In the middle of the slowest construction period in the last two decades, a local engineering firm has introduced a new type of scaffolding to the domestic market. Robert Charbonne, managing director of Reach Engineering & Diving Services (REDS) Caribbean Ltd (REDS), says the company's Rope Access Technology can quickly get workmen and tools to almost any major site faster and safer than any other system for accessing heights or perilous situations in the world. "The application is perfect for accessing difficult to reach areas such as the sides of oil rigs, tall buildings, process plant facilities and marine applications where safety is paramount," said Charbonne, whose Chaguaramas-based company is a franchisee for the new technology in T&T.
The technology evolved from techniques used in rock climbing and caving to become an extremely safe and cost effective industrial tool. The Rope Access industry has compiled an exemplary safety record for more than 20 years and millions of man-hours, he noted. At a first glance it may look like an ordinary rope used in climbing, but a closer look would show that the technology is more than that. Charbonne explained that the Rope Access is an access method using ropes and climbing techniques. It allows for the performance of a wide variety of previously dangerous jobs at high elevations and other hard-to-reach areas without scaffolding or heavy equipment.
Two employees of Reach Engineering & Diving Services (REDS) apply the Rope Access technology while power-washing the building of One Woodbrook Place, Woodbrook.
Benefits
Chris Scarby, Rope Access supervisor, said there were many benefits that can be derived from using this new technology. "Rope Access gives you more play and flexibility. It also has a lot of stretch as the material is different from the ordinary rope. It is a specialised rope used for this purpose. The rope is stronger and more versatile," Scarby explained. He added that with the flexibility, the person can get around the obstacles from all angles: vertical, horizontal and otherwise. Scarby said that it was a very safe and practical way when working at heights. Drawing reference to his present project, Scarby said if he had to build a scaffolding for a height of 200ft to powerwash One Woodbrook Place, it would take a lot of manhours and plenty time to complete the job.
But with the technology, the job required about three workers and it should be completed within three weeks. "Could you imagine about 30 guys building a scaffolding for a month of that height as opposed to two guys working on ropes. There is a lot of possibility for injuries," Scarby said. "Therefore, time, cost and safety are the key benefits to using this technology," he added. In terms of safety, he said the company follows the rules and guidelines of the Industrial Roped Access Association (IRATA). "REDS is a member of IRATA which issues accreditation to members that have achieved the high standards needed for safety when working at heights or dangerous industrial or construction application," he said. He noted REDS also provide technical training for all employees. Scarby said the company will be establishing a training centre in T&T in a few months.
Robert Charbonne, managing director, Reach Engineering & Diving Services
About Charbonne
Charbonne said he graduated from College of Oceaneering in Calfornia in 1976 as a commercial diver. He said he then worked with Oceaneering International as a trainee diver. Charbonne became a dive supervisor and operations manager at the company. Locally and internationally, he worked on diving related projects.
Level playing field
Charbonne said with regard to yesterday's budget, he has very little expectations regarding the sector. "But what the sector needs is a level playing field. I am prepared to compete once there is a level playing field and I feel confident that we would open up markets here." He said REDS was an international company and was gaining the attention and respect from companies worldwide but, in T&T, companies would not consider them. "We have branches in the United Kingdom (UK), United States (US) and soon to set up a branch just outside of Dubai." He said the company comprises three main business strategic units: the Rope Access technology, commercial diving which includes a capacity to do underwater surveys and other areas that were related to deep sea diving.
Due to the marine aspect of the business, Charbonne said the company also markets a few products to enhance the marine industry including a product called zinger. Zinger is an anti-corrosive which protects against erosion. Even though the company was small ,Charbonne said it was doing well. "Right now we are on a growth curve." He attributes the success of the company to the wealth of knowledge, experiences and capabilities of his qualified staff. He said the company is about four years old, but he has been in the industry since 1976. Within the marine sector, Charbonne said locally the business was slow. Internationally, however, it was quite busy.
He also noted that within the marine industry some companies were not doing enough regarding preventive maintenance, especially in the oil sector.