Summary
A global chemical manufacturer in the UK required a pneumatically powered Total Tanker Safety Cage to enhance safety and efficiency during tanker loading and unloading operations. The company, a leading producer of specialty resins and chemical intermediates, operates across 10 countries with customers in more than 90 nations. The project was undertaken at a major chemical manufacturing and distribution facility in the West Midlands, England.
Challenges
The client needed to upgrade their existing tanker access stairs and safety cage at one of their loading stations. The previous safety cage was too small, preventing operators from completing all necessary tasks without repositioning the tanker. This inefficiency added complexity to operations and posed safety risks. The site required a solution that improved operational workflow while ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Solution
IFC provided a bespoke fall prevention system designed to enhance tanker access while maintaining safety at height. A 6m long by 1.5m wide pneumatically powered Total Tanker Safety Cage was engineered to mount seamlessly onto one of IFC’s standard folding stair units. The system was designed to integrate with the client’s existing gantry structure, ensuring minimal disruption to the site.
Key features of the solution included:
- Pneumatic operation to reduce manual handling concerns and improve ease of use.
- A large safety cage providing secure access across the top of the tanker.
- An internal safety gate to allow for safe access to smaller tankers by reducing the working area as needed.
Results
Through close collaboration with the client, IFC developed an initial design that was refined based on their feedback, ensuring the final system met all operational needs. The installation and commissioning were successfully completed during a planned weekend shutdown, minimising downtime.
The new system is now fully operational, providing safer and more efficient tanker access for site operators. The improved design allows for faster operations while ensuring the highest safety standards are maintained, ultimately enhancing overall site productivity and compliance.
