SPECIALIST ACCESS & SURVEYS
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EVIDENCE-FIRST ACCESS PLANNING
The right access method is selected around the asset, the inspection scope and the evidence required. Visual reconnaissance can establish the wider picture; close access is needed where condition must be assessed directly or where measurements, adhesion testing, coating identification or sampling are required.
Access methods matched to the evidence required.
Rope access inspection at height
Rope access can provide close inspection coverage on elevated or difficult-to-reach steelwork where the project arrangements support its use.
Confined-space inspection
For tanks, pipelines, voids and enclosed areas, entry and rescue arrangements are established on a project-specific basis before inspection activity begins.
MEWP, platform and conventional access
MEWPs, platforms and conventional access methods can support detailed visual assessment and physical inspection where working positions and reach need to be controlled.
Drone visual surveys
Drone imagery provides an overview of extensive structures, helps locate visible defects and creates a photographic record. It does not replace physical access for DFT, adhesion testing or sampling.
A CONNECTED WORKFLOW
From visual overview to close inspection.
Drone visual surveys can inform access planning and help focus detailed inspection effort. The evidence requirement then determines the close-access method and the testing that follows.
01 Survey extensive structure and establish the visual overview.
02 Identify priority areas, then gain appropriate close access.
03 Carry out visual assessment and physical DFT, adhesion, coating identification or sampling where needed.
04 Report the evidence, findings and maintenance recommendations.
Choosing the appropriate method.
Geometry and reach: where the inspection point sits and how close evidence must be obtained.
Environment and operational constraints: the conditions around the asset and the workable access window.
Inspection scope and measurements: whether visual evidence is enough or physical testing and sampling are needed.
TYPICAL ASSETS
From bridges to enclosed industrial assets.
Bridges and highway or rail structures; gantries and towers; structural steel; industrial plant; tanks and pipelines; marine and energy assets.
Inspection, testing and reporting
Coating breakdown and corrosion assessment; photographic defect records; DFT; adhesion; coating sampling or identification where required; and actionable maintenance recommendations. Explore our Condition Surveys and Testing & Analysis services for the wider inspection approach.
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PROJECT EVIDENCE
Access methods shaped by the inspection task.
Tyne Bridge: visual overview followed by close access
PIL’s 2017 account describes drone flights used for an initial overview and to identify areas for further inspection, alongside laser mapping. Inspectors then used large MEWPs for close visual inspection, hazardous-material sampling, DFT, coating identification and adhesion testing.
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Dolgarrog Power Station: confined-space and rope-access survey
PIL’s 2017 account describes a 600 m, 1.2 m-diameter pipeline classed as a confined space. A five-person rope-access and confined-space team completed internal visual inspection, DFT and adhesion testing, followed by a repair-recommendation report.
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PLAN THE INSPECTION
We can help define an inspection approach that connects access planning to the condition evidence, testing and reporting required for the project.
DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT