PROJ ECT N EWS
TRAD shows its head for heights in tricky top storey city centre task PROJECT: OFFICE BLOCK, BRISTOL MAIN CONTRACTOR: ISG NASC MEMBER: TRAD SCAFFOLDING
TRAD to complement its tube and fitting scaffold). Selected sections were erected at night to further negate the risks. This Plettac Metrix System allows for the cantilever sections to be safely erected from inside the building and raised into position – with tethered decks subsequently pushed out one by one on the cantilevered levels – thus creating a safe, fully-decked platform for the scaffolder to work from when erecting the next scaffolding level. Given that the longest length of Metrix equipment was only 3m, risks of manual handling, work at height, and wind dislodgement were also negated. Using the Metrix System also eliminated the requirement for scaffold fittings which are notoriously difficult and time consuming to tether on overhead projects of this type.
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RAD has recently erected a high profile project in Bristol using the new Plettac Metrix System, within programme and without incident. Fit out specialist and main contractor ISG was briefed by its client with the complex task of constructing a new one storey extension on top of an existing 15-storey office premises at Redcliff Street in Bristol, the working level of which was 65m high with all floors below remaining in full occupation whilst the works were carried out. Given the extremely high risk in carrying out the scaffolding works, ISG approached TRAD to discuss various scaffolding schemes for giving safe access for the main contractor and their sub-contractors.
Tried and tested TRAD has vast experience of safely carrying out this type of project: TRAD and ISG have previously worked together on many difficult projects, including the BT Tower and Bush House in central London,
Ticking clock
TRAD was chosen for its experience of hazardous projects
both of which were potentially hazardous to the public, with operational difficulties that needed to be overcome and very narrow programmes that needed to be met.
“TRAD planned the work in depth and a very detailed risk assessment/method statement with pictorial sequential sketches was produced for the erection of a high level cantilivered scaffold. Selected sections were erected at night to further negate the risks.”
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The Redcliff building is set in the middle of Bristol’s city centre, flanked by a court house and local nursery to 50% of its elevations, thus requiring stringent control measures to eliminate the risk of falling materials. TRAD planned the work in depth and a very detailed risk assessment/method statement, with pictorial sequential sketches, was produced for the erection of a high level cantilevered scaffold in the new Plettac Metrix System (which has been recently adopted by
Whilst safety was the primary requirement in erecting the scaffold, a high degree of attention was also placed on the schedule. With an ISG required 16-week programme for the erection of scaffolding, TRAD completed the 160m girth cantilever and the 6m-high independent raised from the cantilever in an exemplary eight weeks. This was largely thanks to TRAD’s operations manager Wayne Booth and his site team’s diligent approach to sequencing the logistics and operations whilst working outside normal working hours. This time saving would not have been possible without the decision to opt for the Metrix System over traditional tube and fitting for this specific project. TRAD is now planning ahead for the forthcoming dismantle to ensure that it will be carried out as efficiently and as safely as the erection process.
NASC YEARBOOK 2017
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