RollaStep mobile ladder unit at a Pineville, LA odorant facility
Categories: Bulk Chemical Energy – Petroleum, LPG, Solar RollaStep Facility
Arkema’s odorant facility in Pineville, Louisiana, has multiple tanks located within a large containment berm, creating a challenging environment for routine access and maintenance. Workers needed a practical way to reach valves at the top of the tanks, but traditional ladders and scaffolding were not easily portable, while rolling stairs required too much space to maneuver between the tanks. To address these limitations, SafeRack’s access experts customized a RollaStep MP mobile platform into a compact, portable access solution. The resulting mobile ladder unit at a Pineville LA odorant facility combines a wheeled platform, ladder access, and extendable outriggers, allowing the unit to be positioned around different tanks while providing additional stability when workers are using it.
What Is a Mobile Ladder Unit at a Pineville LA Odorant Facility?
A mobile ladder unit at a Pineville LA odorant facility is a portable access platform designed specifically around the space and access requirements of Arkema’s tank area. Instead of relying on a fixed access structure or large rolling stairs, the customized unit can be moved and positioned where access is needed. The solution was built around the RollaStep MP-Series Mobile Platform and customized with a ladder and outriggers. Its wheeled design allows workers to move the platform through the containment area and position it near individual tanks.
Why Was This Mobile Access Solution Important?
Accessing tank-top valves can become difficult when equipment must operate within a confined or congested work area. At Arkema’s facility, the containment berm and tank arrangement limited the space available for maneuvering larger access equipment. The mobile ladder unit at a Pineville LA odorant facility was developed to address these specific conditions. Its smaller footprint made it more practical for movement around the tanks, while the extendable outriggers provided additional stability when the platform was in use. This approach also avoided the portability limitations associated with conventional ladders and scaffolding and the larger footprint of rolling stairs.
How Does the Customized Platform Work?
The foundation of the solution is the RollaStep MP mobile work platform. SafeRack modified the platform by adding a ladder and extendable outriggers to create an access unit suited to the facility. The mobile ladder unit at a Pineville LA odorant facility can be moved by positioning its wheels around the required work area. Once positioned, the locking casters help prevent swivel and rolling. The outriggers can then be extended to provide additional stability while workers access the elevated area. The RollaStep MP also uses lightweight aluminum construction and 360-degree swiveling casters, supporting maneuverability within the industrial workspace.
Key Features
The customized mobile ladder unit at a Pineville LA odorant facility includes several features designed around the site’s access requirements:
- Compact, maneuverable footprint for working around tanks
- Wheeled RollaStep MP mobile platform
- Customized ladder for elevated access
- Extendable outriggers for added stability during use
- 360-degree swiveling casters for positioning
- Locking casters to help prevent rolling and swiveling
- Lightweight aluminum construction
- Powder-coated handrails
- Full-size 45-degree rise stair stringer
- Standard-sized steps designed to meet the specifications stated for the mobile platform
Applications
The mobile ladder unit at a Pineville LA odorant facility demonstrates how a customized mobile access platform can be used where elevated equipment is located within a space-constrained industrial environment.
Potential applications for this type of configuration include:
- Accessing valves on elevated tanks
- Maintenance around industrial tanks
- Work within containment berms
- Industrial facilities with limited maneuvering space
- Areas where portable access is preferred over fixed structures
- Maintenance locations where larger rolling stairs are difficult to position
The Arkema project shows the value of adapting an existing mobile platform to the specific access and space requirements of a facility.
Project Outcome
Arkema evaluated the customized platform and provided positive feedback on its performance and usability. According to the customer, the product passed their tests “with flying colors” and was very easy to use. For this project, SafeRack combined the mobility of the RollaStep MP with a customized ladder and extendable outriggers to create an access solution suited to the conditions around Arkema’s tanks.
What challenge did Arkema have at its Pineville facility?
Arkema needed a practical way to access valves at the top of tanks located within a large containment berm. The available options were difficult to maneuver, lacked portability, or occupied too much space.
Why was a customized RollaStep MP selected?
The RollaStep MP provided a mobile platform that could be customized for the facility. SafeRack added a ladder and extendable outriggers to meet the project’s access and stability requirements.
How does the platform move around the tank area?
The unit uses wheels with 360-degree swiveling casters, allowing it to be maneuvered and positioned around the tanks. Locking casters help keep the platform in position during use.
What makes the unit suitable for tight areas?
The customized configuration was developed with a smaller base than the larger rolling stairs previously considered for the application. This allowed the mobile ladder unit at a Pineville LA odorant facility to be positioned within the constrained areas around the tanks.
Was the customized platform tested by Arkema?
Yes. Arkema tested the product and reported that it passed their tests “with flying colors” and was very easy to use.