Ropepro recently worked with GMHS to deliver to a major Melbourne water utility Rope Access maintenance to the roof structure within tankage at their facility at St Albans, Victoria.
Recent upgrade works to torsion rods within the roof structure of the tank required mechanical work as well as re-coating work to be carried out in difficult to reach areas of the roof structure of the tank. Due to the fact these works were required to be carried out within a tank, within strict time parameters coupled with the tactile nature of the task, Rope Access and work positioning techniques were selected as the most appropriate method of access for this work as opposed to other forms of access including Scaffold and Elevating Work Platform (EWP).
Ropepro has successfully assisted GMHS to deliver these works previously in 2018, however, when carrying out work in hazardous environments such as this, the pre-task assessment and control of these hazards and subsequent risk is still a major element of the overall project. Due to the nature and location of this work, the assessment of risk, the development of risk controls, Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and documented Rescue Plans required extensive consultation and input from various stakeholders and involved parties
At the task execution stage, this detailed level of planning ensures careful consideration of all elements of the work and provides clear instruction and work methodologies for the crews carrying out the work. Due to the dynamic nature of this work, the experience and skill of the work teams executing this task is paramount to the successful completion of a project such as this. Well done to all involved with this project to navigate a hazardous environment and successfully execute the project.
