A case study on the fact the Dogger Bank meteorological mast project, the first in the UK to use a “human-free” technique to place the lattice tower of the mast on top of the awaiting foundation, is now available on the website .
Lightweight plastic cones and video cameras were affixed to the tower sections before any lifting activity was undertaken, which alleviated the need for riggers to physically be in position while manoeuvring the towers into place.
This technique was both safer than traditional methods, as it enabled the crew to stay on deck away from the lifting hazards, and also much faster as the cones helped to quickly stabilise the load in the final stage of the lifting.
With riggers being physically removed from the lattice towers during installation, and through the use of guide cones and video cameras, it eliminates the risk of an accident being caused by a swinging or falling load. The use of guide cones enables the crew to stay on the vessel deck, and away from the lifting hazards.
Therefore it is both safer than methods used previously, and a far more efficient means of installation as the cones helped to quickly stabilise the tower in the final stage of the lifting.
[mappress]
Press release, May 22, 2013; Image: Forewind