How a Porta Gantry solved Conrad Energy’s working‑at‑height challenge

Conrad Energy is a leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) supplying flexible generation, battery storage, and renewable energy across the UK. Their portfolio includes 45 power generation assets, including the Red Scar site near Preston; a 27‑generator facility providing rapid‑response power to balance the National Grid during peak demand or supply shortfalls. 

Engineers at the Red Scar site regularly climb onto generator housing, to maintain fans and casings located on top of each unit. Access is via ladders, creating a clear working‑at‑height risk that requires a reliable fall arrest system. 

With 27 generators spread across uneven ground and limited space, Conrad Energy needed: 

• A safe, compliant fall arrest solution 

• A system that could be moved easily between generators 

• Equipment capable of providing sufficient fall clearance 

• A setup that could adapt to varying ground levels 

Conrad Energy approached Eurosafe Solutions, our reseller and specialist in working‑at‑height safety, to explore suitable fall arrest options for the Red Scar site. After reviewing the requirements, Eurosafe identified the Porta Gantry as the most practical and cost‑effective solution. To ensure it met the site’s needs, our sales team visited Red Scar to demonstrate the system in person. 

The demonstration highlighted how quickly the Porta Gantry could be assembled, how easily it could be moved between generators, and how effectively it provided the necessary fall clearance for fan maintenance. Impressed by its simplicity and versatility, Conrad Energy placed an order. 

A 1000kg Porta Gantry was recommended, configured with an extra‑tall A‑Frame and a 4570mm beam. Standing at almost 6m to the lifting eye, the system comfortably accommodated the height of the generator platforms while giving engineers ample working space. The unit offered a goods WLL of 1000kg and a personnel WLL of 500kg, supporting up to three users for fall arrest. To address the uneven ground conditions across the site, Wind‑up jack legs were added, allowing the gantry to be adjusted easily and safely wherever it was deployed. 

The Red Scar Porta Gantry was also fitted with a gated trolley, enabling engineers to attach a fall arrest device and use the system as an overhead anchor point whenever required. As part of the complete package, all necessary PPE was supplied, and Eurosafe Solutions, together with the REID team, delivered full training on both the equipment and the PPE to ensure safe and confident use from day one.