NZ Access Blog

For operators responsible for maintaining water and wastewater infrastructure, confined space entry is a routine but high-risk activity. Pump stations, valve chambers, wet wells and treatment facilities often require repeated access throughout the year for inspections, servicing and maintenance.

A recent Watercare project demonstrates how installing permanent davit bases throughout a site can significantly improve safety, reduce setup time and provide a dedicated rescue capability whenever confined space work is required.

Working in confined spaces presents unique challenges that demand specialised equipment, careful planning and reliable rescue capabilities.

From water treatment plants and pump stations to reservoirs, tanks, utility infrastructure and industrial facilities, confined space work requires systems that not only provide safe access but also ensure workers can be retrieved quickly and safely in an emergency.

Working in trenches, excavations and shored environments presents unique safety challenges, particularly when it comes to worker access, fall protection and emergency rescue. Having the right equipment available before work begins is critical to ensuring compliance and protecting personnel on site.

From major roading upgrades and bridge construction to water infrastructure, utilities, and local council projects, New Zealand's civil construction sector regularly faces unique challenges when it comes to working at height and accessing confined spaces.

Discover IKAR Inertia Reels now available at NZ Access. Trusted worldwide for quality fall protection and rescue equipment, IKAR offers durable self-retracting lifelines and recovery-capable fall arrest blocks designed for working safely at height and in confined space environments. Browse the range and find the right solution for your application.

Working at height in civil construction often presents unique challenges. Roading projects, bridge inspections, and geotechnical remediation frequently require teams to operate in remote locations, on uneven terrain, or in areas where permanent anchor points simply don’t exist. Traditional fall protection systems often rely on fixed structures or temporary anchors that are difficult to install and reposition.