Rockfall Technician Salary Rockfall Protection Systems In St Helena

The Island of St. Helena off the coast of West Africa is a beautiful and rugged place that has been drawing more and more visitors in recent years. However, with its stunning cliff faces and natural crags come significant risks of rockfall, making it challenging to protect visitors from harm. That's why St. Helena Government has embarked on a Rockfall Protection Project to help mitigate these risks and make the island more accessible to visitors.

Rope Access Technicians on the Crags Above Rupert's Jetty

The project utilizes rope access technicians (RATs) to install various rockfall protection systems, including drape netting and spider netting, in places where traditional access methods cannot reach the steep and rocky terrain. Pictured above are RATs working on crags above Rupert's Jetty using rope and harness. The use of RATs is a highly specialized skill which ensures that the project is completed both safely and efficiently.

Rockfall Protection Systems in St. Helena - Tackling a Natural Hazard

One of the primary methods used in the Rockfall Protection Project is drape netting, which is a lightweight net used to catch any falling debris. Above is an image of a RAT installing drape netting on one of the cliffsides. These nets are specially designed to withstand high impact forces and are an effective way to stop rocks from falling onto paths or roads below.

Spider Netting Helps Keep the Island Safe

Another method used is Spider Netting, which involves attaching a finely woven mesh with high tensile strength onto the rock face. This method is designed to capture not only small rocks and debris but also larger boulders that might fall from higher up. The process of installing the spider netting requires an intense level of skill and patience, and RATs use ropes and harnesses to construct them in place. The picture above shows a RAT at work installing spider netting high up on a cliff face.

Working Together to Keep Visitors Safe and Island Accessible

The Rockfall Protection Project is an ambitious and inspiring project that requires a high level of skill, expertise, and attention to detail. It demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that the island remains accessible to visitors while keeping them safe from harm. The use of rope access technicians is an innovative solution that offers flexibility in accessing hard-to-reach areas of the cliffs and provides a unique experience for those who choose to visit the island.

In conclusion, the Rockfall Protection Project in St. Helena is a significant undertaking that involves various specialized skills and expertise. Through its implementation, it aims to make the island more accessible to tourists while also enhancing their safety. The unique and innovative approach of the project is an inspiration to many and serves as a model for similar projects in other challenging environments.