Summary
BIP Environmental, a waste treatment and transfer station, required a safer access solution for workers cleaning tankers at their site. These tankers, used to transport hazardous and non-hazardous products, required regular thorough cleaning to prevent contamination. Previously, workers accessed the tops of tankers via ladders attached to the vehicles, without any fall prevention measures. This posed a significant risk of fall-related accidents, necessitating a safer and more efficient solution.
Challenges
The primary challenge was ensuring safe and stable access to tanker lids for cleaning operations. The existing method, using tanker-mounted ladders, exposed workers to significant fall hazards. Additionally, tankers visiting the site had up to three lids requiring access, and their design—featuring side-mounted ladders rather than rear-mounted ones—made a standard fall prevention solution unsuitable. The system needed to accommodate these specific tanker configurations while maintaining ease of use and safety compliance.
Solution
IFC recommended the installation of a fixed loading gantry, complete with folding stairs and a safety cage. This provided a secure and stable platform for workers to perform cleaning operations safely. To address the multiple access points on tankers, IFC proposed a specialist sliding folding stair unit, allowing a single stair and safety cage to slide along the length of the tanker for efficient lid access.
Key features included:
- A bespoke 9m gantry fitted with sliding folding stairs.
- A custom-designed safety cage tailored to accommodate side-mounted ladders.
- A flexible and adaptable system ensuring full fall prevention.
Outcome
Installation was completed within four days, and the system was fully operational within a week. BIP Environmental workers now have a secure means of accessing tanker tops, significantly reducing the risk of serious or fatal injuries. The new system has enhanced both safety and operational efficiency, ensuring compliance with industry regulations while providing a practical long-term solution for tanker cleaning operations.