Confined Space Rescue Technicians
Rescue Coverage at Vancouver Ports for Kova Engineering
When Kova Engineering requires comprehensive rescue coverage,
Peak Access delivers a solution.
Summary:
During regularly scheduled maintenance at the Vancouver Ports, Peak Access provides specialized services for both confined space rescue and high angle rescue.
Their IRATA Level 3 Rope Access Technicians and Confined Space Rescue Technicians ensure safe entry and standby rescue cover for emergency egress and provide the required supervision and support for the regular maintenance and inspection services.
The Client: Kova Engineering
Kova Engineering has been around for more than thirty years and is well respected across Western Canada for its exceptional engineering and inspection services. Although the company is most well known for founding The Crane Certification Bureau™, they now provide quality services for a wide variety of industries, including ports and terminals.
The Port of Vancouver is a regular client for Kova and requires extensive work in performing non-destructive testing (NDT) on cranes. Much of this work can be performed from platforms, but there are also many areas that are normally inaccessible or extremely expensive to access by conventional means.
The Problem: The Risk of Confined Spaces and Working at Height
On port facilities, with various cranes in operation, there are numerous situations where technicians must conduct NDT and inspection in confined spaces and at height. These technicians require safe access to these spaces in order to accomplish their tasks. Although Kova’s technicians are highly trained and skilled, they require the support of Peak Access’ Rope Access and Confined Space Rescue Technicians to ensure safety, rescue and compliance requirements are met.
The specialized work requires a higher level of logistical support in regard to safe work plans, fall protection, and rescue capabilities. On these work sites, the site operator has identified the spaces which, according to specifications from WorkSafeBC, require special protocol. Careful precaution must be taken to assess the level of risk and hazards involved in working in such spaces and to determine what kind of equipment and preparation is required for confined space rescue and high angle rescue.
As well, the maintenance and inspections can only take place when the port facilities are inactive (when ships are not in port), so the timing is critical. Kova requires a highly responsive team to assist them at the opportune time. When they need that kind of assistance, they call Peak Access.
The Solution: Confined Space Rescue Coverage and More
For Kova’s ongoing contracts with the port facilities to inspect cranes, Peak Access regularly provides the support that they require for work in confined spaces and work at heights. These support services feature the necessary safety supervision, which includes assessing the hazards in each zone and writing safe work plans that are tailored to the unique challenges of each space and situation.
The technicians provide rope access services and rescue coverage, including the supply of safety equipment and the installation of temporary fall protection. All of these procedures are accomplished with the highest levels of preparation and according to the specifications of WorkSafeBC.
In addition, these essential safety services are provided efficiently and promptly in the precise window of time that the port facility demands. In summary, Peak Access ensures that Kova’s technicians have safe access to the most difficult places on site, whether in confined spaces or at height so that they can accomplish their work in a timely manner.
The Outcome: Everybody Goes Home Safe
For those who operate the port facilities, and for Kova Engineering, the highest priority is the safety of the technicians and of all other workers. When everyone goes home safe, everyone wins. That value, of course, is shared by Peak Access. When they are able to provide a full-service safety solution for a valued client like Kova Engineering, their satisfaction is evident.
According to Christina Conley, Business Development & Marketing Coordinator at Kova: “Peak Access is our preferred contractor for our Rope Access and Confined Space Rescue needs. We appreciate their commitment to safety and feel confident in their abilities to keep our inspectors safe while they’re performing higher risk jobs. Overall, Peak Access has been fantastic to work with over the years and have helped us out on very short notice on various occasions.”
For Peak Access, the contract with Kova highlights their ability to respond promptly, mobilize quickly, comply completely, and deliver exactly what the client needs. When the client’s peace of mind and confidence are the result, it clearly points to an effective partnership and another job well done.
