The term Roped Access describes a range of techniques derived from the sports of mountaineering and caving. These can now be used to gain access and work at many sites complicated by such factors as extreme height or depth, rough terrain or restricted space. Commercial roped access originated in the Alpine countries, where mountaineers were used to assist in the construction of cable-car systems. The technique eventually became established as an accepted part of the British civil engineering scene during the 1980’s. Since then, improvements in equipment, techniques and training, together with the establishment of a trade association (IRATA) has helped to create a thoroughly modern and efficient industry. IRATA (the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) works closely with the Health & Safety Executive and this has given the industry an enviable safety record; arguably the safest discipline in civil engineering. The range of civil engineering projects to which roped access can be applied is continually widening and it now provides industry with considerable cost-saving benefits, improved safety levels and all-round greater efficiency.