Phil was the first person in the UK to apply modern roped access systems to geotechnical contracting, introducing advanced mountaineering equipment and techniques into safe industrial applications.
He also spent a considerable amount of time with, among others, Malcolm James of the HSE, assisting in the drafting of the original Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) for roped access work, the forerunner of Industrial Roped Access Trade Association (IRATA) guidelines.
Over the ensuing years, Phil has been instrumental in developing specialist equipment such as cliff face modified drill-rigs, cradles and systems of operation unique to roped access. The knowledge gained during this period has been invaluable in providing solutions to the many potential pitfalls across the whole geotechnical spectrum – from simple rock scaling to permanent anchor installation – when undertaken by roped access. Very few companies have this practical knowledge!
