Here's how Houston's energy future is reaching new heights (literally)
Rope access is a method of working at height that uses ropes and specialized equipment to reach difficult-to-access locations without the need for traditional access methods like scaffolding or cranes. Many rope access providers also cross-train skilled craftspeople such as welders, pipefitters, and ironworkers in rope access techniques.
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Overcoming access challenges
For Houston's energy sector, every second of downtime can affect the bottom line. Rope access offers several practical benefits that extend beyond simply reaching elevated or confined spaces:
Cost efficiency: By reducing the need for extensive scaffolding or heavy lift equipment, rope access can minimize associated costs and production downtime. For facilities along the Gulf Coast, these savings can be substantial.
Safety advantages: With lower risk compared to some traditional access methods, reduced workplace congestion, and minimal equipment footprint, rope access can improve overall job site safety when properly implemented.
Operational versatility: Rope access works well for accessing complex structures and confined spaces across industries critical to Texas, including petrochemical, power generation, and LNG. The method also adapts to various weather conditions.
Delivering results at height
Turner Specialty Services' (TSS') rope access group is the largest and most experienced on the Gulf Coast. Their craft-certified rope access technicians offer a vast array of mechanical capabilities, including pipefitting, boilermaking, welding, ironwork, electrical and instrumentation installations, valve maintenance, rigging, and more. Beyond mechanical tasks, they also provide complete inspection services, from advanced NDE and CUI program management to ultrasonic thickness testing and API/AWS inspections.
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TSS' expertise is demonstrated by a portfolio of successful projects in Texas and across the Gulf Coast:
Facility demolition and repair: At a Texas chemical plant, TSS completed heavy mechanical work, including demolishing 200 feet of steam line and conducting external inspections and welding repairs, all without incident.
Emergency infrastructure repair: A four-person TSS rope access team performed a temporary repair on a massive storage dome, installing over 500 concrete anchors to prevent further damage from high winds.
Large-scale construction support: During the construction of a new polyethylene plant in the region, a team of 22 multi-crafted TSS rope access technicians completed 100,000 work hours with zero recordables, performing fabrication, structural installations, and cable tray work.
Specialized remediation: At a Louisiana refinery, TSS rope access technicians safely removed over 100,000 pounds of deteriorating fireproofing material from structures in an active process unit.
Elevating industry standards
As facilities continue to seek more efficient and safer ways to maintain their critical infrastructure, rope access services offer a solution that combines cost savings, safety, and quality. For more information on Turner Specialty Services' rope access capabilities, visit www.turner-industries.com/services/tss-rope-access.
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