Structural Inspectors Take Work to New Heights

Trapeze artist. Stuntperson. Mountain climber. Spider-Man. Pick a career for comparison. The fact remains – it takes exceptional skill, bravery, and an iron stomach for Ayres Associates’ rope access structural inspectors to do what they do.

For example, inspecting a structure like the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge in New Mexico can take days. The steel deck arch bridge across the Rio Grande Gorge, northwest of Taos, stands 565 feet above the Rio Grande. Part of US Highway 64, a major east-west route, it is the seventh highest bridge in the United States and the 82nd highest bridge in the world. Our Eau Claire, Wisconsin, office, inspection team inspected this bridge in late 2013. (Click here for a video of climbing inspections of  the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and the Little Falls Dam in Willow River State Park, Wisconsin.)

Over two days the team climbed, rappelled, and tiptoed over the bridge to document any deficiencies for New Mexico State University, our client. Meanwhile, the team enjoyed a view many people don’t get of this magnificent structure. When inspecting a structure like the one over the Rio Grande Gorge, the bridge essentially becomes the office. Inspectors spend hours climbing around the structure to perform hands-on inspections and take notes and pictures. That means packing snacks, bringing plenty of fluids, applying ample sunscreen, and checking, double-checking, and triple-checking all safety devices. Hold on to your sunglasses, and no phone calls, please!

Not all structures are as awe-inspiring and complex as the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. Our inspectors also use rope access to inspect larger dams, overhead signs that span highways, traffic signal mast arms, and other structures requiring special access. Our service saves clients and motorists time and money because the normal flow of traffic often can continue during the inspection, and there’s no need for expensive access equipment. Ayres’ rope access inspectors receive the highest training and certifications, and we have staff who are certified as rope access workers by the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians.

For more information, contact Rick Maslyn, supervisor of structural inspection services.