Tank Cleaning, Confined Spaces, Difficult Access & Working at Height

Inspecting and cleaning of cold water tanks can require a large number of different skills and in response to this Nemco have trained all engineers all aspects in working at height and even have a ‘Specialist High Access Team’.

It would be difficult to find another company in the industry whose engineers are better trained or equipped to carry out all work at height in accordance with the Work at height regulations 2005, which we believe makes Nemco the number one choice for safety.

As a result of these qualifications and numerous years experience, Nemco are able to inspect and disinfect everything from water towers to underground tanks fully complying with all associated legislation.

Training

All Nemco Engineers are extensively trained (to BS8454:2006 Code of practice for the delivery of training and education for work at height and rescue) before they ever set foot on a customers site, and regular safety audits are carried out at work sites. Health and safety is Nemco’s highest priority and all our engineers are equipped with safety signs, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and climbing equipment (in accordance with BS8437:2005 Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems and equipment for use in the workplace.)

The height training undertaken by all Nemco engineers involves safe inspection, maintenance and use of ladders including how to secure them, suspension tests and correct use of the full body harness (EN361:2002, EN1497:1996) and twin lanyards (EN354, EN355, EN362:2004) for safe use of fixed ladders. In addition, all engineers are trained in risk assessment of all work at height or difficult access. Job specific risk assessments are carried out on site for every job.

The training is undertaken as part of an engineer’s induction and is carried out on Nemco’s own height training area. Refresher training is carried out every two years. This involves legislation awareness and updates, selection and use of equipment, choice of anchor points, safe progressive movement*, aid climbing, use and practice of work restraint, work positioning and fall arrest systems and safe movement of work equipment such as pumps to the work area.

For those jobs which cannot be carried out safely by the engineer on site, Nemco also have a specialist high access team who have confined space entry, IRATA**, IPAF*** and scaffolding qualifications.

For jobs which require permanent access platforms or more advanced rope access Nemco have a number of companies on their approved suppliers list who meet the same exceptionally high standards, and we are happy to work alongside these or use them as subcontractors.

*What is Safe Progressive Movement?

Safe Progressive Movement is a training technique pioneered by Nemco. Taken from outdoor pursuits mountain leadership, the movement and body positioning techniques used in particular with security on steep ground have been adapted for the conditions typically found in loft spaces, such as restricted access, unusual balance positions and inadequate boarding. (or sometimes no boarding at all). Engineers are first trained at ground level on a simulated loft training rig before moving onto the height training area to practice the skills learned, safely, in realistic but supported conditions. We do not know of any other company which provides such extensive training for access to loft spaces.

** What is IRATA?

IRATA the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association was formed in the late 1980's , as the result of an initiative by a number of leading companies involved in industrial rope access techniques, to provide a safe working environment for the industry.

Industrial Rope Access is a proven method of achieving a safe work position at height or in areas of difficult access. It was initially developed from techniques used in caving to answer the need for a simple, safe and adaptable means of access with its first large scale use being for inspections on the oil and gas platforms of the North Sea. As its value as a work solution grew rope access has also developed onshore where it is to be seen undertaking all manner of work from high-rise window and facade cleaning and general maintenance to repair, geotechnical and inspection work on some of the world's most iconic structures.

For more information why not visit the IRATA website at www.irata.org

***What is IPAF?

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) promotes the safe and effective use of powered access worldwide.

The IPAF training programme for platform operators was developed by leading industry professionals. It is certified by TÜV as conforming to the international standard ISO 18878:2004 Mobile elevating work platforms – Operator (driver) training. More than 70,000 operators are trained each year through a worldwide network of over 300 training centres. Successful trainees receive a PAL Card (Powered Access Licence), a safety guide, a log book and a certificate.

For more information why not visit the IPAF website at www.ipaf.org