FAQs
Welcome to MAE Solutions! As an experienced rope access company, we specialise in access solutions for your geotechnical, building maintenance, and inspection needs. Our commitment to safety, efficiency, and affordability drives every project we undertake.
FAQs – Rope Access
What Is Rope Access?
Rope access is a proven and highly efficient technique used to access hard-to-reach areas safely. By using ropes and other specialised equipment, technicians can work at height or in challenging environments without the need for scaffolding or expensive cranes. This method has been refined over decades and is now widely used across various industries for tasks like inspections, maintenance, cleaning, and installations.
At MAE Solutions, our rope access services allow us to reach the most difficult locations with precision and safety, offering significant cost and time savings.
Is Rope Access Safe?
Rope access is widely regarded as one of the safest methods for working at height. While it may seem risky at first glance, it has an excellent safety record when compared to other access methods. The key to safety lies in meticulous planning, comprehensive risk assessments, and strict adherence to industry safety standards.
Our technicians undergo rigorous training and follow strict safety protocols to ensure the highest level of safety for every rope access operation. The use of redundant systems and continuous monitoring allows us to minimise any potential risks associated with working at height.
Is Rope Access Regulated?
Yes, rope access is a highly regulated field to ensure the safety of all personnel involved. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 provide a framework for ensuring safe practices when working at height, and rope access falls under these regulations. The rules mandate that all personnel involved in rope access work must be appropriately trained and that comprehensive safety measures must be implemented
At MAE Solutions, we strictly adhere to these regulations, ensuring that all safety practices are followed to reduce risk and protect both workers and the public.
What Training Is Required for Rope Access?
Rope access technicians must undergo specialised training to ensure they are equipped to handle the challenges of working at height. The International Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) sets the training standards for the industry, offering a three-level qualification system.
All our technicians are certified to IRATA standards, which means they are well-versed in safety procedures, risk assessments, and rescue operations. With hands-on experience and regular refresher courses, our technicians are highly qualified to carry out rope access work safely and efficiently.
How Does Rope Access Compare to Traditional Methods for Working at Height?
Rope access is often more cost-effective and safer than traditional methods, such as scaffolding or cranes. It allows for faster and more precise access to hard-to-reach areas, reduces disruption to operations, and requires less equipment.
What Equipment Is Used for Rope Access?
Rope access is about much more than just ropes. Technicians use a variety of specialised equipment to ensure safety and efficiency during their work. This includes harnesses, ropes, anchors, and backup systems.
We ensure that all our equipment is regularly inspected, maintained, and tested to meet stringent safety standards. Additionally, we use the Papertrail asset management system to monitor and manage our equipment, ensuring full compliance with current regulations.

FAQs – Confined Space
What Is Confined Space Entry?
Confined space entry involves working in areas that are not designed for continuous human occupancy and have limited means of entry or exit. These spaces may include underground vaults, tanks, silos, or other enclosed areas. At MAE Solutions, we specialise in accessing these challenging environments using advanced equipment and safety protocols to ensure both efficiency and safety during every operation.
What Are the Benefits of Using MAE Solutions for Confined Space Work?
Our team is highly trained, experienced, and fully equipped to handle confined space tasks safely and efficiently. We offer quick response times, customised solutions, and a commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.
Is Confined Space Entry Safe?
Confined space work is inherently risky, but with the right precautions, it is incredibly safe. The key to safety lies in thorough risk assessments, ongoing monitoring, and the implementation of strict safety measures. At MAE Solutions, we adhere to industry-leading protocols to mitigate the risks associated with confined space entry.
Our trained professionals are equipped with the tools and expertise needed to carry out the work safely and efficiently, ensuring the protection of all personnel involved.
Is Confined Space Entry Regulated?
Yes, working in confined spaces is one of the most regulated activities in the industry. Safety standards are outlined by the Confined Space Regulations 1997 to protect workers from potential hazards such as hazardous gases, limited oxygen, and the risk of entrapment. These regulations stipulate the necessary precautions that must be taken to safeguard workers before, during, and after confined space operations.
What Training Is Required for working in a Confined Space?
MAE Solutions follows the best practices for confined space entry, with all our technicians receiving extensive training in hazard identification, safe entry and exit procedures, and emergency rescue techniques.
We also stay updated with relevant industry training, ensuring our staff have the necessary qualifications to handle confined space challenges with expertise and precision.
What Equipment Is Used for working in a Confined Space?
The tools used for confined space entry are just as critical as the techniques. We equip our technicians with state-of-the-art gear, including respiratory protection, gas detection monitors, and emergency rescue equipment. Before and after each operation, all equipment is inspected and maintained to ensure it meets safety standards.

