Forget cherry pickers and scaffolding, Vertical Access Solutions of Orangeville, Ontario, specializes in nimble, cost-effective “rope access” methods of reaching high places to carry out repair and maintenance — especially for the owners of wind turbines dotting Ontario farm country. At Crysler, VAS employees Shawne Adams (left) and Nelson Higenell rappel down from a Nation Rise Wind Farm turbine — among the biggest inland units in the world — against a brilliant blue sky late last year. At right, employees Jean François Thibault and Brian Petch dangle like spidermen off the end of a turbine blade on Nov. 2, while carrying out lightning receptor inspection and retrofit work. (VAS photos)
