Catwalk and Work Platform to Access Compounding and Holding Tanks

McKenna Labs needed a safer and more practical way for staff to access its compounding and holding tanks without disrupting the facility’s ongoing production activities. ErectaStep worked with McKenna Labs management to develop a customized access solution designed around the company’s unique production line. The resulting Holding Tanks Catwalk installation combined ErectaStep platforms and stairs to improve access around the tanks while helping reduce the risk of staff injury. Because McKenna Labs ships and receives large amounts of product every day, maintaining safe access without slowing production was an important consideration.

What Is a Holding Tanks Catwalk?

A Holding Tanks Catwalk is an elevated access system that provides a practical walkway around or near holding tanks. It can help personnel reach areas that require routine access while providing a more structured alternative to navigating directly around production equipment. At McKenna Labs, ErectaStep designed the access solution specifically around the facility’s production line. The customized arrangement of platforms and stairs provided improved access to the compounding and holding tanks while fitting the operational requirements of the facility.

Importance of Safe Tank Access

Production facilities need dependable access to equipment while keeping employees away from unnecessary access hazards. For McKenna Labs, the need was particularly important because the facility handles substantial product shipping and receiving activity every day. The Holding Tanks Catwalk solution helped address this need by creating dedicated access to the compounding and holding tanks. The customized design also allowed the company to improve safety without taking an approach that could unnecessarily slow its production operations.

How the Holding Tanks Catwalk Works

The system uses ErectaStep platforms and stairs to create an accessible route to the compounding and holding tanks. Rather than applying a generic layout, ErectaStep collaborated with McKenna Labs management to develop a solution suited to the facility’s specific production line. This customized approach allowed the Holding Tanks Catwalk installation to address the facility’s access requirements while supporting day-to-day operations. The result was an organized access solution intended to make tank access safer and more practical for staff.

Key Features

The McKenna Labs project included several important characteristics:

• Customized design based on the facility’s production line
• ErectaStep platforms for improved tank access
• ErectaStep stairs connecting access areas
• Dedicated access to compounding and holding tanks
• Focus on reducing staff injury risk
• Solution designed with ongoing production in mind
• Scalable approach supporting future facility growth

Applications

A Holding Tanks Catwalk can be particularly useful in industrial environments where personnel need improved access to elevated tanks and production equipment. In this project, the system was developed specifically for access to McKenna Labs’ compounding and holding tanks. The installation demonstrates how customized platforms and stairs can be incorporated into an existing production environment without relying on a one-size-fits-all access arrangement.

Project Outcome

The McKenna Labs team was very satisfied with the results of the ErectaStep installation. The Holding Tanks Catwalk improved access to the facility’s compounding and holding tanks while helping reduce the risk of injury for staff. The success of the project also led McKenna Labs to begin planning for another installation as the company continues to grow. This highlights the value of designing access systems around the actual requirements of a manufacturing facility.

What was installed at McKenna Labs?

ErectaStep platforms and stairs were installed to improve access to the compounding and holding tanks.

Why did McKenna Labs need improved tank access?

The company needed a safer access solution for staff while continuing its production activities and handling significant daily shipping and receiving operations.

Was the access system customized?

Yes. ErectaStep’s Scott Johnson worked with McKenna Labs management to create a customized solution suited to the facility’s unique production line.

How did the Holding Tanks Catwalk support safety?

The installation provided improved access to the tanks and helped reduce the risk of injury for facility staff.

Is the solution suitable for growing facilities?

This specific project shows that customized access solutions can support current operational needs while allowing facilities to plan additional installations as they grow.