Industry Sector: Energy From Waste
Project: Protos
Services Provided: Rope Access & Steel Erection
Background:
The management team and rope access supervisors carried out an extensive survey of the EFW plant site. The plant’s large structure and the location of steel supports meant that certain areas were inaccessible via traditional scaffolding or cranes. This reinforced the need for rope access techniques for steel erection, especially in high or confined areas.
- Team:
- 9 NVQ-qualified rope access steel erectors & riggers
- 3 Supervisors, 1 Site Manager
- Scope: Steel erection in inaccessible areas of a new Energy from Waste (EFW) plant using rope access techniques.
Challenge:
The primary challenges of the project included:
- Limited Access: Key structural areas were unreachable by cranes or scaffolding.
- High Risk: Working at height with heavy steel components in confined spaces.
- Weather: Strong winds disrupted scheduled work.
- Coordination: Required precise teamwork between rope access crew and site management.
Solution:
Planning & Risk Management
- Conducted detailed site surveys and risk assessments pre-installation.
- Identified access issues and implemented specialist rigging strategies.
- Complied with all Working at Height Regulations, PPE, and rope access safety standards.
Execution on Site
- Used rope access techniques to reach and work in high/confined areas.
- Delivered steel via crane, then hoisted and positioned by rope access techs.
- Maintained daily briefings and constant team communication to ensure safety and precision.
Overcoming On-Site Challenges
- Weather Delays: Adjusted schedules to work during calmer periods (early mornings/evenings).
- Tight Spaces: Employed custom rigging solutions to maneuver and install components safely.
- Heavy Components: Carefully coordinated lifts using a mix of crane delivery and rope access positioning.
Quality Control
- NVQ-qualified erectors ensured compliance with structural and design specs.
- Frequent on-site inspections and adjustments made possible through rope access mobility.
Conclusion:
The ongoing steel erection work at the EFW plant was the result of meticulous planning, effective teamwork, and the safe use of rope access technology. The collaboration between the management team and the rope access crew ensured that the project proceeded smoothly, despite the complexities of working in confined spaces at height.
The NVQ-qualified steel erectors demonstrated their expertise throughout the project, from planning to execution. The integration of office-based planning with on-site execution ensured that the project was completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
This case study highlights the importance of detailed planning, collaboration, and specialised access techniques in ensuring the successful completion of complex construction projects in challenging environments.