Working-at-height safety solution
April 2018
System Integration & Control Systems Design
News
Rope-access specialist Skyriders has provided a working-at-height safety solution for a contractor undertaking maintenance at the Sappi Ngodwana pulp and paper mill in Mpumalanga. It follows an earlier successful project in 2016 whereby Skyriders undertook inspection and repair work on the ducting between the boilers and the smoke stacks as well as platform installations inside a smoke stack at the mill.
Marketing manager Mike Zinn explains that the rope-access specialist was called upon to assist a contractor undertaking maintenance on a tower crane platform. Due to the height of the platform, a working-at-height safety solution was necessary.
A senior Level 3 rope access supervisor and technical manager were dispatched to site to create an optimal solution. “We had a bracket system designed and then fabricated that was strapped to the vertical column of the tower crane itself, which the team could hook onto,” elaborates Zinn. “Thus they could undertake all of the necessary maintenance while attached to this temporary lifeline system that was essentially just bolted onto the tower crane.”
In addition, Skyriders briefed the team on basic working-at-height safety requirements, and how best to use the customised system it had devised for Sappi. The project was completed in January and represents an ongoing involvement with the pulp and paper giant.
Zinn comments that rope access has allowed Sappi to achieve significant cost-savings in terms of its maintenance and repair requirements: “Scaffolding on the other hand is costly and time consuming, and disproportionately expensive compared to the scope of the work.”
Given the successful working relationship between Sappi and Skyriders to date, Zinn is confident of Skyriders’ continued involvement with, and further diversification into, the pulp and paper industry. Additional projects include work on a new cellulose plant, as well as a recovery boiler.
For more information contact Mike Zinn, Skyriders, +27 (0)11 312 1418, [email protected], www.ropeaccess.co.za
Further reading:
Control system upgrade: Smelting
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Systems Automation & Management recently completed a major control system upgrade in the smelting industry. The project was delivered on budget and achieved a positive ROI for the client.
Read more...
Gottwald drives upgrade: Ports and harbours
Abacus Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
In the ports and harbours sector, Abacus Automation completed a significant modernisation of a Gottwald crane, improving both operational reliability and serviceability.
Read more...
Mining industry upgrade: From ageing systems to maximum capacity
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Iritron recently undertook a major upgrade in the mining sector, focusing on washing and screening plants, jigs, thickeners, tailings, water systems, conveyors and reclaimers.
Read more...
Agogo Integrated West Hub Project: FPSO/subsea offshore Angola
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Agogo Integrated West Hub project represents a historic milestone in the FPSO and subsea industry, achieving first oil offshore of Angola. This project is the first FPSO deployment since ANPG’s establishment in 2019, and the first major project for Azule Energy since 2022.
Read more...
Digital transformation from the edge
DirectLogic Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Edge-enabled PLCs are an accessible and affordable way for most users to collect and create value from use field-sourced data.
Read more...
STEMulator – a gift to the youth of the nation
Editor's Choice News
STEMulator is a groundbreaking virtual platform designed to ignite the spark of curiosity in young minds and stimulate their interest in STEM subjects.
Read more...
Powering southern Africa’s industrial evolution for over five decades
Oilpower
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Established in 1974, Oilpower is a recognised name in South Africa’s hydraulic and pneumatic sector. What started as a small, family-run business has matured into a highly structured operation with specialised teams, experienced engineers and a reputation for technical excellence and reliability. Oilpower is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year
Read more...
Metal plant automation upgrade
ABB South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
A combined compressor house (CCH) control system replacement project, undertaken by NJC, an ABB Authorised Value Provider (AVP), has won high praise from client ArcelorMittal.
Read more...
SIs - the channel’s conductors of light
Schneider Electric South Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Today’s original equipment manufacturers are innovators in the truest sense, driving the absolute newest in technological advancement. While they develop advanced and often groundbreaking solutions, it is the system integrators who bring these innovations to life.
Read more...
The state of the SI industry remains strong and is expanding
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The system integration (SI) industry is expanding with the adoption of AI, automation and data sharing, allowing companies to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness across diverse sectors.
Read more...
printer friendly version