TC Energy, a leader in North America’s natural gas transmission and LNG infrastructure, sought to improve worker access at one of its pipeline facilities in British Columbia, Canada. Maintaining uninterrupted gas flow throughout LNG processing plants requires frequent inspections and maintenance of pressure monitoring systems, flow control equipment, and automated valve controls.

Safe and Efficient Access to Critical Equipment

The project involved providing secure access to a large vertical vessel—likely a filter, separator, or pressure vessel—along with its associated pipeline infrastructure and a control panel used for gas flow regulation. Given the facility’s operational demands and stringent safety requirements, TC Energy needed a solution that ensured worker safety, met OSHA compliance, and minimized downtime.

Frequent maintenance and inspections necessitated stable and reliable elevated access, particularly in harsh weather conditions. Traditional access solutions, such as custom-fabricated platforms, would require significant engineering, fabrication time, and installation costs—posing a challenge for timely implementation.

An ErectaStep Modular Stair System

To address these challenges, SafeRack supplied and installed an ErectaStep prefabricated stair system. Designed for rapid deployment, ErectaStep’s modular components provided a durable and OSHA-compliant access solution without the need for custom fabrication.

Key benefits of the ErectaStep system included:

• Modular Design: Standardized stair units allowed for quick installation and future reconfiguration if facility needs changed.
  
• OSHA Compliance: Integrated handrails and slip-resistant treads ensured worker safety while accessing elevated equipment.
  
• Industrial Durability: Constructed from corrosion-resistant aluminum, making it ideal for LNG pipeline environments.
  
• Minimal Downtime: The prefabricated system was installed without special tools, welding, or lengthy shutdowns—allowing operations to continue with minimal disruption.

Results: Improved Safety and Operational Efficiency

With the ErectaStep system in place, TC Energy workers now have secure and direct access to critical LNG pipeline infrastructure. The modular stairs provide a stable platform for routine maintenance and inspections, reducing the risk of slips and falls while improving overall productivity. By leveraging a pre-engineered solution, TC Energy successfully enhanced both worker safety and operational efficiency at its LNG facility.

Results and Impact

• Improved Worker Safety – Reduced fall risks by providing secure access to high-risk maintenance points.


• Operational Efficiency – Minimized downtime with quick, tool-free installation.


• Cost Savings – Avoided expensive custom fabrication and engineering costs.


• Long-Term Reliability – A durable and modular system that can be adapted for future needs.

By integrating the ErectaStep system into its product offerings, SafeRack continues to provide comprehensive access solutions for the oil and gas industry—ensuring compliance, safety, and efficiency at LNG facilities.