At Rope Access 24 Seven we are proud to support businesses across the UK with safe, efficient and fully compliant rope access ductwork solutions. Recently, we were contacted by a commercial client who had identified a serious issue – after moving in to new premises, it was soon evident that their vertical riser system had no existing access panels, preventing essential maintenance and cleaning work from being carried out safely. This case study showcases how our rope access building maintenance specialists provided a professional, compliant and cost-effective solution by installing safe riser access in the form of custom access panels to improve safety, accessibility and compliance in line with NAAD21 regulations.
The Challenge: No Safe Riser Access for Essential Maintenance
The client, a facilities manager responsible for a multi-storey commercial building, raised concerns over the inability to inspect or clean their vertical duct risers due to lack of access points. This presented not only a compliance issue but also a significant fire safety risk, as internal ductwork can accumulate dust, grease and debris over time.
Without safe and approved access, the client could not meet their inspection obligations under UK regulations and NAAD21 guidance, which set the standards for ventilation hygiene and fire safety maintenance.
Traditional solutions – such as scaffold towers or mechanical platforms – were reviewed but deemed too expensive and, with only a confined space to work within, specialist abseiling services presented as the obvious solution.
The Solution: Rope Access Ductwork for Safe and Efficient Access
Our team proposed a rope access ductwork installation providing safe riser access, allowing our technicians to safely reach and work within the riser area without the need for scaffolding. Using specialist rope access techniques, we installed multiple access panels designed to provide safe entry for future inspections, maintenance and cleaning.
All work was completed by IRATA-accredited abseiling technicians, following rigorous safety protocols and NAAD21-compliant procedures. The installation was carried out with minimal disruption to the client’s day-to-day operations and completed on schedule.
This approach demonstrated the advantages of rope access ductwork – providing full access, safety assurance and compliance, while avoiding the costs and downtime associated with traditional access methods.
Why Rope Access Ductwork Is Ideal for Building Maintenance
Our rope access ductwork techniques are increasingly popular among facilities and building managers due to their flexibility and practicality.
💷 Cost-Effective
Rope access eliminates the need for scaffolding or platform hire, drastically reducing both setup costs and project duration.
🧗♂️ Safe and Versatile
Rope access allows safe entry into vertical and high-level spaces, with minimal footprint and no intrusive equipment in public or operational areas.
🏢 Minimal Disruption
All works can be completed quickly and quietly, making this ideal for busy commercial, hospitality or public buildings.
🔥 Improved Fire Safety and Compliance
Installing access panels ensures that ductwork systems can be regularly inspected and cleaned, reducing the risk of fire spread through air systems and meeting NAAD21 requirements.
NAAD21 Compliance and Fire Risk Reduction
The NAAD21 standard is the recognised UK benchmark for ductwork cleaning and maintenance. It highlights the importance of accessible duct systems and sets the required inspection frequency to maintain fire safety and ventilation hygiene.
Buildings without proper riser access panels not only risk regulatory non-compliance but also face higher fire safety liabilities. By engaging Rope Access 24 Seven the client achieved full NAAD21 compliance, improving long-term safety and enabling proactive maintenance.
The Outcome: Accessible, Compliant and Safe
Following completion of the rope access ductwork installation, the building now features a fully accessible riser system, ready for future inspection and cleaning. The client can now ensure ongoing safety compliance and significantly reduce future maintenance costs.
Our rope access solution provided the perfect balance of safety, cost efficiency and minimal disruption – a proven method for any facility needing compliant access to high or difficult areas.
Rope Access Ductwork for Facilities and Heritage Buildings
Whether it’s a modern commercial facility or a listed heritage building, rope access ductwork allows maintenance teams to work efficiently while preserving the integrity of the structure. At Rope Access 24 Seven, our professional approach ensures every project meets UK standards for safety, quality and environmental responsibility.
If you are responsible for maintaining complex or high-level ductwork systems, our experienced technicians can help you improve safety, meet NAAD21 compliance and reduce long-term costs.
📞 Call our Operations Team: 0203 640 8247 to discuss your project.
📧 Email: info@24sevengroup.co.uk
For information about our full range of services use these helpful website links Rope Access Ductwork, Industrial Rope Access, Building Maintenance, Doff Cleaning and Pest Control.