TRAC HLM staff star in a new BBC Documentary

Two TRAC HLM staff, Mikey Patterson and Gary Fletcher, feature in a new BBC Documentary Series, The Secret Lives of Lighthouse Keepers.

Filmmaker Chris McMillan spent a month in May this year filming the Northern Lighthouse Board teams as they go about their work maintaining the lighthouses round the coasts of Scotland and the Isle of Man.

Mikey and Gary feature when the crew arrive at Cape Wrath lighthouse, on the most north westerly tip of Scotland, where we were dealing with some water ingress on the lighthouse.

The programme provides a rare insight into the work, and the challenges faced, in maintaining the lighthouses.

The episode will be broadcast in October but is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer – https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00225h0/our-lives-series-8-8-the-secret-lives-of-lighthouse-keepers.

Home Kits for Whitburn Juniors

TRAC HLM Ltd recently sponsored the local Whitburn Juniors football team by purchasing and donating their home kit.

Lets hope it helps them reach top of the league!

Faslane Shiplift Building Warehouse

Project

Survey and storm damage repairs

Client

Babcock Marine

Overview

Huge Shiplift building in danger of closure due to storm damage. Requirement to be safe and fully operational at the earliest opportunity.

Background

The Naval base at Faslane has a shiplift capability among the largest in the world. This is contained within the huge Shiplift Building designed for the purpose. The building recently sufferered storm damage during winter months leaving some areas exposed to the elements. TRAC were engaged to work alongside structural engineers to survey the extent of the damage while simultaneously recording condition of all elements of the building. The initial instruction to compile a report on the overall condition with a view to uncovering any weakness that may have allowed the damage to occur.

The Works

TRAC deployed an IRATA Qualified Rope Access team to complete works including:

  • Assisting engineer with full building survey
  • Installation of fall arrest nets directly below roof damage
  • Install temporary fall arrest on roof
  • Roof repairs
  • Cladding sheet replacement
  • Repairs to movement joints
  • Application of protective and waterproof coatings

Outcome

Works completed as programmed to the complete satisfaction of the client.

St. Kilda Radome Replacement

Project

Radome replacement

Client

QinetiQ

Overview

TRAC engaged to replace 5 storm damaged radomes for the MOD at its site on the island of St Kilda.

Background

TRAC were engaged by QinetiQ to install 5 new GRP radomes at the MOD site on St Kilda. The existing radomes were destroyed in gale force winds recorded in excess of 180mph. The radomes rest on top of buildings and towers at the top of a hill open to the Atlantic Ocean on all sides. The radomes are designed to protect modern, valuable radar equipment while allowing them to function as they should. It was vital that they were replaced as soon as possible.

The Works

The works required IRATA rope access technicians to:

  • Remove what remained of the existing radomes without damaging equipment
  • Survey and prepare the sites to accept new domes
  • Construct the new domes from flatpack at ground level
  • Lift domes by crane and lower position
  • Securely fix down the domes without any damage to the GRP fabric
  • Install new lighting

Outcome

Works complete on time for MOD trials to start during the summer months and before any damage to exposed radar equipment.

St. Kilda Mast & Tower Repairs

Project

Mast and tower repairs

Client

QinetiQ

Overview

TRAC were engaged for essential annual repairs to masts and towers at St Kilda and Benbecula.

Background

The MOD has several sites throughout the west coast and western isles of Scotland. These sites are extremely exposed to the elements and in need of regular care and attention to ensure they continue to function and are fit for purpose. Many sites have high value modern equipment fixed at high level on masts and towers. These structures are exposed to continuous high winds and subsequently need regular inspection and maintenance. Our Clients task is to ensure the MOD is subject to no disruption to its vital operations. To assist with this they employ TRAC HLM.

The Works

An IRATA qualified team of rope access technicians were deployed to St Kilda to carry out repairs and maintenance including:

  • Strengthening works to lattice tower to increase capacity
  • Installation of new mast rest platforms and hatches
  • Replacing and re-tensioning of structural bolts
  • Removal of redundant cable try and feeder cables
  • Installation of ladder access fall arrest system
  • Application of protective coatings

Outcome

Progress can be severely limited by weather conditions and lightning risk. TRAC’s flexibility ensured works were completed during the shut down period allowing MOD trials to commence as planned.