Why Use a Power Ascender?
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.
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01253 767775
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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.
