Confined Space Rescue Cover, Fiddlers Ferry Power Station, Warrington

Client

National Grid

Duration

2 weeks

Location

Fiddlers Ferry

Sector

Energy

Fiddlers Ferry Power Station is undergoing a major redevelopment programme. Stretching from 2022 to 2040, the phased redevelopment of the National Grid site will include demolition, infrastructure and enabling works, and remediation.

The brief

Orb Rope Access was asked to provide a confined space rescue team during the infrastructure and enabling works phase of the project. We were contracted to support the National Grid team by being on standby at the site in case a confined space rescue was necessary.

While the National Grid team does include qualified confined space technicians, they are not rescue qualified so it was essential that our team of three fully trained and qualified confined space rescue technicians were on site.

The building

The decommissioned coal fired power station opened in 1971. It comprises of eight 114m high cooling towers and a 200m high chimney.

The demolition of the site includes the cooling towers, the chimney and the former coal stockyard and machinery.

The work

Working in confined spaces requires a robust and comprehensive plan, the appropriate kit and expertise in executing the project efficiently and safely.

The National Grid team was tasked with pulling 110m (x 70) of cable through an underground tunnel. As they began, they found that the challenge required a rethink and additional kit. Their original plan wasn’t going to work. They asked for advice and assistance from the Orb Rope Access confined space and rescue team.

We provided additional confined space equipment that was essential for completing the task successfully. Using our skills and confined space qualifications we were also able to advise on a more efficient way to execute the task, coming up with a new plan that enabled them to complete the work.

Benefits to the client

Without the expertise and assistance of the Orb Rope Access confined space and rescue technicians the National Grid team would not have been able to complete the project by the prescribed deadline.

By working collaboratively with the National Grid team we were able to enhance their original plan and ensure the safety of all team members.

What our clients say about us

Absolutely delighted with the outcome of the works, can't praise ORB highly enough for the all elements of the project, will certainly be using them again on any future projects.

The gutters on our building had not been cleaned for some years. In places they were choked with vegetation and this was causing water ingress into the building whenever we had heavy rain. Access, because of height was an issue. Orb Rope did a fantastic job and resolved the water ingress problem which had become a big concern. The technicians came when they said they would, carried out the work they said they would and left the area clean and tidy. The work was done promptly. We found the technicians knowledgeable and helpful. We would have no hesitation in recommending your company.

“Orb Rope Access have run several projects at Scarisbrick Hall. We have found them to be efficient, reliable and have completed their works on time and on budget. We would have no hesitation in recommending them. Well done Matt and team, keep up the good work.”

" I have worked with Matt and Orb since 2010, on many various tasks within the stadium and training ground, this includes floodlight painting and lamp changes, high level window cleaning, maintenance and repairs to various roofs to include tin, plastic and fiberglass roofs. The fitting of new high level signage and banners, and many other jobs. They helped to develop our rescue plan for our own engineers when working on the floodlights. They are always available when we have had storm damage, working well into the night to complete repairs. I would not hesitate to recommend them to any other company for any type of rope work/high level maintenance, and have done on several occasions. "

"Orb Rope Access have completed numerous projects at St Johns for the past 5 years; Including the reseal of the famous St Johns Beacon! I find them professional, reliable, and very financially competitive. They are a highly recommended contractor of mine and a joy to work with."

"Orb Rope Access were introduced to us as we required a high-level structural inspection solution. Given the nature of the project we needed a service partner who could provide excellent levels of safety coupled with knowledge and capability in delivering the standards we required. Orb didn’t fail to impress, there attention to detail and professionalism throughout the process was second to none."

"I have had the pleasure of working with Orb rope access on a few roofing projects now, and have to say that despite the difficult nature of the work that they do in terms of access they also have an ability to transfer that expertise and attention to detail to the work carried out on site. Top work from a top company!"

"Inleaf specialise in the design, installation and maintenance of living walls throughout the UK. Living walls, by their nature, often require specialist access for installation and maintenance and so we commonly work with Orb Rope Access to provide specialist advice and assistance with projects that require abseiling access. Orb Rope Access have always been friendly, straightforward and professional to deal with. We've found them to be 100% reliable and excellent at working closely with our team when on site, either following specific instructions or using their own initiative when required."

This is the second time we have used Orb for high-level work. We are very satisfied with the job done. The team arrived on site at exactly on time, kept me informed of progress and provided photographs of the completed work for my records. I would have no hesitation in using the company for future work.

Here at Liverpool Cathedral , as you can guess there is a challenge to gain access to problems at height. We have used the services of ORB for several years now and they provide us with a professional and safe service which is beyond our means.

Before ORB came to us for roof work it was very difficult to find anyone who would go on the roof. Scaffolding is very expensive. The men who come to carry out the work are polite and a pleasure to deal with and St Oswald's are so grateful for their expertise.

Roof Repairs and Maintenance: St John’s Church

Heritage project: Rope access inspection of 100ft chimney at Wigan’s Pagefield Mill