Rope access technicians are fast becoming the preferred option for high-risk services and maintenance solutions on a range of jobs and tasks traditionally performed on equipment like elevated work platforms, pulley-operated work platforms or scaffolding.
Rope access workers can perform most jobs that require this heavy equipment medium with minimal equipment and less disruption to a business or facility’s daily operations.
Often, rope access professionals can complete work faster and safer than these traditional services, saving property owners and managers significantly on equipment hire costs, added safety measures for bystanders, and time on the job.
What is a rope access technician?
A rope access technician is a qualified abseiler, also known as a rappeller.
Abseiling uses fixed rope systems and harnesses, allowing an abseiler or rope access technician to safely and securely ascend and descend a sheer face, like a cliff or a high-rise building. This rig also enables them to lock themselves in place when performing work.
Examples of the type of work that employs rope access technicians include:
- Height access window cleaning
- Building cleaning, maintenance and repair
- Confined space work
- Stand by rescue
- Rigging
- Lifting and much more
An abseiling specialist usually works on a two-rope system, one that attaches to their harness, allowing them to move up and down and shift left and right, and one as a safety arrest in the unlikely event of a rope system failure.
These ropes attach to the structure, like a building, by what are known as anchor points.
Often, on a high-rise building, anchor points are pre-planned during the building’s design and are permanently installed in strategic places around the building for rope access technicians to utilise.
Different anchor points can be installed or utilised on a building or rooftop.
Different types of anchor points
The type of anchor point that is selected for rope access applications can depend on several things, including:
- The height of the work
- The kind of work required
- The weight of the technician and the equipment required
- The predictability of weather conditions in a given location
- State and Government OH&S specifications and more
Below, we will look at common anchor point types used for height-safety specialists and rope access technicians.
Even though rope access anchor points installation usually occurs during a building or structure’s design and construction, other rope access anchor points are used when permanent fixtures are not in place.
Surface mount anchor point
A surface mount anchor point is a fixed tie-off device that bolted straight onto your roof’s sheeting—most commonly Colorbond® metal roofs across Sydney’s suburban and commercial precincts. Ideal for fall-arrest or fall-restraint systems, these anchors give technicians a safe, reliable attachment when servicing air-conditioning units, solar panels, guttering or doing roof repairs.
Quick Installation in Any Suburb
Fits neatly onto standard 0.42 mm–0.75 mm Colorbond® sheeting.
No welding or specialised tools—perfect for rooftop work in Parramatta, North Sydney or Bondi.
Built for Coastal Conditions
Hot-dip galvanised or 316 stainless steel options resist salt spray around Sydney Harbour and Botany Bay.
Complies with NSW WorkSafe & Australian Standards
Rated to at least 15 kN (≈1 500 kgf) for one person, 21 kN for two.
Meets AS 5532:2013 and AS/NZS 1891.4:2009—plus NSW Code of Practice for Roof-Work Safety.
| Material | Finish | Best for… |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Steel | Hot-dip galvanised | Warehouses in Western Sydney & Penrith |
| 316 Stainless Steel | Electropolished | Coastal facilities in Manly & Cronulla |
| Aluminium Alloy | Powder-coated | Lightweight, temporary installs downtown |
Roof & Purlin Check
Ensure Colorbond® sheets and purlins (e.g. BlueScope ZINCALUME®) can take dynamic loads—particularly after heavy rain or hail.
Seal & Protect
Use high-performance silicone sealant (rated for UV in Australian summers) around each hole to prevent leaks.
Bolt-Down to Spec
Torque to 200 Nm with spring washers to withstand Sydney’s coastal winds.
On-Site Load Test
Pull-test at 5 kN, then record installation details in your onsite safety log (mandatory under NSW SafeWork guidelines).
CBD Rooftops: Servicing penthouse A/C units in Pyrmont high-rises.
Retail Centres: Gutter and sign maintenance at Westfield Bondi Junction.
Industrial Sites: Regular checks on warehouse roofing at Alexandria and Silverwater.
A concrete mount anchor point is fixed into a concrete surface, such as a wall or rooftop and is either chemically fixed or fitted with a torque anchor. This is a prevalent anchor point installed with abseiling and rope access professionals in mind.
Surface mount anchor points
Surface mount anchor points are often used when rope access technicians are required to ascend over the side of a building, as there is no suitable location to install a concrete mount.
These common anchor points will generally have a ring, eyelet, or D-shackle for the rope access technician to attach his ropes and attachments.
