Abstract: The present invention relates to a protective device (102) and to a method for protecting an object (101) against mechanical damage as it is lifted up or lowered down a vertically extending structure (103), such as the wall of a building or a mast for instance, and also for protecting the structure along which said object is moved. There is placed around the object at least one protective device (102) which includes a first inflatable tube that is fastened to a second inflatable tube. The tubes are positioned so as to form two concentrical rings or spirals around the object (101), with the first tube located inwardly of the second tube. The first tube is filled with a suitable amount of gas, preferably air, such as to bring the first tube into contact with the object (101) and therewith firmly hold the protective device (102) to the object (101) through the medium of frictional forces.