Rope access is a form of work positioning, initially developed from techniques used in climbing and caving, which applies practical rope work to allow workers to access difficult-to-reach locations without the use of scaffolding, cradles or an aerial work platform.

The most common applications for modern rope access include inspection, surveying, maintenance, and construction on bridges, dams, wind turbines, towers, buildings, geologic slopes, and industrial plants.

There are many benefits in using for rope access. Unlike traditional access methods, custom rope access solutions can be designed to fit various applications. The main benefits of rope access are:

o Versatile: Rope access professionals can apply the techniques to a wide variety of environments, from confined-space penstocks to tower structures to complicated steel installations.

o Cost-effective: Rope access is very economical. Because fewer personnel are required, this means faster and safe completion of work scope which effectively means lower overall costs.

o Efficient and quick: Rope access systems are installed and dismantled quickly and require fewer personnel than traditional access methods. Less interference with other facility operations means less disruptions and minimised downtime.

o Environmentally friendly: Rope access techniques and equipment has minimal effect on the surrounding environment compared to traditional access methods.