Industrial Talk Media
Where Industry Meets the Power of Media!
THE LATEST FROM INDUSTRIAL TALK
![Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen 2025 and talking to Darrell Dowd, International BD at Access Technology Group about "Confined Space Safety".
Darrell Dowd, Country Manager for Access Technology Group, discussed their innovative solution for enhancing safety and efficiency in confined spaces during shutdowns, turnarounds, and outages. The system uses digital technology, including cameras and communication devices, to monitor and assist workers remotely. This reduces the need for physical observers, centralizing control and improving response times in emergencies. The setup typically takes six man-hours per space, and the system includes continuous gas monitoring. Despite initial pushback, workers appreciate the efficiency and safety benefits. Contact details for Access Technology Group are available on LinkedIn.
Action Items
[ ] Reach out to Darrell Dowd at darrell.dowd@accesstechnology.nl or connect with him on LinkedIn to learn more about the Access Technology Group solution.
Outline
Introduction and Welcome to Power Gen
Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing the focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
Scott thanks the audience for their support and highlights the importance of celebrating industry professionals.
Scott mentions the buzz at Power Gen in Dallas, Texas, and introduces Darrell Dowd as a guest.
Darrell Dowd is introduced as the Country Manager for Access Technology Group in the USA, with a background in shutdown turnarounds and major maintenance.
Background and Experience of Darrell Dowd
Darrell explains his extensive experience in shutdown turnarounds and major maintenance across various continents.
He describes the process of taking down facilities for repair to increase reliability.
Darrell highlights the importance of resource efficiency and the challenges of managing confined spaces.
He mentions the difficulties in attracting and retaining workers for high-risk, critical path work.
Innovative Solutions for Confined Space Management
Darrell discusses the use of digital technology to enhance safety in confined spaces.
He explains the installation of cameras and communication devices to monitor and assist workers.
The system allows for centralized monitoring, reducing the need for multiple observers.
Darrell emphasizes the benefits of real-time information and wireless transmission for better control and response.
Emergency Response and Workforce Adaptation
Scott and Darrell discuss the challenges of traditional observer systems and the benefits of the new technology.
Darrell explains how the system enhances emergency response by providing real-time information and improving communication.
He mentions the initial pushback from workers but notes that they quickly adapt and appreciate the benefits.
The system is designed to protect workers and enhance efficiency, reducing the need for physical presence in hazardous areas.
Implementation and Setup of the System
Darrell provides details on the setup process, including the number of man-hours required.
He explains that the system is typically installed before the facility shutdown to ensure readiness.
The system includes continuous gas monitoring to ensure safe conditions inside the confined spaces.
Darrell highlights the ease of setting up the system and the benefits of having it ready before the actual work begins.
Contact Information and Final Thoughts
Scott and Darrell discuss the importance of the technology and its potential impact on the industry.
Darrell provides his contact information for those interested in learning more about the system.
Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Darrell and Access Technology Group for more information.
The podcast concludes with Scott thanking Darrell and emphasizing the importance of safety and innovation in the industry.
If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation.
Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2025. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!
DARRELL DOWD'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrell-dowd/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accesstechnologygroupnl/
Company Website: https://www.accesstechnology.nl/](https://industrialtalk.com/wp-content/plugins/youtube-feed-pro/img/lightbox-placeholder.png)
Darrell Dowd | Access Technology Group | PowerGen | Confined Space Safety
Marcus McCarthy | Siemens Grid Software | DistribuTech 25 | Utility Digital Twin
Jay Hack | Xcelerate 2025 | Fluke Reliability | Connected Reliability
Javier Garcia Lopez | i4Tech | Activa Suite allows for scalable and composable data collection
Joe Patch | Confio Group | PowerGen | Renewable and Clean Tech Recruiting
INDUSTRIAL WEBCASTS Powered by:
INDUSTRIAL ACADEMY Powered by: 
Looking for an industrial resource? What can we help you find?
TECHNOLOGY SPRINTS powered by: 
John Bernet | Fluke Reliability | Xcelerate 24 | Technology to see the unseen | Technology Sprint
Technology Sprint | Vincent Cleaveland | Cleveland/Price Inc | @distributechinternational8792
John Gounaris | G&W Electric | Distributech | Technology Sprint
Technology Sprint | Brian Murphy | Eagle Metals | FABTECH
SEYI | Enrique Gomez | Industrial Press | FABTECH | Technology Sprint
Jim Landowski | Komatsu | FABTECH | Technology Sprint | Manufacturing Automation | Robotics
Technology Sprint | Ryan Vecchi | JV Manufacturing | Die Stamping | FABTECH | Industrial Talk
Matt Shetler | Aida America | Servo Press | FABTECH | Industrial Talk
Mark Douglas | Business Development Manager | Lincoln Electric | FABTECH | Additive Manufacturing
Technology Sprint with Michael Eagleton with Reladyne Reliability Services
Industrial Technology Sprint at FABTECH with Mark Scherler with FANUC America on Welding Automation!
INDUSTRIAL NEWS Powered By: 
Subscribe to The Industrial Talk Newsletter
