Comprehensive solutions for high-risk environments with expert consultancy, specialist training, and safety equipment
Why Use a Power Ascender? The REAX Guide to ActSafe ACX & ICX for Safety, Efficiency, and Workforce Longevity
At REAX, we specialise in providing innovative solutions for working at height, confined spaces and rescue. Whether for industrial maintenance, rescue operations, or offshore works, the right equipment can mean the difference between efficiency and unnecessary risk. Traditional rope access requires physical endurance and skill, but with the ActSafe ACX and ICX Powered Ascenders, you can enhance safety, efficiency, and workforce longevity like never before.
These industry-leading powered ascenders streamline personnel movement, equipment lifting, and rescue operations. But how do they compare, and which one suits your needs? Let us break it down.
1. Safety First: Reducing Risk with ActSafe Power Ascenders
How ActSafe ACX & ICX Improve Safety:
Minimising Physical Strain – Both the ACX and ICX eliminate the need for exhausting manual rope climbing, reducing the load, or operating mistakes when using rope access equipment and reducing strain injuries and fatigue-related accidents.
Enhanced Rescue Capabilities – Both the ACX and the ICX are ideal for emergency extractions, allowing responders to recover injured personnel swiftly. The power and endurance of the ACX results leads to its certification as a two-person device, providing the ability to undertake active rescues. Remote controls for both the ACX and ICX means rescue teams can take prioritise saver and faster methods of rescue lifting or lowering the casualty with the remote control. As we all know, time is a critical factor in rescue operations. Power ascenders remove the need for rigging hauling systems and manual handling and speeds up getting the casualty to treatment.
Enhanced Safety Features – The emergency descent switch is a self-operated mechanical system which activates to descend the casualty where the device could lock up or the power runs out. The self-locking rope guard ensures the device cannot operate without being loaded correctly.
Environmental Adaptability – Rated IP55, both models withstand demanding outdoor conditions, ensuring reliable performance in wet or dusty environments and enhances user confidence in the operations.
Secure Load Management – The new ACX models can lift to 220kg, making it ideal for lifting heavier loads. The ICX supports 185kg, optimised for personnel lifting and authorised under the Machinery Directive as an equipment lifting device.
2. Increased Efficiency: Getting the Job Done Faster
Why Efficiency Matters with ACX & ICX:
Faster Access to Work Areas – Both models offer ascent speeds of 0-24m/min, getting workers in position faster than traditional climbing.
Remote-Control Operation – The ACX has a 150m remote range, perfect for extended team-based work at height, while the ICX’s 50m remote range is sufficient for individual rescues and controlled movements at low to mid-level heights.
Continuous Power vs Portability – The ACX can be powered by both battery and 230V AC, making it perfect for longer, continuous operations, weighing in at 30kg. The ICX is battery-only, ensuring maximum mobility using Husqvarna batteries which are widely sold online and in stores around the world. Not to mention being light as a feather at 12.5Kg!
Equipment Transport – The ACX’s 220kg load capacity makes it the go-to for lifting heavy tools and equipment frequently, whereas the ICX’s 185kg limit makes it perfect for transporting tools up to the operator and lifting smaller loads.
3. Workforce Longevity: Investing in Worker Health & Productivity
Why ACX & ICX Improve Workforce Longevity:
Lower Physical Demand – By eliminating repetitive climbing, these ascenders reduce wear and tear on workers’ bodies, prolonging careers in working at height or rope access work.
Fatigue Reduction – Workers using powered ascenders expend less energy reaching working areas, ensuring they remain alert and efficient throughout shifts.
Injury Prevention – By lowering strain-related injuries and reducing fall risks, the ACX and ICX protect workers while maintaining operational productivity.
Which Industries Benefit from ActSafe ACX & ICX? To name a few...
Industrial Maintenance & Construction
- The ACX is ideal for high-rise maintenance, heavy equipment lifting, and multiple users on-site.
- The ICX is best for personal rope access tasks and short-mid use duration work.
Offshore & Wind Energy
- ACX is perfect for long-distance lifts on wind turbines and offshore rigs.
- ICX works well for low frequency (<100m per half hour) personnel transport and light maintenance work.
Emergency Search & Rescue
- The ICX is great for low-mid level remote rescues.
- The ACX offers more options allowing for both remote and active rescues especially where there are multiple casualties.
