RBG (RBG), the provider of fabric maintenance and construction support to the global energy industry, launches its new ‘PlusGard’ advanced scaffolding system, which improves offshore safety and reduces associated operating costs.

Used by RBG for the first time in the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS), PlusGard is custom designed for the offshore environment and is able to transform traditional access methods. By providing a dynamic scaffolding enclosure with flexible and easy-to-use telescopic tubes, the new system offers a safer working environment for scaffolders operating at height, specifically over a platform’s side or below deck.

As well as improving safety, PlusGard significantly reduces the operating costs associated with scaffolding installation and removal. Whilst traditional ‘over the side’ scaffolding work requires a fast rescue craft to stand-by for potential recovery at sea contingency - at a cost of approximately £8k per day – the safe enclosure provided by the PlusGard system eliminates this need.

Bill Abbott, group scaffolding manager for RBG explains how this also benefits job efficiency: “Traditionally we were only able to erect and dismantle scaffolding when a boat was available to stand by and as boats can only come alongside a platform during daylight hours, this limited the time we were able to spend on a job, especially in the winter months. Furthermore, a rescue vessel’s operating envelope is restricted by wind conditions and sea states meaning activity outside of the agreed safe working parameters, has to stop.

“With the PlusGard system we are able to work full daylight hours and be less affected by weather conditions.”

The system was recently used on Apache’s Forties Delta platform to provide access to a cooling water medium pipe work, generating savings in excess of £60k for the operator.

Using the new system, RBG scaffolders were able to work productively for six continuous days without the need for a standby boat. During the project, the scaffolding system was moved between levels eight times without incident.

Bob Coombe, fabric maintenance coordinator at Apache said: “We were pleased to work with RBG on the introduction of this innovative technology. The speed of the installation was particularly impressive, together with the increased working window it provided us. Critically, the system mitigated the need for a stand-by boat which created significant savings. We look forward to utilising the PlusGard system across all Forties’ assets and working with RBG to bring further cost reduction through innovation.”

Mr. Abbott sees PlusGard as a key tool for any access related job offshore: “PlusGard would be ideal for the dynamic nature of decommissioning projects, as it would for tying in additional risers and flowlines for subsea development under deck.

“The introduction of this system demonstrates our ongoing commitment to innovative fabric maintenance technologies with increased safety and reduced operating costs.”

Tags: RBG Limited