FAQs – Drone Surveys
What is a Drone Survey?
A drone survey involves the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to collect data about industrial sites, infrastructure, or hard-to-reach areas. It’s an efficient, safe, and cost-effective method to gather precise information for various types of inspections, including structural assessments, environmental surveys, and asset management.
Why choose MAE Solutions for Drone Surveys?
MAE Solutions offers professional drone surveys backed by advanced technology and a skilled team. We focus on delivering accurate and detailed data for our clients, ensuring that the information you receive is both reliable and actionable. Our services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each project, offering flexibility and precision.
Are your drone surveys CAA approved?
Yes! MAE Solutions is fully approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This ensures that our drone operations are conducted in full compliance with all necessary regulations, providing you with peace of mind that the inspection will be handled professionally and safely.
Who operates the drones?
Our drones are operated by qualified and experienced professionals who have undergone rigorous training to meet safety and operational standards. Our operators have the expertise to carry out inspections efficiently while ensuring safe flight practices.
How safe are drone surveys?
Drone surveys are a safer alternative to traditional surveying methods, particularly when inspecting hard-to-reach or hazardous locations. With drones, there is no need for scaffolding or working at height, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. We follow strict safety protocols to ensure the safety of both our team and the public.
What types of surveys do you offer?
We offer a wide range of drone survey services, including:
- 3D Modelling
- Topographical Surveys
- Thermal Imaging
- Roof Surveys
Each service is designed to meet the unique needs of your project and provide comprehensive data for decision-making.
Are drone surveys cost-effective?
Yes, drone surveys can provide significant cost savings compared to traditional methods. By eliminating the need for scaffolding, cranes, or other access equipment, drone surveys help reduce project timelines and labour costs, all while delivering high-quality data.
How do drone surveys compare to traditional surveying methods?
Drone surveys offer numerous advantages over traditional methods. They provide quick access to hard-to-reach locations, reduce the risk associated with working at height, and eliminate the need for expensive equipment such as scaffolding. The use of drones also means minimal disruption to operations, making it a faster and more efficient surveying method.
What are the optional payloads for drone surveys?
We offer a variety of optional payloads depending on the specific needs of your project. These include high-definition cameras, thermal imaging sensors, and LiDAR systems, all designed to enhance the accuracy and scope of your survey.
How do I get started with a drone survey?
Contact us today to discuss your project needs. Our team will work with you to determine the best survey approach and provide you with a tailored solution. We’ll also walk you through the process, from initial consultation to data delivery, ensuring that your survey meets your requirements.

FAQs – Geotechnical Services
What are geotechnical services?
Geotechnical services involve the study and management of earth materials to ensure the stability and safety of structures, slopes, and landscapes. At MAE Solutions, we provide services such as rockfall netting, soil nailing, slope remediation, and landslide mitigation.
What industries benefit from geotechnical services?
Our geotechnical solutions are ideal for construction, infrastructure, transportation, mining, and environmental sectors, as well as private and government-led projects.
What is slope stabilisation?
Slope stabilisation involves using techniques like soil nailing, rock bolting, and catch fencing to prevent landslides, rockfalls, or slope failures.
What safety measures are in place during geotechnical operations?
Safety is our top priority. We conduct detailed risk assessments, use certified equipment, and follow strict safety protocols to protect personnel and the environment.
What is soil nailing?
Soil nailing involves inserting steel bars into slopes to reinforce and stabilise them, preventing erosion and collapses.
Can you handle complex geotechnical projects?
Yes, we have extensive experience managing projects of all sizes, from small-scale private work to large, complex government schemes.
How do I know which geotechnical service is right for my project?
Our team will perform a comprehensive site investigation and consultation to recommend the best solutions for your specific needs.
Do you provide environmental services, such as de-vegetation?
Yes, we offer de-vegetation services, including dangerous tree removal, to prepare sites for geotechnical work or mitigate hazards.
How can I contact MAE Solutions for geotechnical services?
You can reach out to us directly via our website or phone to discuss your project and learn how our geotechnical services can help.

FAQs – Rail Maintenance Services
What is rope access rail maintenance?
Rope access rail maintenance involves using advanced rope access techniques to perform tasks on rail structures that are hard to reach with traditional methods. It offers a safer, more efficient alternative for maintenance and inspection.
What rail maintenance services do you offer?
Our services include high-level cleaning, de-vegetation, geotechnical works, railway bridge inspections, and solutions for confined spaces.
How do you ensure safety during rail maintenance?
Safety is our top priority. As an IRATA member and RISQS-audited company, we implement strict safety protocols, use certified equipment, and employ highly trained professionals to guarantee secure operations.
Do you provide bespoke rail maintenance solutions?
Yes, we tailor our services to meet the unique requirements of each project, ensuring optimal results and client satisfaction.
Can you work in confined spaces or at height?
Absolutely. Our rope access specialists are trained to work safely in confined spaces and at significant heights, enabling us to handle a wide range of rail maintenance tasks.
What is de-vegetation in rail maintenance?
De-vegetation involves removing overgrown plants, trees, and other vegetation from rail tracks and structures to improve safety, visibility, and infrastructure integrity.
What qualifications do your team members have?
Our team includes certified rope access professionals with extensive experience in rail maintenance and safety compliance.
How do I contact MAE Solutions for rail maintenance services?
You can contact us through our website or by phone to discuss your project and learn more about our rail maintenance solutions.
