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March 2019
Quarterly Release
CONTENTS Message from the MD
Lane Cove Bridge
Barham Bridge
HMAS Canberra
HMAS Anzac
Int. Women’s Day
Preservation works at Garden Island East
Maintenance services in the NSW region
Preservation works for AMCAP in WA
Bridge upgrade & rehabilitation works on the border of VIC and NSW
Eptec celebrates International Women’s Day 2019
Welcome to Eptec’s first quarterly newsletter for 2019. I’d like to begin by thanking the entire Eptec team for their continuous hard work and commitment in the early stages of the year. As a result, we have a strong six months ahead in both Marine and Services.
MD Message
On the Services side of the business, those living in Sydney may have noticed numerous railway shutdowns over the last few months. Eptec has been behind an assortment of these; currently as a main contractor to Sydney Trains to complete works all around the NSW region. These shutdowns are often difficult, and under trying conditions. However with the organisation and planning initiated as a team effort, these jobs are well managed and have progressed smoothly. I’d also like to congratulate the Marine team in South Australia. Eptec Marine is currently contracted to work on the Full Cycle Docking of the HMAS Waller, which is a part of the essential upgrade to the fleet of Australian submarines. The perseverance and skill of the Eptec Marine team has checked off yet another
project milestone for the month of February. With the growth of our projects, Eptec has also ramped up on the recruitment side of the business. Currently we are sitting at over 300 employees, and we’re forecasted to maintain these numbers well over the next 6 months. I’d like to this chance to extend a warm welcome all the new-comers who have joined us on this exciting chapter. I look forward to sharing more good news with you in the near future.
Joe Viglione Managing Director & CEO
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NAVAL DEFENCE & MARINE
HMAS Canberra, NSW Eptec was contracted to complete preservation tasks on the HMAS Canberra. Most of the works involved mechanical preparation and the application of coatings on areas such as elevator pits, tanks, tank tops and access trunks. Although Eptec completed works on a variety of areas, the key aspect of the availability was the complete remediation of the Galley Deck Flooring. Eptec was contracted to project manage an entire team of painters, electricians, engineers, and flooring compound specialists. For the main Galley Deck Flooring, works involved isolating all necessary equipment, followed by its removal and storage. The Eptec team then masked up all key areas, and removed the existing deck compound.
Masked out key areas & removal of existing flooring compound
Eptec’s innovative engineering design resulted in the overall weight of the Galley Deck Flooring being reduced by 7 tonnes whilst maintaining the existing thickness. Once all the preparation works had been completed, Eptec then managed works of fabricating deck drains and grates, and applying multiple coats of anti-slip. One of the most challenging aspects of the project was the time frame, and the careful management of all the trades. However, with a good communication plan and the use of a staged approach of closing off areas and re-opening areas for all other trades to work together, it ensured that the project was completed safely, on time and on budget.
Before photo of main galley deck
After photo of main galley deck
TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE
Lane Cove Bridge, NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) had issued a project of rehabilitation works on the Epping Road Bridge over the Lane Cove River. The rehabilitation works were urgently required as bridge inspections had identified corrosion stains and high chloride levels within the concrete of the pier columns. As a lead specialist, Eptec was contracted by DM Roads as a main contractor to the project. The majority of the works were carried out from static scaffolding. Due to the close proximity of the site to the public domain, the management of contamination and dust produced by the works was essential. Eptec designed innovative encapsulation of the work area for activities such as grinding and water blasting.
Concrete remediation repairs
One of the key aspects of the project was the management of the Health and Safety of the environment, and personnel. To address this, Eptec devised the plan to utilise geofabric and plastic sheeting on the deck beneath the work area to capture any waste water or contaminants generated during the works. Further to this, Eptec also controlled waterway and pedestrian traffic. A major component of this project was also to manage all the key stakeholders seamlessly to finish the project in the allocated time scope. Eptec is pleased to announce that the project has now been completed, safely, on time and on budget.
Routine inspection of coating works
Surface check prior to repair
NAVAL DEFENCE & MARINE
HMAS Anzac, WA HMAS Anzac (FFH 150) is the lead ship of the Anzac-class frigates in use with the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) built by Tenix Defence Systems at Williamstown. The ship has not been operational as of 2018, as it is the second ship to receive the AMCAP upgrade after the HMAS Arunta. Eptec Marine was commissioned by BAE Systems to undertake the preservation works. The main scope of works include a High Pressure fresh water washing of all external surfaces and surface preparation works (such as UHP water blasting, abrasive blasting, mechanical descaling and abrading) to various vessel locations.
Power tool preparation
However just like with the HMAS Arunta, the key aspect of Eptec’s work is the change of colour from the current Storm Grey to Haze Grey. “Change of colour from the current Storm Grey to Haze Grey”
Preparation for final coat application
The project began in late 2018, and is predicted to reach completion by June 2019. As a preservation contractor to the project, Eptec is working well as a team, and has ensured careful management together with other trades. The project works are progressing smoothly, with monthly milestones being achieved.
Final coat applied to vessel walls
TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE
Barham Bridge, NSW Roads and Maritime Services, in partnership with VicRoads, is continuing the restoration of the heritage listed Barham Koondrook Bridge over the Murray River. The New South Wales and Victorian Governments are funding this $25 million essential maintenance work to ensure the bridge will continue to meet current vehicle loads and volumes, as well as the growing needs of the local and travelling community into the future. Eptec Services assisted in the completion of the concrete works on both the footpath approach walls and slabs, as well as various other concrete works on the Barham Bridge.
both approach spans to support the cantilever footpath approach to the bridge. Eptec also supported RMS for all drainage works during the period of the project. Once the formwork had been established, Eptec was then responsible for the excavation and installation of bridge roadway approach slab on the Victorian side of the bridge. With this, it also involved the installation of various concrete decks and crash rail support hobs on the bridge road deck. The project was completed early 2019, and vehicles commenced normal use shortly thereafter.
This included the installation of formwork and steel reinforcement on
Aerial view of the bridge
Wet curing of the pile cap concrete
Sunrise photo of Barham bridge works
WHEN RISK MATTERS
International Women’s Day 2019 Eptec operates in a traditionally male dominated industry. At times this can be very challenging for people, and in particular women, to actively participate in. However, it is encouraging to note that we now have more women working in Eptec than at any time before! On IWD 2019, Eptec would just like to acknowledge and say thank you to all the women in our business; for the contribution you are making to the success of Eptec and the diversity of our workforce. The theme of IWD 2019 is “More Powerful Together” and Eptec genuinely believes this to be true. “It takes all of us, working in collaboration and across that which sometimes divides us, breaking down stereotypes and gendered roles to create a world where women and girls everywhere have equal rights and opportunities.”
Eptec Group P.O. Box 782 Broadway NSW, 2007, Australia 463-467 Harris St Ultimo NSW 2007, Australia t: +61 2 9034 6969 f: +61 2 9034 6970 e: eptec@eptec.com.au www.eptec.com.au
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