Shaft Access Ladder Towers and other deep-shaft access systems need to suit the shaft diameter, depth, installation sequence and available working area. On the Thompsons Creek Stage 1 South project, McConnell Dowell needed access into 17 pipeline shafts for Sydney Water in Western Sydney. Each shaft was 7.5 m in diameter and between 8 m and 12 m deep. SafeSmart supplied the SafeRise ladder module system, which crews assembled and extended from the surface without entering the confined shaft during installation. Sydney Water reviewed and endorsed the method for the project.
Deep Pipeline Shafts Required a Compact Access Method
Thompsons Creek Stage 1 South delivered new wastewater infrastructure for Western Sydney. The project included a 3.4 km gravity pipeline with a diameter of 550 mm to 650 mm, installed through trenchless construction at depths of up to 12 m. The wider works included 24 temporary shaft excavations and 23 permanent maintenance hole structures.
SafeSmart supplied access for 17 of the temporary shafts. The crew needed one repeatable method that could work within a footprint 7.5 m in diameter and extend to depths ranging from 8 m to 12 m. The system also had to preserve working space for the civil works and shaft structure.
Confined Shaft Conditions Shaped the Access Method
Reaching the base of each shaft was only one part of the task. The access system had to fit the restricted plan area, extend as excavation progressed and leave room for other site work. McConnell Dowell also needed a repeatable installation method that Sydney Water could review before crews used it.
The confined shaft environment made the installation sequence central to the design. Extending the access from inside the excavation would add another work activity below ground. SafeRise allowed the crew to build the system progressively from the shaft opening as the required access depth increased.
SafeRise Provided Modular Top-Down Shaft Access
SafeSmart supplied SafeRise ladder modules for all 17 shaft access locations. SafeRise is a modular steel access system for shafts, pits and restricted construction areas. Sliding pin connections allow modules to be added from the top or bottom, while exit options on either side support different access arrangements.
At Thompsons Creek, crews used the top-down assembly method. They added modules from above using SafeSmart’s prescribed assembly sequence, extending the trenchless pipeline access as each shaft progressed. Personnel remained at the shaft opening while the access system was built below.
How SafeRise Worked Across 17 Pipeline Shafts
Modules Were Added from the Shaft Opening.
The team added SafeRise sections from the shaft opening as excavation advanced. Keeping the extension sequence at surface level removed the need to enter the confined shaft simply to add another module.
The Compact Footprint Preserved Working Space
Each access shaft had a diameter of 7.5 m. The modular ladder arrangement provided vertical access within that restricted footprint while leaving room for civil work and the shaft structure.
Module Count Matched Each Shaft Depth
The shaft depths ranged from 8 m to 12 m. Adjusting the number of modules allowed the access length to match each location while retaining one consistent installation method across the project.
Minimal Wall Ties Reduced Shaft Interfaces
The selected configurations used no or minimal lateral ties into the shaft wall. SafeRise also includes connection points for lateral ties where the engineered arrangement uses them. Minimising wall interfaces reduced installation work inside the shaft and preserved space around the access route.
Sydney Water Endorsed the SafeRise Access Method
Sydney Water reviewed and endorsed the SafeRise access method for the 17 shafts. AS 1657 formed part of the project requirements. Shaft dimensions, depth range, support conditions and the top-down installation sequence were brought together as one coordinated access methodology before the system was used.
One Top-down Method Across 17 Shafts
One Endorsed Method Across 17 Shafts
Sydney Water endorsed the selected method, giving McConnell Dowell one documented approach for access across the 17 shafts supplied by SafeSmart.
Assembly Remained at the Shaft Opening
Top-down installation meant personnel did not need to enter the confined shaft to add modules. The access method addressed both the final route and the way crews assembled it.
One Modular System Covered Different Depths
Changing the module count allowed the SafeRise system to cover shaft depths from 8 m to 12 m. Crews followed one assembly method while configuring the access length for each location.
Fewer Wall Interfaces Simplified Installation
Using no or minimal lateral ties reduced wall interface work within the shafts. This supported a compact installation and left more of the shaft area available for construction activity.
Planning Shaft Access Ladder Towers and Ladder Systems
Plan deep shaft access around the construction sequence as well as the finished route. Shaft diameter and depth establish the available geometry. The design also needs to define where modules are assembled, how the system is supported, which wall connections are available and where people enter or exit at each working level.
Separate vertical travel from the working area when comparing shaft access stairs with a modular ladder system. A tunnel work platform provides a work position, while the shaft access system provides movement between levels. Treating these as distinct functions produces clearer geometry, loading requirements and installation planning.
Plan Shaft Access Before Excavation Advances
Send SafeSmart the shaft diameter, depth range, support details and proposed installation sequence. Our team can develop a SafeRise or shaft access arrangement around the excavation sequence and project requirements.
