CASE STUDIES - RANDWICK HISTORICAL CHIMNEY WORKS
JOB BRIEF:
To engineer and install a safe system of access
in order to conduct external and internal refurbishment works on a
National Heritage listed chimney structure without damaging any external
façade
and keeping the stability of the structure in tact.
Related Images - Click on an
image for larger view and description.
 |  |  |  |
 | |||
RESTRICTIONS:
- System must be installed internally only as the façade cannot be touched or damaged in any way. The suspension structure must be capable of supporting two swing stages, one internally and one externally for all facets of the repairs.
- All debris and loose material must be halted from falling into trafficable areas below.
- A highly effective rescue system is required to be in place in the event of an accident.
SOLUTION:
A maintenance platform that encircles
the top diameter of the chimney, fixed internally to avoid damage
to the historical façade.
The platform construction of a circular steel framework cantilevers
out over the edge of the chimney.
LRI Access sought the advice
of a structural engineer in the design of the platform and the system
was fully certified.
The steel was to be installed via a crane and workers
in a man-box.
In order to avoid debris falling into trafficable areas,
a special netting system was devised and engineered to be mounted around
the base of the chimney, via scaffold and a specially constructed steel
structure.
OH&S ISSUES:
Safe installation of the system was paramount and a strict regime
of site controls were adhered to including:
- Daily tool box talks and de-briefing
- Site induction for all crew involved
- Comprehensive site safety plan
- Safe Work Method Statements and
- A complete rescue system in place and all workers inducted into the rescue procedures
- Weather and wind monitoring in order to ensure safe conditions for installation, especially during cranage works.
- Engineer's certification
- WorkCover approval and certification of system