Project Type: Rope Access Confined Space Maintenance
Location: Levenseat, Scotland
Scope of Work: Gasifier net installation, refractory removal, full internal clean down, 24/7 confined space rescue cover
Support Tools: GetKonnected – Digital Workforce Management System
Overview:
Think Access Ltd. was contracted by Levenseat Renewable Energy to carry out specialist rope access services on one of their key gasifier units during a planned shutdown in March 2025. The works involved a multi-phase operation including net installation, refractory removal, industrial clean down, and rescue standby duties—delivered under high-risk, confined space conditions.
The gasifier system at Levenseat presented significant access challenges due to its vertical geometry and enclosed internal layout. Traditional methods like scaffolding were not feasible within the constrained timelines and working environment. Instead, Think Access deployed an IRATA-compliant rope access strategy, enabling rapid entry, effective coverage, and full internal servicing using minimal equipment and disruption.
To enhance control, visibility, and compliance across this critical operation, the project was supported by GetKonnected, the company’s in-house digital job tracking and workforce management system.
Scope and Challenges:
The scope of the project was comprehensive and technically demanding. Working inside the gasifier required installation of internal safety netting, followed by the removal of thick refractory and slag material that had built up over time. The team also provided ongoing rescue cover for third-party contractors operating inside the same confined space.
Key challenges included:
- Confined vertical access: The internal structure of the gasifier required rope access operatives to enter from above and work in suspended positions.
- Refractory and slag build-up: In many areas, deposits were so extensive that mechanical breakers were needed to chip away materials.
- Gas monitoring and ventilation: Continuous atmospheric monitoring was mandatory to ensure the safety of operatives inside the confined space.
- Shift coordination: To maintain momentum, a continuous rotation of day and night shifts was implemented, requiring precise logistical planning.
All tasks had to be coordinated around other ongoing shutdown works and within strict outage timelines.
Use of GetKonnected :
To manage this high-stakes environment, Think Access implemented GetKonnected™, its digital workforce coordination tool, across all phases of the project. This platform played a pivotal role in ensuring transparency, safety, and efficiency at every level of delivery.
Key benefits delivered by GetKonnected™ included:
- Digital Timesheet Logging: All shift data, crew hours, and job progress were recorded in real-time using mobile devices. This eliminated paper-based tracking and allowed the management team to monitor productivity and shift completion live.
- Confined Space Permit Management: Entry permits, gas monitor logs, and rescue cover duties were assigned and tracked through the platform. Each operative’s access history and permit data were digitally stored for audit purposes.
- Live Progress Updates: Site supervisors used GetKonnected to issue updates on task status, material conditions (such as refractory depth), and rigging changes. These updates were automatically shared with both the Think Access HQ and the client team.
- Compliance and Oversight: The system maintained a centralised, time-stamped record of all actions taken on site. This provided clear evidence of compliance with confined space protocols, health and safety checks, and client sign-off procedures.
By leveraging GetKonnected, Think Access was able to run a paperless, highly coordinated site operation in a confined space environment where speed, safety, and traceability were critical.
Execution Summary:
Once access systems were in place, the rope access crews began the removal of internal build-up. Refractory and slag material was detached from the gasifier walls using a combination of hand tools and pneumatic breakers. The waste was managed and cleared through coordinated handovers with plant personnel.
Rinse-and-repeat cycles of deslagging, waste removal, and inspection were conducted, gradually restoring the internal surfaces. Rescue cover was provided throughout these operations, including for third-party scaffolders and maintenance teams working within the gasifier.
All stages of the project were logged through GetKonnected in real-time, allowing stakeholders to monitor activity, verify progress, and address any risks proactively.
By the end of the deployment, the netting was safely removed, rigging was decommissioned, and the internal area was returned to the client in a clean and safe condition—ready for the next operational cycle.
Client Collaboration and Reporting:
Collaboration with Levenseat Renewable Energy’s on-site management was smooth and well-documented. All shift logs were digitally verified via GetKonnected, with client reps able to review daily performance, resource allocation, and safety notes directly from their own dashboards.
Client feedback noted the following strengths:
- Consistent shift performance across multiple teams.
- Proactive identification and removal of refractory hazards.
- Fast turnaround on rigging and netting tasks.
- Transparent, digital-first reporting via GetKonnected.
Final sign-off was completed with no outstanding snagging issues, and all documentation was automatically archived in the client portal.
Results and Impact:
The Levenseat gasifier project was delivered successfully and without incident. Key outcomes included:
- Zero safety breaches across all confined space operations.
- Significant time savings compared to scaffold-based access.
- Full integration of digital job tracking via GetKonnected.
- Complete internal clean down and refractory clearance.
- High levels of client satisfaction and operational transparency.
GetKonnected proved instrumental in managing the complexity of the project, delivering real-time visibility, reducing administrative burden, and improving communication between teams.
Conclusion:
This project serves as a powerful example of Think Access Ltd.’s ability to blend specialist rope access skills with modern digital management systems. The result was a clean, efficient, and incident-free delivery of high-risk maintenance services inside a live renewable energy facility.
By combining IRATA-standard rope access methods with the powerful oversight capabilities of GetKonnected, Think Access continues to set the benchmark for innovation and safety in the rope access and industrial services sector.