66 Portland Place
Wed 16 Sept · 13:00 · Free
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. With a particular focus on conservation architects and other heritage professionals, the session will also consider risk assessment, rescue planning, communication, equipment, site constraints and wider health and safety responsibilities. James will share examples from his work on historic buildings and monuments, demonstrating how careful access planning can help teams investigate defects, respond to emergencies and carry out sensitive repairs while protecting both the building and those working on it.
Not the same tradition as the lineage above — a genuinely different thread to pull, if you want one.