VESDA Fire Detection Pipe Installation

Project Type: Rope Access VESDA Fire Detection Pipe Installation
Location: Bristol
Scope of Work: Installation and routing of VESDA fire detection pipework at roof level
Team Deployment: Rapid mobilisation of a two-person IRATA-certified rope access team
Access Method: IRATA-compliant rope access and rigging techniques

Overview:

Think Access Ltd. was appointed to deliver urgent rope access support for the installation of VESDA fire detection pipework within a cold storage facility in Avonmouth, Bristol. With commissioning dates approaching and the programme already delayed, immediate mobilisation was essential to maintain the overall project timeline and ensure the system was brought online as scheduled.

The cold store roof was limited to a maximum load bearing capacity of 2 kN/m². Due to this restriction, conventional access methods such as scaffolding or MEWPs were not feasible, as the imposed loads would have exceeded the structural allowance. Rope access provided the only practical and compliant solution, enabling the works to be completed safely, efficiently and without overloading the roof structure.

Rapid Mobilisation and Planning:

Following initial contact, Think Access attended site within 48 hours to assess access limitations and confirm the full scope of installation requirements.

Behind the scenes, our Contracts Manager (IRATA Level 3) worked alongside our Health & Safety team to produce detailed, site-specific RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements), which were issued and approved within an accelerated timeframe to meet programme demands. In parallel, our stores team prepared all required rope access equipment, tools and associated lifting accessories, ensuring full certification compliance, inspection checks were up to date, and everything was ready for immediate mobilisation.

A two-person IRATA-certified rope access team was mobilised to site on Friday evening, allowing works to commence first thing Saturday morning. The onsite team prepared a task-specific rescue plan, which was submitted through our Get Konnected portal and received immediate approval from our IRATA Technical Authority at head office. This ensured full compliance and oversight prior to works progressing.

The team operated throughout the weekend under the approved rescue arrangements, completing the installation on Monday in line with the client’s commissioning schedule and preventing any programme delay.

Scope and Challenges:

Key project challenges included:

Roof load limitations: With a maximum load capacity of 2 kN/m², the roof could not support scaffolding, MEWPs, or other conventional access systems. Rope access provided a safe alternative without imposing additional structural load.

Time-critical programme: The installation needed to be completed immediately to allow commissioning to proceed as scheduled.

Working at height in construction conditions: The cold store was still under construction, requiring strict adherence to health and safety protocols and a robust rescue plan in case of incidents.

Coordination and readiness: Rapid mobilisation required the seamless coordination of Health & Safety, stores and operational teams to ensure equipment, documentation and personnel were ready for deployment on short notice.

Execution:

The rope access team guided and installed the VESDA pipework across roof-level areas, using precise techniques to ensure correct routing and alignment. All fixings were installed to specification and the team’s deployment included:

Implementation of a site-specific rescue plan
Continuous monitoring of structural integrity and load limits
Safe handling of materials and tools at height
Full compliance with approved RAMS

Working through the weekend, the team maintained high efficiency and completed all works on schedule.

Results and Impact:

The project was delivered safely, efficiently, and within the compressed timeframe, enabling commissioning to start without delay.

Key outcomes:

Complete VESDA pipework installation at roof level
Rapid recovery of project schedule, from site visit on Wednesday to completion Monday
Successful deployment and execution of site-specific rescue plan
All equipment and operations fully compliant with approved RAMS
Rope access allowed safe installation despite roof load limitations of 2 kN/m²

This rapid response ensured the project could proceed with commissioning as planned, demonstrating Think Access Ltd.’s capability to mobilise quickly and deliver specialist installation solutions under challenging conditions.

Conclusion:

This project highlights Think Access Ltd.’s capability in rapid mobilisation, high-level rope access operations and controlled project delivery under programme pressure. Through direct coordination between our Contracts Manager (IRATA Level 3), Health & Safety department, IRATA Technical Authority and operational team, all approvals, rescue planning and compliance requirements were closed out without delay.