Builders and remedial contractors often reach a point on a project where the work left is at height and hard to get to: a facade patch repair on level eight, sealant around a few windows, a painting touch-up after a defect rectification, or a small section of cladding that needs attention. Bringing in scaffolding or a swing stage for that kind of work rarely makes sense.
That is where a rope access subcontractor in Sydney can slot into your program. This article explains how subcontracting with us works in practice, from the first scope through to the final photo report.
When rope access makes sense on a project
Rope access suits work that is spread out, isolated or short in duration on a tall or hard-to-reach structure. Typical examples include:
- Facade and concrete patch repairs at height
- Sealant and caulking replacement around windows, joints and penetrations
- Painting, touch-ups and coating repairs on high-rise elevations
- Defect rectification found during handover or in the defects liability period
- Inspections and photo surveys to inform your own scope or pricing
- Anchor point installation and certification for future maintenance access
If the scope covers large continuous areas over a long period, scaffolding may still be the better choice. We will tell you honestly when that is the case.
Step 1: Scoping the work
A clear scope is what keeps a subcontract running smoothly. We start with your drawings, defect lists, consultant reports or marked-up photos, and then visit site where needed to check access, anchor options and the condition of the work areas.
Our quote sets out the elevations and drops involved, the specific tasks, materials, the access method and any assumptions or exclusions. Where the extent of a repair cannot be confirmed until we are on the wall, we say so and agree how variations will be measured and approved.
Step 2: Compliance documents
Head contractors need paperwork before anyone goes over the edge. We provide what your site induction and subcontractor onboarding require, including:
- Site-specific Safe Work Method Statements for rope access and the tasks involved
- Rescue plan for the rope access work
- Certificates of currency, including $20M public liability and workers compensation
- NSW Contractor Licence 465770C (Decorator, Painter)
- Rope access certifications for the technicians on the job
- Equipment inspection records where requested
Our Director, Marcos Silva, holds IRATA Level 3 and has more than 15 years of rope access experience. He oversees the planning and supervision of our rope access work.
Step 3: Anchor and access planning
Rope access depends on suitable anchorage. On existing buildings, we check whether permanent anchors are installed and whether their certification is current. On construction sites, anchorage may need to come from structural elements, temporary systems or engineered solutions agreed with the builder.
We also plan exclusion zones at ground level, edge protection at the rigging point, and how we will reach the roof or rigging level through the site. If a building has no compliant anchors, we can install and certify them. See our anchor point installation and certification service for details.
Step 4: Coordination with the site
Rope access crews work above other trades and above the public, so coordination matters. Before mobilising we confirm with the site manager:
- Working hours, site rules and induction times
- Areas below the work that need to be barricaded or closed
- Crane, hoist or other overhead activity that may conflict with our drops
- Roof access, storage for materials and a water or power supply if needed
- Weather calls, since wind and rain affect what can safely be done on ropes
We keep the site manager updated daily on progress and on anything we find that affects the program.
Step 5: Doing the work
Our team carries out painting, sealing, patch repairs and general facade maintenance from ropes. You can see the type of work we take on in repairs and maintenance and high-rise painting. Materials and systems follow your specification or the consultant’s, and we flag anything that does not suit the substrate or conditions before we start.
Step 6: Photo reporting and handover
Work done at height is hard for anyone else to check later, so we document it. Our reports typically include before, during and after photos, locations marked by elevation and drop, and notes on anything outside scope that we noticed while on the wall. That gives you a clean record for your client, consultant or the defects liability file.
Working with us as a builder
We work under head contractors and alongside remedial specialists as part of their team. For more detail on how we support construction and remedial projects, see our page for builders and remedial contractors.
Frequently asked questions
Can you work under our SWMS and site rules?
Yes. We follow the head contractor’s site rules and induction, and provide our own task-specific SWMS and rescue plan for the rope access work, which can be reviewed alongside yours.
Do you only do painting?
No. Painting is a large part of our work, but we also carry out sealant replacement, patch repairs, facade maintenance, inspections and anchor point work by rope access.
How quickly can you mobilise?
It depends on the scope, documentation and anchor arrangements. Small, well-defined scopes on buildings with certified anchors can usually be scheduled faster. Call us with the details and we will give you a realistic start date.
Talk to Ace Abseiling
Ace Abseiling is a Sydney painting and remedial contractor working on industrial rope access, established in February 2021. If you have work at height that needs a reliable subcontractor, contact us or call 1300 926 176 to talk through the scope.
