Engineer Paul Jacklin is a man with a head for heights, at least he had to be for his latest assignment at one of North Lincolnshire’s leading quarries.
Melton Ross Quarry near Kirmington is operated by the UK’s main independent supplier of lime, Singleton Birch Ltd.
As well as including quicklime, hydrated lime, and natural hydraulic lime in its product range, the company catalogue also features graded chalk, aggregates and other specialist products and services.
It is the combined production of all these substances that puts considerable pressure on the company’s infrastructure and facilities.
“Periodically we are called in to carry out engineering checks to ensure that everything is in good condition and where concerns are identified, to advise that remedial works be put in place to maintain the company’s excellent safety record.
“For example chalk is used in the steel and chemicals industries and, in its own right, is fairly harmless, however, it does hold moisture and, over time, the moisture can cause steel to corrode and, ultimately, deteriorate. This is one of the things that I have to look out for.”
Cherry pickers, or Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), along with Industrial Rope Access professionals, were brought in to ensure that checks could be made at all key points on the site including those nooks and crannies well above head height!
“We have used such techniques at football stadiums, bridges and high-rise buildings in the past and, on this occasion, I oversaw the inspection of all high-level walkways and elevated platforms as well as buildings across the entire site: comprising some 96 structures and 36 buildings.
“By any standard it was a sizeable project and required a genuine head for heights!”
Paul’s inspection was carried out under the guidelines of the government’s Factory, Stairways, Ladders and Handrails guidance document.
“Following my inspection a series of remedial works were put in place which will not only ensure the continuing integrity of site infrastructure but also the on-going safety of staff at Melton Ross Quarry.”
Singleton Birch supplies international markets where its products are used, among other things, in the production of steel, various chemical processes, waste and water treatment, purification of flue gases and production of lightweight building materials.