I am going to be the 1 in a thousand that probably thinks this is all a great idea! ?
I believe that all other industries that use rope access and work positing must have two full rope systems so why not us? Our work situation is unique and complicated for sure but in no sense any different, personally I think more 'dangerous' than other climbing industries. Yes it does require thinking about and we should be coming together to share advice and tips on best ways to implement these standards and regs. Not bashing it all as rubbish!
I have implemented climbing on two MRS/SRS systems now in most situations and find it of no real detriment to me when working. Yes I am a little slower at first but that will change the more I do it. If fact I 'feel' much safer in the canopy, more stable and sometimes quicker as I am already tied in twice, I am always ready to cut. Thus I don't need to keep putting my lanyard on and off all the time! The lanyard is just there for work positioning now when I need it, not as a life line backup.
I am a competent experienced climber but I have had an anchor snap out when accessing a tree sending me to the ground. Luckily i wasn't injured but this situation would have been made safer with a second line installed. People get tired, clip into clothing, cut ropes, snap anchors, loose footing etc. This happens to even the most experienced climbers, just because it hasn't happened to you doesn't mean it wont.
People will run their vans overloaded, not have trailer licences, LOLER, tickets, PPE etc. and they will not move to climbing with two rope systems. That's fine, you cant compete with people like this. It is not just up to the AA to be promoting the industry but us as companies to our clients and wider audience. We need to be bigging ourselves up just as much as our industry associations. I regularly talk to my clients about the efforts and systems we have in place for climbing safely at work, it shows that we are a professional outfit that takes the care of our staff as the number one priority.
I think the AA have spent a lot of time and money on 'contesting' this with HSE and everyone is bashing them for doing nothing. Don't get me started on conspiracy theories of collusion with training schools and equipment manufactures ?
If this new push to adhere to the regs saves but one life or accident then it will be worth it.