Film & Event Production
- The ICX provides rapid access for camera crews and riggers.
- The ACX supports lifting heavier lighting or sound equipment.
REAX Case Studies of Skylotec ACX Use
ActSafe ACX vs. ICX: Which One Should You Choose?
The REAX Commitment to Height Safety
The ActSafe ACX and ICX powered ascenders are designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and workforce longevity, making them increasingly more desirable for professionals working at height.
Make sure to utilise all the content we have online both on our website, YouTube Channel and LinkedIn page! You will find both in-depth and quick look video’s covering everything you need to know about power ascenders.
Want to see which ActSafe power ascender is right for your team? Contact REAX today for expert guidance, practical demonstrations, and affiliated training courses.
Both models are available for purchase with a fleet of ACX’s available to hire.
Call us:
01253 767775
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Skylotec ACX Power Ascender Batteries: Original Batteries vs New High-Capacity Batteries (HCB) Comparison and Key Changes
We have taken the time to put together a few of the recent questions we have been asked about the key differences between the original and new high capacity batteries (HCB) for the Skylotec ACX Power Ascender.
Comparison and key changes:
1. How long does it take to charge the new ACX HCB Battery vs the original battery
The charging time on both batteries is the same. Approximately 90 minutes total from empty to fully charged. However, it’s important to note that the new HCB batteries cannot be used with the old battery charger and requires the new HCB charger – POA-028-UK.
2. What is the Ascent difference when using the old battery vs the new HCB battery
The original battery was capable of 200m of continuous ascent with 100kg of weight. The new HCB battery is far superior and boasts a continuous ascent of 550m with 100kg. However, If you descend or lower a load during this cycle then energy is fed back into the battery and further meters of ascent can be achieved
3. What is the descent difference between the original and new HCB battery?
If the batteries where to be empty then several hundred meters of descent. The HCB is estimated at 3 times further in descent. When fully charged the new HCB can descend the WLL of the machines up to 100m when fully charged. If a greater lowering distance is required, then the battery charge should be reduced to 75% charge or less. This can be achieved by running full speed without load to safely discharge the battery sufficiently. Descending on a fully charged battery was not possible with the original battery, you always had to empty some charge out of it first to create space inside the cells.
4. Is the Working Load Limit - WLL of the ACX different with the new batteries?
The WLL rating for a Skylotec ACX Power Ascender is not dependant on the battery. The WLL is dependant to the marking on the machine label. ACX units manufactured and tested before September 2024 have a WLL of 200kg.
Those ACX units manufactured after September 2024 have a WLL of 220kg. Serial number AX1505R2000 and later have the increased WLL of 220kg. To check this, you can see this indicated on the lifting point of the ACX as seen in the photo below:
5. Does the new HCB battery have a different IP Rating?
No the IP Rating on the new ACX HCB battery is IP55 as per the original model.
6. Are the new HCB batteries compatible with older ACX models?
The new HCB’s are backwards compatible with all ACX models. Maximum ascent rate remains the same. WLL of the ACX remains the same. Ascent range and descent performance is increased considerably with the new batteries.
7. Lifespan of original ACX battery vs new HCB ACX Battery?
The estimated lifetime is up to 5 years for both battery variants. This is variable and related to many factors – storage/operating temperatures, frequency of use, frequency/consistency of charging cycles, weights of loads lifted etc. Both batteries have an internal Battery Management System (BMS) which monitors the health of the lithium cells during operation and charging - a safety feature to mitigate the risks associated with powerful lithium cells.
Ready to upgrade or need advice on the right setup for your ACX?
Order the batteries from our webshop.
For expert support and tailored advice email us or call our technical team on 01253767775 Opt 2.
Conclusion:
If you’ve been using the Skylotec ACX Power Ascender for a while, you’ll know it’s one of the most efficient tools for getting you up and down ropes quickly and safely. But now, with the release of the new high-capacity battery and updated charger, things have taken a serious step up.
The biggest improvement is the battery life. The new high-capacity battery can last up to three times longer than the old one. That means you can ascend as much as 550 metres on a single charge with a 100 kg load — way more than before. And if you’re descending with a heavier load, like 200 kg, it can still get you down 100 metres without breaking a sweat. This is a massive benefit for long jobs where swapping out batteries mid-operation is a hassle.
