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

Client

Christians

Duration

1 week

Location

Wigan

Sector

Heritage

Orb Rope Access recently carried out inspection services and loose material removal at Pagefield Mill in Wigan.

The brief

We were approached to use rope access techniques to carry out an inspection of Pagefield Mill’s 100ft chimney and remove any hazardous loose materials.

The building

Built in 1867 and once a thriving industrial hub, Pagefield Mill on the outskirts of Wigan town centre has been derelict for around 40 years. Over time it became a hotspot for vandalism, arson and antisocial behaviour. According to Wigan Today, in 2022 firefighters responded to 91 incidents at the site, which is the equivalent of one call out every four days.

In December 2023, because of its treacherous condition, contractors were brought in by the council to take control of the site boundaries and clear away hazardous areas. Although the site is privately owned, the council felt duty-bound to get involved to ensure public safety.

Once the site was secured, its future needed to be decided. Detailed inspections were required to determine its condition, with the mill building itself a priority.

The most iconic feature of Pagefield Mill is the 100ft chimney tower. Due to its height, rope access techniques were required to complete a full inspection of the chimney’s structural integrity and safety to allow the property owners to make informed decisions about its future.

Orb Rope Access have extensive experience in working on heritage sites. We understand the safety concerns and risks associated with such old buildings, particularly those in a state of disrepair.

The work

Our team of experienced rope access technicians used specialist equipment and techniques to identify areas of the chimney that required particular attention. One of the benefits of rope access for heritage buildings is the ease of access it provides to even the most hard-to-reach areas of such tall but fragile structures.

Access to the top of the chimney was provided by an internal ladder system that had corroded considerably. At the top there was a small hole in the roof that we climbed through to be rewarded with views that extended miles beyond Wigan.

Throughout the project, safety was our top priority. Our technicians underwent rigorous training and followed strict safety protocols to ensure that the work was completed without any incidents. We also worked closely with the client to ensure other contractors could continue their work without disruption.

We gave the client a full report detailing all defects on the tower from which they can make plans for its future.

In addition to the inspection, our team also removed any loose material from the chimney which was at risk of falling and harming people below. This work was conducted both on the inside and exterior of the tower and, as with all of our heritage projects, was sensitively executed to avoid further damage.

Benefits to the client

Safety was a particular focus of this heritage project due to the condition of the building. Our expertise and experience of applying rope access techniques to a wide range of heritage projects enabled us to meticulously inspect the chimney. We were able to provide a thorough report about its condition that wouldn’t have been achievable using other survey methods. The findings detailed in the inspection report will have a significant impact on the future of this heritage site.

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