As fbadia has posted we do the same, or near the same things as they are doing. We do not tie off though as the only good place to tie off to is above the fan level which could become an issue should the fan assembly rotate. One other thing we do is utilize small diameter rope to tie off the blades to keep them from windmilling or otherwise turning while in the fan area.
We use two foot by four foot plywood pieces for accessing our gearbox/fan area. They have been painted bright safety yellow and have hand holds built in.