The new battery also includes an improved battery management system that monitors usage and charging, helping to extend its lifespan and performance. Plus, it’s got a handy LED indicator to give you a quick read on charge levels — no more guessing if you’ve got enough juice left.
To match the new battery, there’s also a new charger in the mix. It’s not just a rebrand taking the battery from empty to full in about 90 minutes. It’s designed specifically for the new high-capacity model, so it keeps everything running smoothly and safely.
Durability’s been thought about too. The battery’s IP55 rating means it’s tough enough to handle dust and water spray perfect for harsh outdoor conditions or unpredictable environments.
Overall, if you’re using the ACX regularly for rescue, maintenance, or access work, upgrading to the new battery and charger setup is a no-brainer. You’ll get more runtime, quicker recharges, and better performance all round. It’s one of those upgrades that actually makes your day to day work life easier and more efficient.
Need help choosing the right setup?
We’re here to help you get the safest, most efficient solution for the job. Whether it’s new gear or making better use of what you already have, we’ll point you in the right direction — even if that means recommending something less expensive. If you’ve got any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
If your site requires access to areas like tanks, silos, tunnels, pits, or culverts—chances are you’re dealing with confined spaces. And when it comes to safety, confined space entry and rescue is one of the most complex, high risk activities on any industrial site.
Whether you're in manufacturing, construction, utilities, renewables, or facilities management, you’re legally required to assess these areas and have the right controls in place. That includes proper confined space risk assessments, site specific rescue plans, and the right training and equipment for your team.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), confined space fatalities, though less frequent than other incidents, often involve multiple workers when attempted rescues go wrong. The risks such as low oxygen, hazardous gases, limited access can escalate quickly. Without a proper plan, things can spiral fast.
This is where confined space consultancy makes a real difference. We work with businesses across the UK to assess their site to provide suitable and sufficient, entry plans, rescue plans and train for safer confined space entry work. Whether you’re preparing for routine maintenance, emergency response, or a major shutdown.
Our goal is simple: help you stay safe, compliant, confident, and rescue ready.
What Do Health & Safety Leads and Site Managers Ask About Confined Space Safety?
We’re regularly asked questions like these:
Legal and Compliance
- What is the legal definition of a confined space under UK regulations?
- What are the requirements of the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997?
- Do we need a confined space rescue plan for every entry?
- How do we ensure we’re fully compliant?
Risk Assessment and Rescue Planning
- What does a “suitable and sufficient” confined space risk assessment include?
- How do we write a confined space rescue plan that is simple and actually works?
- What emergency procedures should we have for vertical and horizontal entry?
- How often should rescue plans and risk assessments be reviewed?
Confined Space Equipment and Inspection
- What PPE is required for confined space entry?
- Do we need gas detection, BA sets, or escape sets?
- What type of gas monitor do I need?
- Who should inspect our confined space entry and rescue equipment?
- What are the LOLER and PUWER inspection requirements for tripods, winches, and harnesses?
Confined Space Training and Competency
- What level of confined space training do we need?
- Should our team be trained in confined space rescue?
- Can we deliver confined space training on our own site?
- What’s the difference between low risk, medium risk, and high risk confined space entry training?
These are the questions we deal with every day. And at REAX, our job is to give you straightforward answers, expert advice, and practical solutions.
How REAX Supports Your Confined Space Work
Whether you’re starting from scratch or reviewing existing procedures, we offer a full suite of confined space consultancy services to help you manage risk and improve safety.
Confined Space Risk Assessments and Site Audits
Our confined space consultants carry out on-site assessments to help you:
- Identify and categorise confined spaces
- Review your entry procedures and isolation controls
- Ensure your documentation meets current UK legislation
- Identify the right kit, access methods, and rescue options for each space
All assessments are bespoke and built around your site and tasks.
Rescue Plan Development
Every confined space should have a rescue plan that is specific, realistic, and actionable. We’ll help you:
- Develop written rescue strategies for low, medium, and high risk entries
- Plan for vertical retrieval, Breathing Apparatus based rescue, or stretchers and rope systems
- Align with your existing emergency procedures and first responder protocols
- Conduct rescue drills and test your team’s response under controlled conditions
Confined Space Training Delivered On-Site
We deliver nationally recognised confined space training accredited by City & Guilds, CABWI and our own in house qualifications at your location, using our mobile training trailer. This helps reduce costs for travel, accommodation and any logistics issues with getting everyone to our training centre
Courses include:
- Low risk confined space entry training
- Medium risk (Escape Set) confined space training
- High risk (Full Breathing Apparatus) entry and rescue team training
- Bespoke rescue solutions
If you're also involved in rope access or work at height environments, we can integrate training for that too.
