Comprehensive solutions for high-risk environments with expert consultancy, specialist training, and safety equipment
February has been a busy and exciting month at REAX.
From our ActSafe Power Ascender Open Day generating daily enquiries, to the launch of our new Rescue Specialist video playlist, and an ICX power ascender short reaching 1.8 million views, there’s been plenty happening behind the scenes.
These updates reflect what we’re seeing across the industry: a growing demand for practical equipment solutions, structured rescue planning, and accessible technical guidance.
Here’s a look at what we’ve been working on throughout February.
ActSafe Power Ascender Open Day. What a Day.
Several weeks on from our ActSafe Power Ascender Open Day, the impact is still being felt.
We’re continuing to receive daily enquiries from organisations that heard about the event, including many who unfortunately couldn’t attend on the day but were keen to learn more.
The open day wasn’t simply about demonstrating equipment. It was designed to bring together professionals working across industries where safe vertical access and rescue capability are essential.
The event provided a valuable opportunity for:
- New and existing customers to connect and network
- Teams to discuss real operational challenges
- Industry professionals to collaborate on future projects
- Current users to share how power ascenders are improving their operations
One of the standout aspects of the day was hearing directly from existing users.
Several organisations explained how powered ascenders have transformed their work, improving both operational efficiency and safety for their teams.
In sectors where rope access, confined space entry and difficult vertical environments are common, these tools are becoming an increasingly valuable part of the solution.
The discussions throughout the day reinforced something we hear regularly: organisations are looking for practical ways to reduce physical strain, improve rescue readiness and increase productivity when working at height or in challenging environments.
A huge thank you goes to Tom, who led the organisation of the event, and to the wider REAX team who helped ensure the day ran smoothly and delivered a highly engaging experience for everyone who attended.
If you’d like to see how the day unfolded, including feedback from attendees:
See the photos and comments from the event:
Toms post & Attendess Comments↗︎
If you weren’t able to attend but would like guidance on which ActSafe power ascender best suits your operation, feel free to get in touch with Tom directly:
New Rescue Specialist Video Playlist
Rescue planning is not optional.
It is a legal, moral and operational responsibility for organisations operating in confined spaces or at height.
However, one of the most common issues we still encounter is rescue planning that stops at a single statement:
“We’ll call the emergency services.”
In reality, teams must be capable of rescuing their own personnel quickly, safely and effectively, particularly during the critical minutes immediately following an incident.
To support organisations in strengthening their rescue readiness, we’ve launched a new Rescue Specialist Checklist video playlist.
This structured series is designed to help teams understand and review the key elements that must be considered when developing and briefing rescue plans.
The playlist covers several important topics including:
- Legal responsibilities for rescue planning
- What a rescue plan must include
- Communication protocols such as METHANE and PACE
- Anchor selection and force management
- Suspension intolerance
- Mechanical advantage rescue systems
- Pre-task rescue readiness checks
- Casualty management and handover
Each video focuses on one critical aspect of rescue planning, making the content ideal for:
- Toolbox talks
- Refresher training
- Supervisor briefings
- Internal rescue discussions
The aim is not to replace formal training or detailed rescue planning.
Instead, the videos provide clear, structured guidance that teams can use to review and strengthen their existing arrangements.
Watch the Rescue Specialist Playlist ↗︎
Introducing the REAX Rescue Check Cards
Alongside the new video series, we’ve also launched our REAX Rescue Check Cards.
These durable, wipeable cards are designed to act as practical on-site reference tools for teams responsible for planning and delivering rescue capability.
The cards are ideal for:
- Toolbox talks
- Rescue planning discussions
- Pre-task briefings
- Supervisor reference
- Training environments
They help teams work through the critical questions that should be considered before work begins, ensuring rescue arrangements are properly understood by everyone involved.
When used alongside the Rescue Specialist videos, the check cards provide a simple but powerful framework for improving rescue preparedness on site.
You can view the Rescue Check Cards here↗︎
1.8 Million Views - ICX Power Ascender
February also saw one of our recent ICX Power Ascender short videos reach an incredible milestone.
The clip has now passed 1.8 million views.
