Stomper concerned for workers on Esplanade roof -- but they're protected by safety harnesses

It looks like dangerous work and it is.

That is why they wear safety harnesses, which may not be obvious from a distance.

This caused Stomper James to be concerned for the workers he saw high up on the thorny husk of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay on Aug 29.

Sharing a photo of the four men taken from afar with the Singapore Flyer looming in the background, the Stomper commented: "No safety ropes on a wet rooftop."

But that was not the case.

In response to a Stomp query, a spokesman for Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay said: "The people photographed on our roof were our trained rope access technicians who were in the midst of carrying out regular cleaning works for our domes.

"All of them were securely protected by safety harnesses, which were likely not visible from the photographer's vantage point.

"We thank the member of public for his concern but wish to clarify that it is unwarranted."

According to the Esplanade website, the rope access technicians (RATs) carry out high-access cleaning and glass replacement works at the Esplanade.

"While other technicians are able to move up and down outside of a building with the help of machines, RATs only wear harnesses that are attached to ropes that are secured from the top of the building to move about. It can be scary to clean from a very tall height, so these ropes help to keep them safe!" said the website.