The RISSafety Far North Queensland team has delivered an unusual project for a client that highlights our versatility and technical ability.
The team installed safety nets for client EDL Energy at the Pine Creek Power Station in the Northern Territory.
The facility’s senior mechanical engineer contacted RISSafety to provide technical support and methodology to install safety/debris nets to the cowlings of three cooling fans located at the base of the cooling tower. The net installation was to prevent the blades falling beyond the confines of the cooling tower should a fan blade fail, as had occurred previously.
We pride ourselves on the way each of our nationwide teams is able to share insights and experiences with each other, so that each client is afforded the best possible height safety outcome. Farid Henni, Sales Manager for the Far North Queensland office, consulted with Ben Bennett, State Sales Manager for QLD and NT, who has considerable experience installing safety nets, particularly in exceptional locations.
After a site visit and providing the client with a method of installation the team travelled to Pine Creek to commence the project. “The operation took five days and involved a two-man crew working from individual boom lift elevated work platforms,” says Farid.
“The process involved drilling appropriately sized holes through the main support beams, which were 10mm steel. This enabled us to install RISSafety hammerhead cable holders. Once we had installed them to the circumference of both the top and bottom of the cowlings, we threaded RISSafety 8mm stainless steel cable through.”
The install team knew the installation would have to be delivered meticulously and slowly due to site constraints.
“We installed the nets by hanging them from the top wire on stainless steel cable, and manoeuvred the nets around the cowls like curtains, using pull ropes. Once the net surrounded the cowling completely, we clipped the net to the bottom wire, and tensioned it so it was no more than 10cm away from any part of the fan cowling.
The entire RISSafety team always takes great care in following rigorous installation procedures, ensuring every step is executed with precision and attention to detail. While this diligent approach may be time-consuming, it guarantees a comprehensive installation, making the extra effort well worth it.
“We had to move the basket of the elevated work platform slowly to avoid contact with the lattice of steel support members, which was very time consuming. Wearing a harness and being permanently attached to the basket was physically demanding.”
These weren’t the only challenging aspects of the job, says Farid.
“The weather was typical Northern Territory wet season. Heavy rain showers throughout the day, 38 to 40-degree temperatures and 80 per cent humidity.”
“It was particularly challenging physically, and we scheduled our workday to include regular hydration and fatigue management breaks.” Despite these challenges, the team installed the safety nets and completed their work on schedule, and budget.
Contact us today for information on how we can provide innovative height safety and access solutions for your organisation.
