In high-risk environments, we rely on world-class training, certified technicians, and IRATA-backed rope access systems to keep people safe and projects moving.
At Think Access Ltd., safety is more than a priority—it’s a philosophy that drives every project we undertake. Whether we’re working hundreds of feet above ground or deep within the narrowest of silos, we understand that high-risk environments demand specialist capabilities, rigorous training, and a culture of zero compromise. This is especially true for confined space operations.
We’re proud to announce a key milestone in our ongoing journey to raise industry standards: five additional full-time rope access technicians have now achieved their City & Guilds High-Risk Confined Space qualification. This achievement moves us ever closer to our internal target—100% of our rope access workforce fully certified for high-risk confined space entry.
As a fully accredited IRATA member company, this initiative forms part of our wider commitment to deliver exceptional performance through internationally recognised rope access standards—safely, reliably, and professionally.
What Makes Confined Space Work So Demanding?
Confined spaces are areas that are substantially enclosed and carry significant risk due to restricted entry/exit, atmospheric hazards, entrapment, or other dangerous conditions. In the UK, this work is strictly governed by the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997, which define confined spaces as any environment where:
- Oxygen levels are compromised
- Toxic gases or vapours may accumulate
- Flooding, fire, or entrapment is possible
- The layout limits movement, visibility, or rescue options
Examples include tanks, culverts, sewers, ducting, grain silos, access shafts, boiler interiors, and voids in process plants.
The complexity of these jobs is amplified when they require working at height or in vertically oriented vessels. That’s where IRATA rope access techniques become not just useful—but critical.
Combining Confined Space Expertise with Rope Access Agility
As an IRATA member company, Think Access adheres to the world’s leading standards for industrial rope access safety and competence. All rope access work is performed by IRATA-certified technicians following the IRATA International Code of Practice (ICOP).
Why is this important for confined space projects?
Because rope access provides:
- Efficient access in tight or vertical enclosures
- Minimal disruption to surrounding operations
- Reduced setup time compared to scaffolding or MEWPs
- Increased safety through controlled, double-rope systems
- Enhanced rescue readiness, particularly in limited-access zones
We use rope access techniques to enter, inspect, and perform work within confined spaces where traditional access solutions are simply not viable or cost-effective.
What Is City & Guilds High-Risk Confined Space Training?
City & Guilds Level 3 Confined Space Training is the gold standard in the UK for operatives entering and working in hazardous confined environments. It prepares technicians for entry under full working breathing apparatus, typically in areas with:
- Poor or fluctuating oxygen levels
- Presence of toxic, flammable, or corrosive gases
- Complex or unpredictable internal geometry
- Need for complex rescue protocols
The course covers:
- Advanced gas detection and atmospheric monitoring
- Full-body harness and BA usage
- Permit-to-work systems and risk assessment
- Emergency escape and rescue planning
- Safe systems of work and control measures
- Supervised and team-based operations
Why We’re Targeting 100% Confined Space Certification
At Think Access, we believe our rope access operatives should be fully cross-trained in confined space techniques—not just a select few. Here’s why this matters:
✔ Total Operational Flexibility
With every rope access technician certified for confined space work, we can field any crew on any site, at any time, without qualification limitations.
✔ Improved Project Delivery
Clients benefit from faster mobilisation, fewer staffing restrictions, and enhanced consistency across teams.
✔ Strengthened Safety Culture
Confined space training embeds critical safety behaviours that improve overall team performance—even outside confined environments.
✔ Superior Emergency Readiness
Our teams are rescue-ready at all times. Should an incident occur inside a confined space, our on-site staff are fully trained to intervene and extract safely.
✔ Competitive Edge
Clients trust companies who invest in their teams. Certification is not just about compliance—it’s about confidence.
Our Confined Space Rope Access Services
Think Access delivers comprehensive confined space access and rescue solutions across a range of industries. Every project is planned meticulously and carried out by teams who are IRATA-certified and City & Guilds Level 3 qualified.
Inspection & Survey
- Visual condition assessments
- Photographic and drone footage where applicable
- NDT (non-destructive testing)
- Asset lifecycle analysis
Maintenance & Repairs
- Corrosion treatment and protective coatings
- Welding, fabrication, and steelwork inside vessels
- Bolt torqueing, flanges, and valve work
- Drainage and pipework interventions
Confined Space Emergency Rescue
- On-site rescue teams
- Fully kitted response vehicles
- Standby and rapid-deploy protocols
- Mock rescue drills and simulations
Permit-Controlled Entry Supervision
- Entry Controller / Top Man services
- RAMS coordination and live updates
- Real-time gas and environmental monitoring
- Rescue plans designed and reviewed per site
Hazardous Substance Entry
- SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) entry
- ATEX compliance for explosive atmospheres
- Chemical tank and silo cleaning
- Confined entry in wastewater and effluent systems
Sectors We Serve
We’ve delivered confined space services for major clients in:
- Energy from Waste (EfW) – boiler entry, ash hopper inspection, clean-downs
- Oil & Gas – vessel repairs, flare stack internals, pipe inspection
- Water Utilities – culvert maintenance, screen repairs, confined drainage
- Manufacturing & Heavy Industry – duct access, confined asset inspection
- Construction – confined crane base inspections, siphonic drainage
In each case, we deploy rope access and confined space teams working under IRATA and HSE guidance, supported by advanced safety systems and real-time project coordination.
Safety Technology, Equipment & Innovation
Our teams are supported by cutting-edge safety equipment and digital platforms to ensure confined space work is planned, executed, and recorded to the highest standard:
- Portable gas detection systems (multi-gas, real-time data)
- Full SCBA kits and escape sets
- Tripods, davit arms, and winches
- Confined space rescue stretchers and extraction slings
- Digital RAMS delivery and check-in/out systems via GetKonnected
- Confined space entry permits and live rescue plans visible on mobile
A Track Record of Complex Confined Space Projects
We’ve supported dozens of complex, high-risk projects across the UK, including:
Levenseat EfW Plant
Exeter EfW Plant
Each project reinforces our ability to integrate rope access with confined space entry to deliver safe, fast, and cost-effective results.
Why Think Access?
IRATA Member Company
As an IRATA-accredited company, we follow the strictest international standards in rope access safety, technique, and training.
High-Risk Certified Workforce
All operatives hold relevant qualifications in confined space entry—many to Level 3 (High Risk).
One-Stop Solution
We offer planning, entry, supervision, rescue, and completion—all under one contract and one set of safety standards.
Focused on Training and Continuous Improvement
We reinvest in people and processes to ensure our teams stay sharp, capable, and compliant.
Conclusion: Safer by Design, Stronger by Training
Confined space work is among the most dangerous tasks in industrial operations. That’s why every decision we make—from who we hire to how we plan—is grounded in a commitment to safety, professionalism, and world-class standards.
With our IRATA membership, 100% confined space certification target, and hands-on industry experience, Think Access Ltd. is redefining what clients can expect from a rope access confined space contractor.
When lives are on the line and the environment leaves no margin for error, we bring the training, the discipline, and the capability to get the job done—safely