Rope Access Steel Erection in Energy-from-Waste (EFW) Plant Construction

Industry Sector: Energy From Waste

Project: Riverside EFW

Services Provided: Rope Access & Steel Erection

Background:

The construction of a new Energy-from-Waste (EFW) plant is a complex undertaking, requiring precision, efficient project management, and advanced construction methods. EFW plants play a critical role in transforming waste into renewable energy, thus reducing landfill waste and promoting sustainable energy practices. This particular project demanded a high level of expertise in steel erection at considerable heights, in addition to strict adherence to both quality and safety standards.

Traditionally, large industrial structures, such as EFW plants, rely on conventional crane and MEWPs for steel erection. However, the project’s constraints—particularly the limited access space and challenging weather conditions—called for a different approach. As a solution, a team of rope access-trained steel erectors was deployed to manage the structural assembly work. This innovative approach has proven highly effective, allowing the project team to meet strict deadlines while maintaining exceptional safety and quality standards.

Challenge:

The project presented several challenges that required both technical skill and creative problem-solving:

  • Height and Complexity of Structures
    EFW plants involve intricate structural designs that must be precisely assembled, often at significant heights. 
  • Challenging Weather Conditions
    Wind is a significant factor in elevated steel erection work, affecting both safety and efficiency. Throughout this project, high wind conditions added an extra layer of complexity, requiring the team to adjust schedules and work processes to ensure safe handling of steel loads at height.
  • Restricted Access and Limited Space
    The limited space on-site restricted the use of larger cranes or MEWPs, which are typically essential for lifting and positioning heavy steel components. 
  • Stringent Safety and Quality Standards
    As with all large-scale industrial projects, maintaining high safety standards was critical. 

Solution:

To address these challenges, the project team deployed a skilled team of rope access-trained steel erectors, working in conjunction with experienced riggers and slingers. This collaborative approach combined specialised skills and equipment, allowing for efficient steel erection in this challenging environment. The key elements of the solution included:

 

  • Rope Access Steel Erection

  • Specialised Riggers and Slingers

  • Adaptation to Weather Conditions

  • Focus on Safety and Quality

Conclusion:

This ongoing project demonstrates the advantages of using rope access techniques for steel erection in large, complex industrial projects. By deploying rope access-trained steel erectors alongside experienced riggers and slingers, the project team was able to meet challenging project requirements, overcome space and weather limitations, and adhere to rigorous safety and quality standards.

The approach has proven to be a viable alternative to traditional steel erection methods, particularly in situations where access and spatial constraints make MEWPs and cranes less effective. Rope access offers not only flexibility and efficiency but also a higher degree of safety in challenging environments. This case serves as a compelling example of how rope access, combined with expert rigging and safety protocols, can meet the demands of modern, complex industrial construction projects.

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