September’s online talk explores the practical and technical challenges of working at height and using rope access in building conservation. Drawing on James Preston’s experience of inspecting, stabilising and repairing historic structures, the session will look at how specialist access methods can support conservation work in locations that are difficult or unsafe to reach using conventional equipment. The talk will include the emergency response at St Thomas’ Church in Wells, where part of the spire was damaged during a storm. A precarious section of stonework remained at the top of the structure, presenting a risk to the nave roof below. James and his team used rope access techniques to reach the damaged area, remove the immediate danger and temporarily weatherproof the building. James will discuss how rope access, scaffolding, mobile platforms and other working-at-height systems are assessed and selected for conservation projects. He will explore the types of inspection and repair that can be completed from ropes, alongside the practical limitations, planning requirements and circumstances where alternative access arrangements may be more appropriate.

Description supplied by the event organiser.