Royal Albert Hall: ActSafe ACX for Theatre Rigging
ActSafe ACX Case Study Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall (RAH) partnered with REAX in 2025 to introduce ActSafe ACX powered ascenders into their in-house rigging operations.
Responsible for lighting, sound, and staging infrastructure beneath the iconic dome, RAH’s rigging team needed a safer and more efficient way to access working heights of up to 41 metres, without relying solely on manual rope access or restrictive lifting methods.
This case study highlights how powered ascenders, supported by REAX training and servicing, transformed access, lifting, and rescue capability within a historic and complex venue.
Read the Full Case Study
View the full Royal Albert Hall case study to explore the project, training, and operational outcomes in detail.
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The Challenge
RAH faced several operational challenges unique to theatre rigging:
- Frequent access to multiple rigging levels up to 41 metres
- Repetitive manual rope ascents causing fatigue
- Limited anchor points restricting chain hoist use
- Need to lift technical equipment safely and accurately
- Requirement for accredited, on-site training
A powered solution was needed that could support both personnel and equipment lifting, while improving safety and efficiency.
The Solution: ActSafe ACX Powered Ascenders
REAX recommended and supplied two ActSafe ACX units, supported by a complete package including:
- Pre-purchase technical consultation
- Accredited two-day on-site training
- Guidance on rigging configurations and rescue techniques
- Ongoing servicing and inspection support
The ACX’s ability to operate in anchor-limited environments, combined with remote control and rope-based lifting systems, made it ideally suited to theatre rigging applications.
Implementation
RAH adopted the ACX units through a structured rollout:
- Consultation: REAX worked with the Senior Rigging Supervisor to confirm suitability and setup options
- Training: A two-day accredited on-site course covered personnel access, equipment lifting, rescue options, and maintenance
- Operational Use: ACX units were integrated into routine rigging tasks for faster access and flexible lifting
- Servicing: A six-monthly servicing plan was introduced to maintain compliance and reliability
“Training with Andy was great. He really knows his stuff and understood our industry well.”
— Royal Albert Hall Rigging Team
Results and Benefits
The introduction of powered ascenders delivered measurable improvements:
- Faster access with ascent speeds of up to 24 m/min
- Reduced physical fatigue during repeated rigging tasks
- Improved safety and rescue capability through remote operation
- Greater lifting flexibility compared to fixed chain hoists
- Long-term compliance through accredited training and servicing
Our Complete ActSafe ACX Package
We support clients with the full lifecycle of powered ascender use:
All tailored to your site, your team, and your operational needs.
Looking after your kit
Even the best kit needs regular inspection and servicing. we have a team of fully trained PPE inspectors who can take the worry out of the process. Our servicing team are fully certified to carry out the servicing requirements for many of the leading rescue devices currently on the market.
