NickKovalcik

By November 18, 2036, every fixed ladder in your facility—regardless of its installation date—must comply with OSHA’s updated safety standards. This means relying solely on cages or wells for fall protection will no longer be sufficient. Instead, each ladder must be equipped with either a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) or a ladder safety system that meets the latest OSHA requirements. 

At CATSI, we’re helping industrial facilities stay ahead of this deadline with turnkey solutions to bring your ladders into full compliance—efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. 

What OSHA Requires—and Why It Matters 

Under OSHA 1910.28(b)(9)(i)(B), ladders over 24 feet require either a PFAS or a ladder safety system if: 

• The ladder was installed on or after November 19, 2018, or 
• A worker could fall more than 24 feet (even if a single section of the ladder is less than 24 feet). 

Cages alone will no longer be acceptable, and by 2036, all existing ladders must comply with this rule. 

Learn more on OSHA's site 

CATSI’s Solution: From Inspection to Installation 

CATSI has been trusted by numerous facilities to assist with compliance, offering turnkey solutions or addressing specific gaps in your existing systems. Our range of services includes: 

• Fall Protection Surveys 
• Existing Fall Protection Inspections and Evaluations 
• Fall Protection Master Planning 
• Fall Protection System Design and Specification 
• Fall Protection System Installation 

Case Study 

We recently partnered with a major industrial plant to install 3M SmartLoc retractable lanyard systems at 10 ladder locations. Our work included: 

Design & Planning 

• Evaluating site conditions and ladder structure 
• Providing and installing fall arrest systems, including dual systems for dual ladders 
• Creating a master structure list with part and serial numbers for future compliance tracking 
• Creating record drawings of systems 

Field Installation 

• Inspecting each ladder for structural integrity 
• Installing PFAS equipment and ladder anchors 
• Certifying the ladder and safety system upon completion 
• Ensuring the site is left clean and debris-free 

Project Closeout 

• Delivering as-built CAD drawings and digital documentation 
• Providing certification that the system meets all OSHA and manufacturer standards 

Our experienced team is skilled at bringing outdated ladders and elevated structures up to code, using in-house personnel and strictly adhering to all safety protocols. 

Don’t Wait—Start Now 

With over a decade left until the 2036 deadline, it might be tempting to delay fall protection upgrades. However, acting now means: 

• Safer workplaces today 
• Easier scheduling (before demand surges in 2035-2036) 
• Avoiding costly last-minute retrofits 

CATSI is ready to help you get started. Whether you’re planning phased upgrades or a site-wide installation, we offer the expertise and execution to ensure your ladders meet OSHA’s evolving safety standards. 

As CATSI celebrates its first anniversary in Philadelphia, the company reflects on a year of growth, strategic expansion, and solidifying its presence in the region’s thriving oil, gas, and chemical sectors. The opening of the Philadelphia office was a key move aimed at tapping into the local talent pool, expanding capabilities, and fostering strong client relationships in industries critical to the area’s economic growth.

Drew Harris, District Manager of the Philadelphia office, shared his thoughts on the significance of this expansion. "Opening our Philadelphia office was a strategic decision to better serve the growing demand in the region’s oil, gas, and chemical sectors," said Harris. "This expansion allows us to build deeper local partnerships, tap into Philadelphia’s skilled talent pool, and provide direct support for our projects. At CATSI, we’re committed to safety, innovation, and delivering advanced solutions that help our clients succeed in these critical industries."

Over the past year, CATSI has made significant strides in establishing its footprint. The company successfully launched operations in Philadelphia and began offering an expanded range of services, particularly focusing on oil, gas, and chemical sectors. CATSI has also been committed to maintaining the highest safety standards, with the Philadelphia office celebrating one full year without any safety incidents—a testament to the company’s emphasis on ensuring safe and successful project completion.

Central to the success of CATSI’s Philadelphia operations has been its strategic approach to talent acquisition and development. Drew Harris, with his experience on the end-user side, brought invaluable insight into the needs of the local market. His leadership has been pivotal in building a skilled team that specializes in advanced non-destructive testing (NDE) services, risk-based inspections (RBI), and asset integrity solutions. With this focus, CATSI has been able to meet the specific needs of Philadelphia’s industrial landscape.

The company’s first year also saw an expansion of its services, including a strong emphasis on advanced NDE services and the implementation of risk-based inspections. These innovative services are vital for ensuring the reliability, safety, and efficiency of assets within the region’s core industries.

Looking ahead to the next year and beyond, CATSI is committed to further growth and innovation. The company plans to continue expanding its team, further developing local talent, and strengthening partnerships within the oil, gas, and chemical industries. CATSI’s focus on embracing new technologies and expanding its service offerings will ensure that it remains a leader in providing cutting-edge solutions to its clients.

As CATSI looks to the future, the company remains dedicated to supporting the growth of Philadelphia’s key industries, contributing to the region’s success, and continuing to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative solutions. The first year in Philadelphia has laid a strong foundation, and the company is excited for the continued opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

In industries where safety, reliability, and operational efficiency are paramount, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) plays a critical role in ensuring asset integrity. Among the most advanced and effective NDT methods available today is Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)—a superior alternative to conventional ultrasonic and radiographic testing. 

At CATSI, we integrate PAUT into our advanced NDE solutions, delivering real-time, high-resolution imaging, enhanced flaw detection, and improved inspection efficiency. Our recent success in identifying critical defects—missed by traditional inspection methods—demonstrates the power of PAUT in preventing costly failures and ensuring structural integrity across multiple industries. 

What is Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT)? 

