Reaching The Heights Of  Success

Fear of heights is something that inspection specialist, Paul Jacklin, cannot afford to engage with as his latest assignment proved.

The intrepid HBPW engineer was recently asked to visit Melton Ross Quarry near Kirmington in North Lincolnshire, operated by the UK’s main independent supplier of lime, Singleton Birch Ltd.

Two years ago Paul and a team of specialists, using cherry pickers and industrial rope access techniques, carried out a comprehensive survey of the site’s steel and metal structures.

But, this time, it was a less spectacular affair, thanks to their earlier work, although it did involve some heights!

“Periodically we are called in to carry out engineering checks to ensure that everything is still in tip top condition and, following on from our work of two years ago, I was able to give Singleton Birth favourable feedback.

“As well as including quicklime, hydrated lime, and natural hydraulic lime in its product range, the company also supplies graded chalk, aggregates and other specialist products and services.

“However, it is the combined production of all these substances that puts considerable pressure on the company’s infrastructure and facilities.

Paul said that chalk, for example, was used in the steel and chemicals industries and, while in its own right was fairly harmless, it did hold moisture and over time, had the ability to corrode steelwork, something he had to look out for.

“This time I carried out 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 still a sizeable project and certainly not for someone who is squeamish about heights!”

Paul’s inspection was carried out under the guidelines of the government’s Factory, Stairways, Ladders and Handrails guidance document.

 “Following my inspection recommendations were made to 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.