What makes the video particularly interesting is that it focuses on something extremely simple but absolutely critical:
Correct rope loading on the ICX Power Ascender.
Safe operation always begins with correct setup. This short video demonstrates exactly how the rope should be loaded to ensure smooth, controlled operation.
The video resonated with viewers because it delivers something the industry values greatly:
Clear, practical guidance that can be understood quickly.
If you’d like to explore the ICX power ascender in more detail, we’ve also produced a full breakdown video covering:
- Battery life
- Emergency features
- Performance capabilities
- Pricing and availability
▶️ Watch the full ICX overview↗︎
Looking Ahead
February has reinforced something we already knew.
Across the industries we work with, there is strong demand for clear, practical guidance.
Whether it’s understanding how powered ascenders can support safer and more efficient operations, or ensuring teams have properly structured rescue arrangements, organisations are actively seeking reliable information and support.
At REAX, our goal is to continue providing:
- Practical technical guidance
- Specialist equipment solutions
- Structured training and support
- Resources that help teams work safer and smarter
If you would like support with:
- Power ascender selection
- Rescue planning and implementation
- Specialist training
- Equipment supply and servicing
our team would be happy to help.
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Sign up to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss future updates, including training videos, practical insights, and free resources to help inform and support your team.
We’re very excited to release our new Rescue Videos and Rescue Check Cards. Practical tools designed to support the understanding, briefing and implementation of your existing site rescue plan.
These resources are intended to help teams reference, communicate and work through their rescue arrangements on-site, but before we look at how they support your operations, it’s important to understand why every worksite needs a rescue plan and emergency rescue checklist in the first place.
Rescue is not optional.
It is a legal, moral, and operational responsibility for anyone planning or supervising high-risk work.
Whether teams are operating in confined spaces, working at height, or undertaking specialist rope access tasks, there must be a clear and effective rescue plan in place before work begins.
Too often, rescue is treated as a secondary consideration. A document produced to satisfy compliance requirements, rather than a structured, practical approach that can actually be implemented under pressure.
Calling the emergency services alone does not meet legal requirements for rescue planning.
Teams must be able to:
- Rescue their own personnel
- Do so quickly and safely
- Protect rescuers as well as casualties
- Operate with confidence under pressure
Poor rescue planning costs time.
Delayed rescue costs lives.
This is why we’ve developed a structured Emergency Rescue Checklist approach supported by practical video guidance and physical on-site briefing tools.
Introducing the REAX Rescue Specialist Video Playlist
To help teams move beyond theory and into practical planning, we’ve launched a new Rescue Specialist Checklist video playlist.
▶️ Watch the full playlist here↗︎
Each video focuses on a critical element of emergency rescue planning and execution, allowing teams to understand not just what needs to be considered, but why it matters in real operational environments.
This structured approach supports:
- Employers and duty holders
- Supervisors and team leaders
- Rescue teams and specialist operatives
- Anyone responsible for planning or supervising high-risk work
Rather than overwhelming users with large volumes of theoretical guidance, each video breaks down a key component of rescue readiness into manageable, task-focused topics.
Across this series, we cover:
- Legal and moral responsibilities for rescue ▶️
- What a rescue plan really needs to include ▶️
- Communication and emergency reporting (METHANE & PACE) ▶️
- Rescue equipment requirements and limitations ▶️
- Types of rescue and when to use them ▶️
- Anchor selection and force management ▶️
- Suspension intolerance and time-critical rescues ▶️
- Mechanical advantage systems ▶️
- Command and control during rescues ▶️
- Briefing tools ▶️
- Casualty handover ▶️
- Pre-task rescue readiness checks ▶️
Each topic directly supports the development of a practical, site-specific rescue check cards that can be implemented before work begins.
Access Specialist Rescue Content for Free
In addition to the YouTube playlist, we’ve also expanded our Specialist Video Library.
You can sign up for free access here ↗︎
This includes structured content covering:
- Confined space operations
- Work at height planning
- Rescue procedures
- Rope access techniques
- Equipment considerations
- Emergency response readiness
These videos are ideal for:
- Training refreshers
- Toolbox talks
- Supervisor development
- Rescue plan validation
- Pre-task briefings
Providing teams with consistent guidance helps ensure rescue planning is approached in a structured and repeatable way across projects and sites.
