Suspended work – where only ropes and courage keep you up

They work where few others dare to venture – in heights, on inaccessible structures, and under extreme conditions. Access technicians combine climbing skills with technical expertise to perform tasks where scaffolding and cranes are not an option.

A demanding everyday life at height

Access technicians are specialists in working in inaccessible areas using ropes, climbing gear, and advanced safety systems. Their workplace can range from wind turbines and oil rigs to skyscrapers and bridges. A typical workday can involve anything from inspection and maintenance to equipment installation in places that no one else can reach.

No room for mistakes

Safety is the most important aspect of the job. Technicians undergo thorough training in the use of ropes, safety equipment, and emergency procedures.

“We follow strict protocols and always double-check all equipment before starting work. A small mistake can have major consequences,” Eriksen says.

Access technicians must also have technical expertise in the field they work in, whether it’s welding, inspection, painting, or other specialized work. This makes the job varied and demanding.

An interview with one of our experts

What is the most challenging aspect of working at height?

“The job requires thorough planning so that we can work safely with ropes. We always need good and solid anchoring points that can withstand specific loads, and we must be very aware of where the ropes go to avoid contact with hot pipes or sharp objects,” explains Øyvind Kloster Kvidbergskår.

Each assignment is performed with a double rope system – a working rope and a safety rope. “This ensures that safety is maintained, even if one rope were to break. We need a good plan for how the ropes are rigged so that we hang freely and close enough to the work area to be able to work ergonomically and safely,” he further explains.

How do weather conditions affect your work?

“The wind limits what we can do. When the wind becomes too strong, we have to stop work for safety reasons. Weather is a factor we always need to consider,” he says.

Why did you choose to become an access technician?

“I like the challenges the job presents. I have a vocational certificate as an industrial mechanic and enjoy climbing in my free time, so the access technician profession was a perfect combination. Working on mechanical tasks while hanging high above the ground brings both excitement and adrenaline to my workday,” Øyvind shares.

What types of assignments do you perform?

“We do everything from welding, pipe cutting, painting, and inspections to rigging, lubrication, maintenance, and sandblasting. In short, anything that cannot be done from the ground, with a ladder, scaffolding, or lift, we can do with ropes,” he explains.

Access technology is a job for those who enjoy challenges, precision, and excitement – an important piece in the complex puzzle of industry. The next time you look up at a large installation or a tall building, it might very well be that Øyvind and his colleagues are up there ensuring everything functions as it should – far from the safe ground beneath us.

Increasing demand for specialists

With increasingly advanced buildings and structures, the need for access technicians is growing. There is particularly high demand for qualified professionals in the wind power, oil and gas industry, and infrastructure sectors.

“This is a profession for those who enjoy challenges and who are not afraid of heights,” Øyvind concludes.