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| RAIL PROFESSIONAL INTERVIEW
Interview
Mark Coleman, GeoAccess Ltd Managing Director Sam Sherwood-Hale spoke to Mark Coleman, GeoAccess Ltd Managing Director about the latest inspection and remote access techniques, working holistically and the company’s place within the supply chain You established the company in 2014 to serve a niche market identified at the time. How has that market grown since then? We originally established the company to solve a problem for one client. By delivering that service at the highest possible level, we have found that we have a unique skillset that is attractive to a much wider market. Our portfolio of clients now spans multiple market sectors across the whole of the UK. We always strive to provide the best service, so are constantly trying new innovations. Some work, some don’t. This has kept us at the forefront and on our toes constantly which means we can react quickly and efficiently to changing demands and opportunities. Have standard changes in recent years caused access constraints to become a bigger problem? I don’t believe so. Safety is our top priority, and with constant innovation and the advancement of technology safer working practices are always being developed. If anything, the change in standards along with new technology has opened up more opportunities and access is actually easier. You carry out inspection work of various types of assets from earthworks, structures, buildings and coastal defences to wind turbines, transmission towers and underwater assets – providing services that utilise UAVs, ROVs and IRATA qualified operatives. Which part of the business have you seen grow the fastest over the last five years or more? Without doubt the advancement of new technology has led to a huge growth across all areas, it has had a huge impact. Better IT solutions to collect data from site, turn around reports and share with our clients has seen more efficient working across the Rail Professional
board. Important safety information can be shared between site teams and the office instantly, with very sophisticated reports generated from site. The locations and safety of the teams can be monitored in real time. Battery technology and batteryoperated power tools have resulted in lower environmental impacts, which is always preferred by our clients. But if I had to choose one area that’s seen the most growth it would be new ways of accessing assets remotely using UAVs and ROVs. By removing the need for operatives to work at height, underwater and in confined spaces has resulted in safer working practices, often with the benefit of shorter times on site generating efficiencies that can be passed back to the client. Jobs that use to be undertaken using very costly
and timely techniques can now be done at a fraction of the cost and time. What are some important safety concerns to consider when working in confined spaces? The operative’s safety always comes first. In the planning stages we would do everything possible to try and reduce the risk, and sometimes this can be done by using a remote access technique instead of manned entry. By removing us from the equation (if possible), removes a great many risks. Planning is critical. The physical structure can pose issues; size, shape, orientation, surfaces, potential snags to name a few. Gases; noxious, flammable and poisonous plus a potential reduction
