Crossgates rescue service teams up with global provider

MRS Training & Rescue, a 'leader' in confined space safety and rescue, has partnered with VISICS, powered by Access Technology Group, to introduce new technology for operations.

This collaboration aims to 'revolutionise' how maintenance shutdowns, turnarounds, and outages are managed.

Confined space work is one of the highest-risk activities in industry, traditionally monitored by hole watchers or standby attendants.

However, these methods have limitations, such as restricted visibility and potential human error.

The partnership with Access Technology Group allows MRS Training & Rescue to provide the VISICS Digital Monitoring System.

This new solution aims to enhance safety and efficiency by offering high-definition camera surveillance, continuous gas detection and automatic emergency alerts.

Stuart Hoult, CEO of MRS Training & Rescue, said: "Too often, hole watchers are assigned without adequate training, meaning they may not fully understand the hazards involved.

"In an emergency, an untrained hole watcher might instinctively enter a confined space to help a colleague, without realising they are exposing themselves to the same unseen dangers.

"This is how multiple fatalities occur in confined spaces."

The VISICS digital monitoring system provides continuous remote supervision, removing the reliance on traditional hole watchers while ensuring all confined space activities remain under constant surveillance.

Jos van den Hoven, director of operations at Access Technology Group, said: "By combining our expertise in real-time monitoring with MRS's track record in confined space rescue, MRS is now able to deliver their customers a solution that reduces risk, enhances operational efficiency, and helps businesses meet the highest safety standards."

The new system also offers operational advantages, such as reduced personnel requirements and faster turnaround times, by eliminating manual sampling delays that prolong confined space activities.