Industrial climbing involves not just working in extreme conditions, but also operating in confined spaces without support. The structure of modern cities, the development of advertising technologies, and strict building safety regulations have made industrial climbing services one of the most popular sectors in construction, repair, and maintenance of high-rise buildings.
Who are industrial climbers and what do they do?
The profession began with the construction of high-rise buildings and structures. Initially, industrial climbers were mainly ordinary builders, responsible for tasks such as wall masonry at great heights, finishing work, and the installation of external decorations. Later on, workers started undergoing specialized training, and subsequently, equipment specifically designed for «conquering heights» in construction and urban settings began to be produced.
The construction of high-rise buildings has also spurred another field where individuals skilled in high-altitude work have become highly sought after.
The primary area of activity includes:
- High-altitude repair work (crack repair, chip repair, plaster replacement);
- Facade finishing and painting;
- Cleaning of the facade and roof from contaminants;
- Snow and ice removal from rooftops, including icicles;
- Maintenance of barrier structures;
- Decorating buildings for festive occasions;
- Window Cleaning and Installation;
- Installation of billboards and much more..
An industrial climber is not just someone in good physical shape who can stay at heights without risking their life. It is someone who can work in challenging conditions and perform their duties diligently.
Industrial climbing services in the city of Tallinn and Harju County are primarily about expertise and practical experience in specific fields (such as painting, plastering, or electrical installation). These skills are complemented by the ability to work at heights and the availability of the necessary equipment.
What are the benefits of this type of work?
Many people don’t understand why specialized equipment or static structures aren’t simply used, as they are often much safer and usually faster. One reason is the cost savings on renting or maintaining a lift or other specialized machinery. Large organizations can afford to own or lease all the necessary equipment. However, for private clients, this is often not feasible. Even renting a regular crane to decorate a building for Christmas incurs expenses. Not to mention the cost of washing or replacing windows on the 21st floor.
However, the service offers more substantial benefits.
- 1. Efficiency. You contact the company, order the service, and a team arrives promptly, completes the job quickly, and leaves. You don’t have to search for people, arrange for equipment separately, or worry about whether a large, heavy machine can access the necessary building and if there are any risks associated with it being there.
- 2. There are no costs for erecting scaffolding or using other auxiliary equipment (construction cradles, lifts). And it’s not just about the money, but also about the time. First, the scaffolding needs to be assembled, then it will take up a lot of space and spoil the view, creating obstacles for pedestrian traffic and visitors if it’s an office. And then it will need to be dismantled and removed. At the client’s expense, of course. A few professionals with climbing gear, no matter how hard they try, won’t cause even half as much trouble.
- 3. Work can be carried out at any height. Moreover, with minimal costs. Furthermore, for very tall structures, such as television towers, hiring industrial climbers is the only way to perform maintenance or repairs.
- 4. Minimal damage. One wrong move by the equipment, and a strike can cause significant harm to the building—damaging the facade or breaking a window. However, when a climber is at work, such mishaps are out of the question.
Are there any downsides to industrial climbing? For the client – none. Many people consider the high risk of fatality a disadvantage of the profession, but this is not entirely accurate. A professional with reliable equipment is no more at risk than a worker in a factory, where accidents occur more frequently than during high-altitude tasks.