Temporary anchor points
A skilled and experienced rope access technician will create a temporary rope access anchor point when no anchor point is available on a structure.
They are adept at assessing and isolating structures and fixtures that will make a secure anchor point using slings, cables and other utilities to create a safe point on which to attach their rig.
A permanent anchor point will have a government-mandated recommended weight load capacity that must be strictly adhered to. However, the rope access technician and their tools will generally fall well under that weight restriction.
If a temporary anchor point is created, the rope access technician is trained to assess that anchor point’s weight capacity. Often, the temporary anchor point will be tethered to a structural part of the building that far exceeds the strength the technician requires.
Portable anchor points
Portable rope access anchor points come in various configurations and sizes, including:
- Slimline roof mount anchorages
- Modular rigs
- Tripod systems and more
This is just another example of the versatility of a rope access technician and the flexibility of their scope of work across a diverse range of industries.
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How much weight can an anchor point hold?
As previously discussed, an anchor point will always have a set weight load capacity, which must be strictly adhered to under OH&S laws in Australia.
The standard for anchor point load capacity in Australia and New Zealand comes under the AS/NZS 5532, part of the AS/NZS 1891 suite of standards for fall arrest systems governed by SafeWork Australia.
These weight load regulations are rated in measurements of force known as KiloNewtons or kN for short. The strength of an anchorage utility must include the extra pressure exerted on the anchor if the technician drops up to two meters.
The standard AS/NZS 5532 prescribes:
- For 15kN, or single-person fall arrest use, drop a 100kg load through 2 metres
- For 21kN, or two-person use, drop 150kg through 2 metres
Both of these standards must also be able to hold that load for three minutes after the drop without showing any signs of compromised structural integrity, like breaking or cracking.
These standards are established by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) after rigorous scientific testing.
Rope access technician Sydney
Call Abseilers United today if you require experienced and reliable rope access technicians in Sydney and surrounding areas.
We provide industry-leading solutions for a complete range of rope access services, including:
- Height safety
- Licenced trades
- Building maintenance
- Abseiling services and more
We strive to stay at the forefront of rope access solutions in Australia, providing world-class solutions to a wide range of Australian portable and industries.
To learn more about our diverse range of rope access solutions, contact our helpdesk on (02) 9976 6768, or send your inquiry to info@abseilersunited.com, and one of our consultants will respond promptly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much weight should an anchor point hold?
Anchor points must be capable of supporting at least 15 kN (≈1 500 kgf) per person attached, or higher if specified by your jurisdiction’s regulations or the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures that in the event of a fall, the load applied does not exceed the anchor’s rated capacity.
What standards determine anchor point capacity?
In Australia, AS 5532 (“Manufactured devices for harness-based work at height – Anchor devices”) and AS/NZS 1891.4 (“Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use and maintenance”) specify minimum strength requirements. In other regions, look for compliance with ANSI Z359 (USA) or EN 795 (Europe).
How often should anchor points be inspected and tested?
Anchor points should undergo a visual inspection by a competent person before each use and a formal annual inspection and load test to verify they still exceed the required 15 kN rating. Records of each inspection and test must be maintained.
What types of anchor points are available?
- Permanent roof anchors (e.g., through-bolt, chemical anchor)
- Portable anchors (e.g., tripods, beam clamps)
- Structural tie-backs (using engineered steel eye bolts or brackets)
Each type has its own installation methods and rated capacity; choose based on the work environment and frequency of use.
Can existing building features be used as anchor points?
Only if they have been verified by a structural engineer or a competent person to meet the required 15 kN strength—or greater if used for multiple people or specific rescue scenarios. Never assume a beam or railing is adequate without testing.
Who is qualified to install and test anchor points?
Installation and testing must be carried out by a “competent person”—typically a certified fall-protection installer or an engineer experienced in structural fixings. They must understand load paths, materials, and relevant standards.
How do I calculate the load requirements for my anchor points?
Consider:
- The maximum user weight plus tools (including dynamic forces from a fall arrest, which can be 2–3 times body weight)
- Number of users tied in simultaneously
- Potential shock-loading factors
Use these to determine whether a single 15 kN anchor suffices or if you need a distributed/multi-point system.
What happens if an anchor point’s capacity is exceeded?
Exceeding rated capacity can lead to anchor failure, putting users at risk of serious injury or death. Always select anchors with a safety margin above calculated loads and replace any anchor that shows deformation, corrosion or damage.