Conveyor galleries often require creative solutions for inspection, maintenance, or repair that are cost-effective and do not disrupt production schedules. Structural maintenance is a perfect example of this dilemma. Conveyor galleries are vital structures that require regular upkeep to ensure safety and functionality, yet their design often poses obstacles for traditional access methods. In such cases, innovative solutions like rope access techniques can provide a cost-effective and efficient way to navigate around intricate structures, allowing for inspections and maintenance tasks to be carried out with precision and ease. This scenario was especially evident in a recent project we undertook, where a client needed to perform inspections and bolt torquing on several steel conveyor gallery bridges.
The end goal was to complete quality control on this steel conveyor bridge. However, the design of the conveyor gallery posed a challenge as a 185’ aerial work platform could only access specific sections of the structure. Traditional access methods like scaffolding proved ineffective in allowing workers to navigate around the interior sections of the bridge efficiently. These challenges presented a major barrier to carrying out comprehensive quality control inspections and essential maintenance duties.
The challenge of limited access options was further exacerbated by the presence of water below in certain areas, adding an extra layer of complexity to the task at hand.
Pacific Ropes has several access strategies to consider that we utilize to complete our work scopes without compromising budgets or production.
1) Aid Climbing: This rope access technique offers a versatile and efficient way for workers to navigate around structures with ease. By suspending workers off anchor slings and beam clamps, they have the freedom to move around even the most challenging areas of a bridge. This method not only ensures full and safe access to all connection locations but also allows for precise and efficient completion of maintenance tasks. With aid climbing, workers can maneuver around catwalks, conveyors, and other obstacles, providing a solution that traditional access methods simply cannot match. In regards to our conveyor gallery example, aid climbing allowed our teams to gain full, safe access to all connection locations, facilitating torque verifications and other necessary tasks with precision and efficiency.
2) Rope Transfers and Re-anchors: These techniques enable teams to strategically adjust anchor points to re-anchor the ropes in different areas, eliminating the need to dismantle the entire rope access system when shifting work locations. This technique not only ensures the safety of workers but also allows for seamless movement around the structure, enabling them to complete tasks without wasting time.
3) Multi-disciplinary Teams: When faced with the challenge of working over delicate environments such as bodies of water or railway tracks, or sensitive fauna, extra safety measures need to be taken into consideration. Sometimes, the notion of adding more teams and contractors on site might be a deterrent for utilizing rope access strategies. However, audited rope access teams come fully equipped with comprehensive rescue capabilities. When contemplating the use of rope access strategies, it is important to remember to:
Choose a fully audited vendor (relevant trades and engineering audits/memberships, IRATA Audited Rope Access Operations, COR Audited HSE) who are reputable, have appropriate procedures and QMS in place, and have the proven expertise, personnel, and management to execute the work.
Note that "Rope Access" is not a service in itself, it is simple an access method for all to employ. Structural inspections, repairs, and engineering are the services which can be supported through the use of rope access for hard to reach locations.
By pushing beyond the constraints of conventional access methods, Pacific Ropes has established a new benchmark for efficiency, safety, and innovation in handling intricate projects. As inspections, repairs, and maintenance remains a vital aspect across all industries, Pacific Ropes excels in executing these tasks in challenging work environments. If you're faced with a demanding work site in need of attention, don't hesitate to reach out to us!