Steeplejacks – Traditional Craftsmen Thriving in the 21st Century

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When you think of a steeplejack, what do you picture? If you envision black and white photographs of men in flat caps scaling chimneys or church steeples without safety harnesses, then the reality of the 21st century steeplejack may quite surprise you.  The Association of Technical Lightning & Access Specialists (ATLAS) is currently celebrating its 75th anniversary year, and this provides a fantastic opportunity to reflect on how traditional access methods have evolved into the present day.

Modern steeplejacks do not operate within the confines of one access method – the ladder – they use every trick in the book to offer the best solution to their clients.  Be that rope access, industrial drones, designed modular scaffolding, mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) or bosun seats, you can be assured that the steeplejack has consulted the hierarchy of control to offer the access method which is the safest, and most appropriate and cost-effective for the work involved.

Not only do modern steeplejacks employ a diverse range of access methods, but they also offer a variety of services, making them a “one-stop-shop” for all your specialist work at height needs.  From cladding to pointing, and roofing to lightning protection, the 21st century steeplejack is the ultimate steeplejack of all trades.  Simplify your maintenance works now and consult a steeplejack for an unbiased, end-to-end, hassle-free process.  The benefits of using a comprehensive service include limiting the number of contractors on site, minimising the potential for logistical issues, minimising the potential for safety issues and saving both time and money.

ATLAS was established in 1946 and is the trade association for steeplejacks and lightning conductor engineers in the UK.  ATLAS steeplejacks take the multi-disciplined skill set of a steeplejack to the next level, by assuring clients of both quality service and workmanship.  Contractor members undergo a stringent application process in order to enter into ATLAS membership, and are then audited annually to ensure continuing compliance with a strict set of criteria.  

Choosing an ATLAS member assures you of:
• High standards of competence and workmanship
• Financial stability
• Compliance with the relevant legislation and standards
• A commitment to health, safety and training.

When you choose an ATLAS steeplejack, you are not dealing with an independent contractor alone.  You are welcome to liaise with ATLAS in the unlikely event of needing to get any issues resolved - giving you added peace of mind.  ATLAS also loves to hear from satisfied clients on the work its steeplejacks have undertaken.

ATLAS steeplejacks work on ecclesiastical buildings and heritage structures across the UK and abroad. A poster has been created to demonstrate a sample of access methods and services available at these sites, which can be ordered from the ATLAS website. Next time you are choosing a specialist contractor for all your work at height needs, don’t just choose a steeplejack, choose an ATLAS steeplejack.

Find an ATLAS member:
atlas.org.uk
info@atlas.org.uk
0844 249 0026

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