffolding
• The scope is localised and defined
• The site must stay live with minimal disruption
• The work involves inspection, remedial repair, or small to medium installation
• Safety and compliance requirements are strict and time bound

If you tick three or more, rope access is likely the best option.

Case snapshots

Cooling duct inspection and repair
General visual inspection and ultrasonic testing identified severe erosion. Our team executed confined space rope access, lifting, and FCAW welding to install replacement plates within the shutdown window.

Victoria Bridge inspections
NDT and coating assessments completed by NZIHT qualified inspectors. Rope access removed the need for lane closures and kept the river corridor open.

Deloitte high‑rise reglaze
Two 300 kg glass panels replaced with rope access rigging and glazing. Streets and footpaths remained open. No cranage required.

Hannah’s Factory remedial
Interior and exterior demolition of the sill, steel replacement, welding, concrete repair, and reglaze. Apartments were handed back spotless with watertight performance restored.

Tallest residential height safety
Accredited design and installation of fall protection systems. Fully certified and tailored to the building layout for long term maintenance.

What we deliver on every project

• IRATA certified technicians and trade‑qualified supervisors
• Clear scope, sequencing, and risk controls before work begins
• Daily progress updates with photos and issue tracking
• Closeout packs with reports, defect logs, and certifications
• A single accountable team from access to inspection to remedial

“IA Solutions kept our high‑rise project on schedule and reduced disruption. The team combined access, safety, and trade skills to deliver a clean result.”
Project Manager, Naylor Love

Quick answers

How are inspections completed
We select the right method for the structure. Visual, ultrasonic thickness testing, magnetic particle, dye penetrant, eddy current, thermography, concrete scanning, and drone surveys. Findings are coded and reported with photos for easy decisions.

What about safety and compliance
All work follows WorkSafe requirements and relevant AS NZS standards. Technicians are IRATA certified. Height safety systems are supplied, installed, and certified by accredited installers.

Do you only inspect
No. We also deliver the repair. Examples include welding and fabrication, concrete repair, glazing, coating, waterproofing, and access system installation.

Next steps

Send us the asset location, a short description of the issue, and any photos you have. We will recommend the right access method and provide a clear plan with timeframes and cost.

Talk to our team
info@iasolutions.co.nz