PAUT is an advanced ultrasonic examination technique that utilizes multiple elements in a single probe to steer and focus ultrasonic beams dynamically. Unlike conventional ultrasonic testing (UT), which relies on a fixed-angle beam, PAUT electronically sweeps the inspection area, providing a comprehensive and detailed view of internal structures. 

This capability allows for multi-angle scanning, real-time imaging, and greater accuracy in detecting and characterizing flaws, including: 

• Cracks 
• Lack of fusion or penetration 
• Porosity and inclusions 
• Wall thinning and corrosion 

By eliminating gaps in coverage, PAUT significantly improves defect identification while reducing the need for multiple test setups, making it ideal for critical weld inspections, corrosion mapping, and structural integrity assessments. 

Key Advantages of PAUT Over Conventional Methods 

1. Superior Flaw Detection & High-Resolution Imaging 

PAUT provides real-time, high-resolution images of internal structures, enabling precise defect characterization. Unlike manual UT, which relies on single-angle amplitude signals, PAUT generates cross-sectional and 3D views, making it easier to interpret results and identify hidden defects. 

2. Faster Inspection, Reduced Downtime 

Industries relying on continuous operations cannot afford extensive downtime for inspections. Compared to radiographic testing (x-ray), which requires film processing and radiation safety protocols, PAUT delivers: 

• Instant results with on-site evaluation 
• Minimal operational disruption—inspections can be performed without system shutdown 
• Rapid data collection with multi-element transducers 

3. Cost & Efficiency Benefits 

PAUT improves efficiency by:

• Minimizing setup time 
• Reducing probe changes 
• Lowering overall inspection costs by shortening time spent on in-field inspections 

For industries such as oil & gas, power generation, and manufacturing, PAUT provides a cost-effective alternative while maintaining compliance with stringent industry standards. 

4. Complex Geometry Inspection 

Unlike traditional UT methods that struggle with irregular or difficult-to-reach areas, PAUT excels in inspecting complex geometries, including: 

• Curved surfaces (pipes, pressure vessels, turbine blades) 
• Thick or multi-layered welds 
• Intricate castings and forgings 

This makes PAUT particularly beneficial for pipeline inspections, aerospace components, and power generation structures. 

5. Safety Advantages: A Non-Radiation Alternative to X-Ray 

Unlike radiographic testing (RT), which uses ionizing radiation, PAUT is completely safe for both inspectors and surrounding personnel. This allows inspections to be conducted without restricted access zones, special safety procedures, or environmental hazards, making it the preferred method in confined spaces and densely populated facilities. 

6. Compliance with Industry Standards 

PAUT is a code-approved and widely accepted method for weld and pipeline inspections, adhering to: 

• ASME Section V (Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code) 
• API 1104 (Pipeline Welding Code) 
• AWS D1.1 (Structural Welding Code) 

Many industries are now prioritizing PAUT over x-ray inspections, ensuring compliance while benefiting from faster and safer evaluations. 

How CATSI Uses PAUT to Deliver Reliable Results 

At CATSI, we incorporate PAUT into our advanced NDE services to ensure our clients receive precise, data-driven assessments for their most critical infrastructure. 

In a recent inspection project, CATSI was brought in to examine welds that had previously been tested using traditional NDE methods. Despite the initial clearance from conventional testing, our PAUT scan revealed multiple defects, including a through-wall crack, that had been missed. Had these defects gone undetected, they could have led to: 

• Major structural failures 
• Unplanned shutdowns 
• Significant safety risks 

This case highlights why PAUT is superior to older NDE methods and how CATSI’s expertise in phased array ultrasonic technology helps clients mitigate risks, reduce maintenance costs, and prevent costly downtime.

Industries Benefiting from PAUT 

The versatility of PAUT makes it an essential tool across multiple industries: 

• Oil & Gas – Ensuring pipeline integrity, detecting weld flaws, and assessing corrosion risks 
• Power Generation – Inspecting boilers, turbines, and pressure vessels for defects and material fatigue 
• Aerospace – Verifying aircraft component integrity to prevent fatigue failures 
• Manufacturing & Construction – Conducting structural weld inspections to meet compliance standards 

By implementing cutting-edge PAUT technology, industries can: 

• Improve safety 
• Maintain compliance 
• Reduce maintenance costs 
• Extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure 

CATSI: Leading the Way in Advanced Inspection Solutions Tailored to Our Clients’ Needs 

With decades of NDT experience, we deliver inspections grounded in safety, quality, and precision—using the latest technology and adhering to the highest industry standards. 

Through the application of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT), CATSI continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in non-destructive testing, identifying flaws that traditional methods might miss. Our approach ensures that industries—from oil and gas to aerospace—are equipped with the insights they need to make informed decisions and enhance the longevity of their assets. 

By embracing the most advanced testing techniques available, CATSI provides clients with not just results, but peace of mind in knowing their assets are safe, reliable, and built to last. 

Citations & References 

1. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). (2024). ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section V: Nondestructive Examination. Retrieved from https://www.asme.org 
2. American Petroleum Institute (API). (2023). API 1104: Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities. Retrieved from https://www.api.org 
3. American Welding Society (AWS). (2024). AWS D1.1: Structural Welding Code – Steel. Retrieved from https://www.aws.org 
4. International Society of Automation (ISA). (2023). Introduction to Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing. Retrieved from https://www.isa.org 
5. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). (2024). Ultrasonic Testing and Phased Array Technology in the Energy Sector. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov 
6. NDT Resource Center. (2023). Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing: Principles and Applications. Retrieved from https://www.ndt-ed.org 
7. The Welding Institute (TWI). (2023). The Benefits and Applications of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT). Retrieved from https://www.twi-global.com 
8. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of Materials. (2022). A Comprehensive Guide to Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing. Retrieved from https://www.ndt.net