Equipment Supply, Inspection and Advice
Not sure what kit you need? Or whether your current setup is suitable and sufficient as well as compliant?
We advise and provide audits of your existing equipment – if it’s fit for purpose, we’ll tell you - there is no point buying equipment if your current equipment fits your needs!
However, if you do need equipment we can provide advice, alternatives and supply of:
- Gas monitors, escape sets, full BA systems
- Rescue tripods, gantries, winches, and retrieval blocks
- Confined space harnesses, lighting, and communications
- Equipment hire, inspection, and servicing in line with LOLER/PUWER
We’ll help you avoid overspending—and we’ll never recommend equipment you don’t need.
Ready to Talk? Book Your Confined Space Consultancy with REAX
If you're looking for expert help with confined space rescue planning, risk assessments, onsite training, or equipment support, REAX is ready to help.
We work with industrial, commercial, and high risk sites across the UK - making sure confined space work is done safely, legally, and confidently.
Get in touch today to book a confined space consultancy call, and we’ll talk you through your setup, challenges, and how we can support your team.
REAX principles
Experience Driven Training
Driven by a passion to protect and teach, our ex-service and industry specialists pass on their lessons learned to anyone working in challenging environments.
Zero bullsh**
Our clients work in unique situations, with serious consequences, so we’re proud to be straight talkers.
For need, not greed
We're not interested in a quick win or selling you something you don't need. Our commitment to customer service ensures you will get the best training, advice or equipment solution for working safely in your field.
Partners for life
Our commitment to you does not end with your training course finishing. We send renewal reminders at expiry and you can keep up to date via our online blogs and social media platforms.
All our candidates also have access to our content hub as well as telephone support for the duration of their certification.
Best in Class for...
Training
Our instructors have over 350 years of industry experience between them, and with over 60 courses available, your training is in safe hands.
Safety equipment
Having confidence in your kit is as important as the training you receive. Reax can advise you on the best solution for your situation and guarantee a competitive price. We also can ensure your kit stays fit for purpose through our PPE inspection and Servicing team. We can even hire you replacement kit while your kit is being serviced.
Rescue planning & consultation
We are committed to finding the right solution for you. This means you can rest assured that your next major project is covered by a bespoke rescue plan that has been made in consultation, not a pre packed formula.
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FAQs
We have put some answers to the most commonly asked questions regarding our training below . If you have a question we have not answered, click on contact us
REAX stands for RESCUE & ACCESS. These have been the cornerstones of the training we provide and equipment we supply. Whether working at height, in a confined space, or you are faced with an injured colleague in the workplace our goal is to empower you to use your skills in the most difficult of environments, safely.
The minimum age for First Aid training is 16. For all other courses the minimum age is 18.
It depends on the piece of equipment and how often it is used. Most equipment will require a minimum of an annual inspection while some specialist lifting and working at height equipment will require 6-monthly checks. All equipment should be check prior to use by whoever is using it.
We are open 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday - Friday. Weekend Courses are available on request.
No, All Equipment will be provided when training in our centre. We can sometimes use the same equipment that you use in your workplace
We work across the length and breadth of Great Britain. We can deliver training on site or on our state-of-the-art mobile training rig. Alternatively, we would be delighted to train you at our bespoke training centre in Blackpool Lancashire in the North West of the United Kingdom
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that “Employers must protect workers from health and safety risks.” Personal Protective Equipment or PPE is any piece of equipment that will protect a person from injury or harm while performing a work-related task.
All Instructors at REAX have come through our onboarding programme. The programme takes you from skilled practitioner to someone able to breakdown the technical aspects of a task or activity and teach others to use them confidently and safely. We have developed a series of training pathways that will give you all the attributes to become an instructor. If you have passion to teach others, then we would love to hear from you.
All Reax Training courses certify you for three years. But don’t worry we will send you an automated reminder when your certificate is due for renewal
Through our network of suppliers we can access the best quality equipment. While we constantly hold a great deal of stock some items will be shipped on order direct from the manufacturer. In short, if it is a piece of specialist equipment for working at height, in a confined space, rescue or first aid, our Equipment Team can find the right piece of kit for you.
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