Introducing IKAR Inertia Reels and Recovery Winches – Trusted Fall Protection Now Available at NZ Access
When it comes to working safely at height, having dependable fall protection equipment is essential. Whether you’re operating in construction, maintenance, utilities, industrial shutdowns, or confined space environments, the right gear can make all the difference between a productive day on site and a serious incident.
That’s why we’re pleased to introduce IKAR Inertia Reels to the NZ Access range — high-quality, German-engineered fall protection equipment designed for durability, performance, and worker confidence.
IKAR is a trusted name in height safety and rescue equipment worldwide, and we’re excited to now offer a selection of their self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) and recovery fall arrest devices here in New Zealand.
Who is IKAR?
IKAR GmbH is a well-established German manufacturer specialising in fall arrest, rescue, and height safety equipment. Known globally for producing robust and reliable safety systems, IKAR equipment is widely used across industries where workers need dependable protection in demanding environments.
Their range includes:
- Self-retracting lifelines / inertia reels
- Recovery fall arrest blocks
- Rescue and retrieval devices
- Tripods and confined space systems
- Height safety anchoring and access equipment
What makes IKAR stand out is their focus on engineering quality, user safety, and practical design — delivering systems that are built to perform in real-world site conditions. IKAR’s product offering is centred around equipment that helps improve both compliance and confidence for teams working at height or in restricted access environments.
Why Use an Inertia Reel?
An inertia reel, also known as a self-retracting lifeline (SRL) or fall arrest block, is designed to allow the user freedom of movement while maintaining a constantly tensioned lifeline. If a fall occurs, the device rapidly locks to help arrest the fall and reduce free-fall distance.
Compared with traditional lanyard systems, inertia reels can offer several key advantages:
- Greater freedom of movement
- Reduced slack in the lifeline
- Lower free-fall potential
- Faster lock-up in the event of a fall
- Improved versatility across a wide range of work areas
They are commonly used for:
- Roof work
- Steel erection
- Plant and machinery maintenance
- Warehousing and loading zones
- Workshops and fabrication environments
- Civil and infrastructure projects
- Confined space entry and rescue setups
For many users, an inertia reel is an excellent solution where mobility, productivity, and safety all need to work together.
IKAR Inertia Reels Now Available at NZ Access
We’ve added a growing selection of IKAR inertia reels to our range, giving New Zealand customers access to proven fall protection solutions for a wide variety of applications.
Some of the IKAR products now available include:
Standard Fall Arrest Blocks
For general working-at-height applications, IKAR offers durable self-retracting fall arrest blocks that are designed to help keep workers protected while allowing efficient movement on site.
These are ideal for use in situations such as:
- Working on elevated platforms
- Accessing plant and equipment
- Maintenance work in industrial settings
- Workshop and fabrication tasks
- General overhead fall protection systems
A product such as the Ikar Fall Arrest Block With a 9.0m Steelrope Lifeline in an Aluminium Housing is a strong example of a compact, practical fall arrest solution for a range of applications.
Edge-Rated and Heavy-Duty Options
Not every worksite is the same — and some environments require more robust equipment. IKAR’s range includes heavier-duty fall arrest blocks suited to more demanding conditions, including applications where durability and reliable performance are especially important.
The Ikar HWPS Fall Arrest Blocks 18m is a great option for users needing extended reach and dependable performance in industrial or structural work environments.
These types of systems are often well suited for:
- Structural steel work
- Industrial shutdowns
- Construction projects
- Infrastructure maintenance
- Overhead anchoring systems
Recovery and Rescue-Capable Inertia Reels
For confined space entry and rescue work, a standard fall arrest device may not be enough. In these situations, having a system that also provides recovery capability can be critical.
That’s where IKAR’s recovery inertia reels come into their own.
Products such as the IKAR HRA12 12mtr Retractable Fall Arrest Block with Recovery and the IKAR HRA18 18MTR RETRACTABLE FALL ARREST BLOCK WITH RECOVERY are designed for applications where users may require both fall arrest and retrieval / assisted rescue functionality.
These types of systems are commonly used for:
- Confined space entry
- Vertical access work
- Tank and pit access
- Utility and water infrastructure
- Maintenance shutdowns
- Rescue planning and retrieval setups
If your work involves entry into restricted or below-ground environments, selecting the right recovery-capable system is an important part of building a safe and compliant setup.
Advanced Rescue and Descent Options
For more specialised applications, IKAR also offers advanced rescue and controlled descent solutions that are suited to higher-risk or more technical work environments.
For example, the Ikar Has Fall Arrest & Rescue Device 30.0m provides a more specialised option for situations where fall protection and rescue functionality need to be considered together.
These types of systems may be particularly relevant for:
- Rescue teams
- Confined space specialists
- Industrial maintenance crews
- Utility operators
- High-risk access work
Why We Added IKAR to the NZ Access Range
At NZ Access, we focus on supplying equipment that offers real-world practicality, strong safety performance, and trusted quality.
We’ve added IKAR because their equipment aligns well with the needs of New Zealand industries that require reliable height safety and rescue systems — especially where users need gear that is:
- Tough and durable
- Suitable for demanding site conditions
- Available in a range of configurations
- Well suited to both fall arrest and rescue applications
- Backed by an internationally recognised manufacturer
For customers needing dependable inertia reels for everyday height safety, or more specialised retrieval systems for confined space work, IKAR is a strong addition to the range.
Find the Right IKAR Inertia Reel for Your Application
Choosing the right inertia reel depends on a few key factors, including:
- Required lifeline length
- Working environment
- Anchor point location
- Fall clearance requirements
- Whether rescue / recovery is needed
- Whether the system is being used for general fall arrest or confined space entry
If you’re unsure which model best suits your application, we’re happy to help point you in the right direction.
Shop IKAR Inertia Reels at NZ Access
We’re excited to now offer IKAR Inertia Reels as part of our growing range of height safety, confined space, and rescue equipment.
If you’re looking for a reliable self-retracting lifeline, fall arrest block, or recovery-capable inertia reel, browse the range online and find the right solution for your team.
Browse the IKAR range here:
https://shop.nzaccess.co.nz/collections/ikar
