Skip to content
THE CHALLENGE:
To provide a docking station for clean safe access to all areas of the C130 Hercules planes that would arrive for their scheduled services according to their contract with The Commonwealth of Australia.
Northrop Gruman engaged SafeSmart to provide a large platform dock to access all areas below the wings and along the fuselage as well as providing fall protection for works taking place on top of the wings. The client was also eager for SafeSmart to allow them to utilise the underside of the docking station to locate their tool sheds and construct small workstations for their employees.
Given the sensitivity of the environment at Richmond RAAF Base, all contractors are expected to operate at a compliance level not experienced in conventional commercial projects.
THE SOLUTION:
SafeSmart's Design and Engineering teams thoroughly researched a suitable solution which would utilise many of areas SafeSmart's multi-faceted business.
SafeSmart's highly engineered Proscaf modular scaffolding system was used to form the body of the platform using 5M U Lattice girders to minimise the impact on the area below deck.
Custom designed and manufactured aluminium platforms with retractable decking systems would scope in and away from the body of the plane, also creating a form-fitting contour through curved sections.
Mobile aluminium towers would allow easy placement and re-location of platforms on top of the primary deck from which to safely operate on top of the wings.
THE RESULT:
Northrop Gruman now has safe and unimpeded access to all parts of the C130 Hercules as required to undertake the requirements of their service contract.
Clear spaces underneath the main platform allow for tool sheds and workshop spaces to be set up in a handy location for the duration of the work. This also saved space within the hangar.
Safesmart's experience in operating in secure environments meant that onsite operatives and the project management team exceeded expectations in regards to their commitment to safety and security onsite.
"SafeSmart Access was a pleasure to deal with from initial discussions during the tender process to the final handshake upon completion of the job. From the management team to the guys on site, they were helpful and very sensitive to the environment we work in. We look forward to continuing our partnership into the future and would have no qualms recommending SafeSmart to prospective clients".
