Observatory

A high-altitude observatory complex has twin domes enclosing large optical and infrared telescopes. On the exterior of the domes a series of ladders and stairs are erected to allow access to the giant shutter that open and close the domes. Workers must access the area to perform routine maintenance and inspections. High altitude and harsh, icy weather combine to make access via the fixed ladder system a potentially dangerous exercise.

Rhino Rigging partnered with Ver Safety to install a special fall protection system designed to protect workers from fall hazards in this unique environment. Workers must wear gloves while climbing the ladder. They needed a system that doesn't require fine manual dexterity and allows them to climb the ladders and stairs from bottom to top without detaching from the system. The answer was a wire rope system ascending the vertical ladder, making bends through stainless steel tubes and continuing along steeply angled ship's stairs to an end anchor on a landing. A special shuttle and pass-through intermediate brackets allow workers to be protected along the entire climb.

The resulting system installed on all the ladders and stairs provides personnel with the confidence to access the domes in any conditions.