Supporting Emergency Rescue with On-Site Rescue Checklists
While video content supports learning and development, rescue planning must also be accessible on site at the point of work.
To support this, we’ve introduced the REAX Rescue Check Cards.
These cards are printed and encapsulated in a hard laminate for increased durability. Each pack includes a wipeable pen attached to the cards, allowing teams to make notes during planning and erase them for repeated use.
Designed specifically for use in rope access, work at height, and confined space environments, these cards support structured rescue planning and execution before tasks begin.
Contents include:
- Rescue planning considerations
- Initial scene assessment
- Casualty condition awareness
- Equipment selection and configuration
- Descent control principles
- Anchor and system checks
- Communication and team roles
- Post-rescue considerations
This allows supervisors and operatives to brief teams using consistent language and structured decision-making prompts, reducing the likelihood of critical rescue planning steps being overlooked.
Why Structured Rescue Planning Matters
Emergency rescue situations are time-critical.
Suspension intolerance, environmental hazards, and casualty condition can all deteriorate rapidly if recovery is delayed. Without a clearly defined rescue plan, teams may hesitate, improvise, or attempt recovery using inappropriate systems.
A structured rescue checklist helps ensure:
- Equipment compatibility has been considered
- Anchors are suitable for expected loads
- Communication protocols are understood
- Rescue roles are assigned
- Mechanical advantage systems are available if required
- Casualty management procedures are planned
Importantly, it also helps protect rescuers by reducing exposure to unnecessary risk during recovery operations.
Building a Practical Rescue Plan
Effective rescue planning is not about creating paperwork.
It’s about ensuring teams can:
- Recognise when rescue is required
- Implement a suitable rescue method
- Recover casualties efficiently
- Maintain control throughout the process
- Handover safely following recovery
Using both digital learning tools and physical on-site rescue checklists provides a layered approach to emergency readiness.
Videos support knowledge development.
Check cards support practical implementation.
Rescue Planning Support
Rescue planning can be complex, particularly in specialist environments involving confined spaces or work at height.
If your organisation requires support developing rescue procedures or validating an existing rescue plan, REAX can assist with consultancy, training and implementation.
Summary
Emergency rescue planning should be a structured, proactive process, not a reactive afterthought.
Using:
- A defined rescue plan
- A practical rescue checklist
- Structured video guidance
- On-site briefing tools
Helps ensure teams are prepared to respond effectively should an incident occur.
Rescue is not optional.
Planning for it shouldn’t be either.
Work positioning is one of the most misunderstood elements of working at height, yet it’s fundamental to safety, comfort, and productivity.
In this episode, we break down what work positioning actually means, common mistakes operators make, and how correct setup allows you to work safely, efficiently, and with control.
Watch the full video:
Work positioning allows an operative to maintain a stable, supported position so they can carry out tasks hands-free while remaining protected by fall protection systems.
If work positioning is set up incorrectly, operators are forced to rely on muscle strength rather than skeletal support. This leads to rapid fatigue, loss of control, shaking, and increased risk of errors particularly during repetitive or prolonged tasks.
Correct work positioning isn’t about complex techniques. It’s about:
- Comfort
- Balance
- Managing forces correctly
- Maintaining fall protection at all times
Practical Steps / Key Takeaways
Key fundamentals covered in this episode include:
- Always maintain primary fall protection, work positioning does not replace it
- Use skeletal support rather than arm strength to reduce fatigue
- Avoid single wraps that can lead to sudden movement (“the two-second heart attack”)
- Increase friction and surface area with additional wraps when required
- Adjust position using rope length, wraps, or foot placement
- Always consider where the “top of the triangle” is, gravity will take you there
Comfort is not a luxury, it’s a safety control.
We teach work positioning as a practical skill, not just a box-ticking exercise.
Our training focuses on real-world setups, recognising common site errors, and helping operatives understand why positioning works the way it does. When teams are comfortable, confident, and properly positioned, safety improves and productivity follows.
Need help with your work at height safety?
Our training and consultancy services support teams with practical skills, planning, and real-world experience.
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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.
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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.
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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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