Cities, SI Urban 1/2025
Towers – lifeless climbing protection system by HighStep Systems in Paris
Taking selfies, spraying graffiti, or even sabotage – particularly in cities, protecting infrastructure from misuse is a top priority. For urban cable cars, the focus is mainly on the ladders on the towers. Fence solutions are often neither practical – since they can be climbed over – nor aesthetically or urbanistically desirable.
Therefore, the operator of the cable car in Paris, Île-de-France Mobilités, and the cable car manufacturer DOPPELMAYR have chosen the climbing protection system from HIGHSTEP SYSTEMS.
The portable HighStep Lift
serves as a climbing aid and work platform.
Rail on-site – portable device
The HighStep climbing protection system consists of two different components: the aluminum rail as the system carrier on the support and a selectable, portable climbing device: the HighStep Easy climbing shoes or the HighStep Lift climbing lift.
“Only the rail is permanently installed on the support; without a climbing device, no one can ascend,“ explains Gregor Wylenzek, International Sales Executive at HIGHSTEP SYSTEMS.
Only authorized individuals, such as from the operator, maintenance companies, or the cable car manufacturer, can use the appropriate climbing devices to ascend the support – even in challenging weather conditions.
Climbing on the rail is always done in conjunction with the independent fall protection system, the HighStep Protector. It serves as a movable safety element and third safety point on the rail.
Quick installation, long-lasting durability
The HighStep rail is easy to install, thanks to its flexible adaptability to any structure, eliminating the need for extensive preparatory work. The rail is either installed directly during the construction phase – when the supports are still on the ground – or as part of a retrofit to an existing cable car.
Its robust aluminum construction, combined with a maintenance-free anodized surface, ensures long-lasting durability in demanding environments.
Safe climbing and working
“Our HighStep Easy climbing shoes combine the concept of stair climbing with unmatched safety,“ emphasizes Wylenzek. With effortless operation and ergonomic comfort, they provide a secure connection between the foot and rail, preventing slipping or missteps and also serving as a resting and working platform.
Additionally, the integrated pedals allow for an upright posture and adjustable step height, while the HighStep Protector, as an independent fall protection runner, guarantees the highest safety standards.
“Shoes and rail together form an outstanding system that not only meets safety requirements but also offers unprecedented user comfort,“ Wylenzek is convinced. The use of the shoes can be learned in a one-day training session. The number of shoes per cable car depends on the on-site needs.
The mobile anchor point can be attached at almost any position on the HighStep rail to additionally secure materials and individuals.
Convenient and practical ascent
Alternatively to the shoes, authorized individuals can also use the HighStep Lift: As the world‘s first batterypowered lift, it offers automated, safe ascent and descent with a variety of innovative features. Its compact mobility, rail connection, and ride-on protection at both ends prevent accidents.
It also serves as a work platform, making it an indispensable tool for urban cable car projects. Wylenzek points out: “The lift is portable: it fits in the trunk of a car and has wheels that allow it to be brought to the support.“
With a load capacity of 150 kilograms, the HighStep Lift is used in Paris not only during maintenance but also in the construction phase. “The DOPPELMAYR installers often need to ascend and descend the supports and work at the top. Our lift is a great help here – also when transporting tools – and makes the work safer,“ reports Wylenzek.
The HighStep Easy consists of two independent pedals. To climb, the pedals are hooked into the rail, while the user‘s foot is secured to the pedal with a binding.
Experience from other industries
HIGHSTEP SYSTEMS is relatively new to the urban cable car market but has already implemented numerous projects in other industries. The climbing system is successfully used on power poles, wind turbines, transmission towers, bridges, high shelves, in industry, and other infrastructures.
As with urban cable cars, employees benefit from increased safety and easier ascent and descent, saving time and money for companies and operators. The ergonomic climbing systems also help prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
And most importantly: they prevent human tragedies and operational interruptions.
