As Australian cities grow taller, building owners are turning to maintenance solutions that reduce cost and disruption.
Rope access — using industrial abseiling techniques to reach facades — is increasingly being adopted as an alternative to traditional scaffolding.
Anchor Safe Rope Access operates across both Melbourne and Sydney. The company is recognised by the Master Painters associations, provides a window into how the method works and why it is gaining traction.
Experience shapes the workforce
BDM – Design and Estimating Manager Brad Love has worked in the building industry for more than half a century.
“I’m a painter and decorator by trade, a spray painter,” Brad said.
“Most of the team are also trade-qualified, so we’ve got an enormous pool of information and experience to draw on.” Anchor Safe Rope Access employs 35 rope access technicians and 14 admin and technical staff across its Melbourne operation.
According to Brad, this trade background allows the team to handle tasks ranging from painting and remedial work to waterproofing and façade inspections.
Less disruption than scaffolding
Brad discussed an eight-storey apartment project where scaffolding created significant complications.
“The retail stores at street level saw their trade drop by about 25 per cent because everyone thought it was a construction site,” he said.
“Residents were staring at ugly grey and green mesh for months — and then the builder went broke, leaving the scaffolding in place.”
By contrast, rope access requires no large structures.
“Our only obstacle is a technician working off a rope,” Brad explained.
“We’re a little bit like ninjas — we come in, do what’s needed, and disappear.
“At the end of the day, we pull the ropes up and the building is back to normal operations.”
Safety and compliance
The company operates within strict safety frameworks.
“Because we’re dealing with someone’s life on the end of a rope, we don’t take shortcuts,” Brad explained.
“If it’s not safe, we don’t touch it—simple as that.”
All rope access workers are IRATA certified, from Level 1 through Level 3 for complex rescues.
Brad said anchors are tested before every descent, daily toolbox talks are conducted, and all equipment is tethered to prevent objects from falling. He also cites compliance with the Design Practitioners Act, which requires specialised design and oversight for waterproofing and other façade works.
Rope access allows close-contact façade assessments that are difficult from the ground or by drone.
“We put guys on ropes over the side of the building and they can physically touch the render work to see if it’s drummy,” Love explained.
“Anchor Safe Rope Access uses a proprietary inspection app to document findings. “Where others might take ten pictures, we photograph every nook and cranny — sometimes 1,500 photos in a single report,” Brad said.
Data is then linked to a spreadsheet for cost estimation.
Recognition through industry
The company’s work has been acknowledged by the Master Painters associations.
Brad, who prepares award submissions, said they include client testimonials and detailed project specifications.
He added that communication with residents and property managers is a core part
of each job.
“Before we start any project, we letterbox all residents and set up a WhatsApp group so clients can see progress photos and stay informed,” he said.
The example of Anchor Safe Rope Access illustrates the broader appeal of rope access: reduced visual impact, fewer business interruptions, and the ability to perform complex façade maintenance without the footprint of scaffolding.