Steeplejacks & Working At Height Specialists

 Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between a Steeplejack and a Rope Access Technician?

  Although the two disciplines share some overlap in terms of access methods, there are key distinctions between them. A Steeplejack is a traditional trade professional with a broad multi-skill set, typically trained in masonry, brickwork, welding, carpentry and other structural trades in addition to their climbing and access abilities.
  
  A Rope Access Technician, by contrast, is primarily trained in the use of industrial rope systems for access and positioning but may not hold the same breadth of structural trade qualifications. In practice, Steeplejacks at companies such as Central High Rise often combine both skill sets, holding IRATA rope access certification alongside their Steeplejack qualifications, making them well placed to carry out complex structural works at height using the most appropriate access method for each situation.

• Do I need a risk assessment before any working at height activity takes place?

  Yes. Under the Working at Height Regulations 2005, a risk assessment is a legal requirement before any work at height is carried out. The risk assessment must identify all potential hazards, evaluate the level of risk involved and set out the control measures that will be put in place to reduce risk to an acceptable level.
  
  For structures requiring lightning protection, a separate risk assessment to British Standard BS EN 62305:2012 is also required to determine what level of lightning protection is needed. Duty holders (which can include building owners, facilities managers and employers) are legally responsible for ensuring these assessments are completed by a competent person before work begins.

• How do Steeplejacks access structures without full scaffolding?

  Steeplejacks use a variety of specialist access techniques that remove the need for costly full scaffolding. These include the erection of access ladders secured using a belay rope fall arrest system, suspended or flying scaffolding systems, traditional bosun's chairs, and modern twin rope abseiling techniques.
  
  Where appropriate, Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) may also be used. The choice of access method is determined by factors including the type and geometry of the structure, the nature of the work to be carried out, the structural condition of the building, and the relevant health and safety requirements. Selecting the right access method can deliver significant cost savings for clients by reducing the time and materials required to prepare a site for works.

• What qualifications and accreditations should I look for when hiring a Steeplejack company?

  When appointing a Steeplejack contractor, you should look for a company that holds relevant industry accreditations such as CHAS, SafeContractor, Constructionline Gold and SSIP membership, which demonstrate that the organisation meets recognised health and safety standards. Operatives should hold a valid CSCS card and, where rope access work is involved, IRATA certification. For lightning protection works specifically, look for ATLAS accreditation and operatives trained to the relevant British Standards.
  
  It is also worth checking that the company holds an appropriate ISO quality management certification, such as ISO 9001, and carries adequate public liability and employers' liability insurance. A strong safety record and a track record of relevant industry awards, such as RoSPA recognition, are further indicators of a reputable and responsible contractor.

• What types of structures can a Steeplejack work on?

  The range of structures that Steeplejacks work on is broad and varied. Traditionally associated with church steeples and industrial chimneys, the modern Steeplejack is equally at home working on tall commercial and residential buildings, cooling towers, bridges, dams, rock faces, communication masts, flagpoles, water towers, monuments, castles and heritage structures.
  
  In each case, the Steeplejack's ability to design and erect specialist access systems means that work can be carried out safely on structures where conventional access is impractical, too costly or would cause unacceptable disruption.

• How often should lightning protection systems be tested and inspected?

  The frequency of testing and inspection depends on the standard to which the system was originally installed. For systems installed and tested to the current standard BS EN 62305:2012, the risk assessment for the structure will determine the required inspection interval, which is typically every 12 months for higher risk structures or every two years for lower risk buildings.
  
  For older systems installed to the previous standard BS 6651:1999, the system should be tested and inspected in line with the recommendations of that standard. It is important to note that any changes to a building or its usage may affect the level of protection required and should prompt a fresh risk assessment. Keeping up to date with inspection and maintenance obligations also ensures that building owners remain compliant with their insurance requirements.

• What is a fall arrest system and how does it differ from a fall restraint system?

  A fall arrest system is designed to stop a person after a fall has begun, limiting the forces on the body and bringing the person to a controlled halt. These systems typically include anchor points, energy-absorbing lanyards and a full body harness.
  
  A fall restraint system, on the other hand, is designed to prevent a person from reaching a position where a fall could occur in the first place, by limiting the range of movement through a fixed length lanyard.
  
  Both types of system must be designed and installed by a competent engineer in accordance with BS EN 795, and both require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they remain safe and effective. The correct system for a given situation will depend on the nature of the task, the layout of the working area and the level of risk involved.

• Can Steeplejacks carry out work on listed buildings and heritage structures?

  Yes. Steeplejacks are well suited to heritage and conservation works precisely because of their ability to access structures using low impact methods that cause minimal disruption to the fabric of a building.
  
  Techniques such as ladder and rope access and flying scaffolding are far less invasive than full scaffolding erection, which is a particular advantage when dealing with fragile, historically significant stonework and ironwork.
  
  It is important that any contractor appointed to carry out works on a listed building or scheduled monument is experienced in heritage working practices and understands the obligations that apply under statutory building requirements and planning legislation. Works on such structures should always be carried out by operatives trained in the appropriate techniques and materials.

• What documentation should a responsible working at height contractor provide?

  A reputable working at height contractor should be able to provide a comprehensive package of safe working documentation prior to and following the completion of any project.
  
  This typically includes a site-specific risk assessment, a method statement detailing how the work will be carried out safely, details of the access equipment to be used and confirmation that it has been inspected and is in good working order, evidence of operative competence and qualifications, and details of the emergency and rescue arrangements in place.
  
  Upon completion of the works, contractors should also provide inspection reports, test certificates where applicable, and any other documentation required to demonstrate compliance with the relevant regulations and standards.

• What should I consider when planning a working at height project for the first time?

  Planning a working at height project for the first time can feel daunting, particularly given the legal responsibilities placed on duty holders.
  
  The starting point should always be to establish whether the work at height can be avoided altogether, for example by relocating equipment to ground level or using remote inspection technology such as drones. If working at height cannot be avoided, the next step is to appoint a competent contractor who can carry out a site-specific risk assessment and produce a method statement outlining how the work will be carried out safely.
  
  You should also consider the frequency with which the task will need to be repeated, as this may influence the type of access solution or permanent fall protection system that is most appropriate for your building or structure.