Innovation from above - abseiling contractors!

18 August 2010

We recently used abseiling contractors in a bid to improve our services and reduce costs.

The Asset Management Team from The Wrekin Housing Trust is always looking for innovative, effective and cost-saving methods to complete essential repair work on Trust properties.
A recent survey carried out by the staff of Red Environmental Ltd utilising rope access to abseil down the face of ten-storey high Haughmond Court in Wellington certainly attracted some surprised looks from passers by. The survey was carried out to enable photos to be taken and an analysis of minor defects and required repair work to be documented by the climbers.
Dave Kendall of Red Environmental Ltd, who undertook the survey for the Trust, said: "The advantage of using rope access is that you have no need for scaffolding and we can climb and abseil down in places where you can't erect scaffolding or use cherry pickers."
Peter Faherty of Red went on to say: "Our safety and those around us is paramount, and the rope access industry has an exemplary safety record. In terms of cost it often means the work can be completed for the cost of the scaffold rather than scaffold plus labour so rope access usually amounts to a considerable saving. "
Prior to the rope survey, residents were informed that it would be taking place to ensure that they were aware and happy with the process.
Dale Heaton, Category Manager for External Painting and Repairs from The Wrekin Housing Trust, said: "This was an interesting and informative demonstration and we will give serious consideration to the use of rope access based on the report from Red Environmental Ltd and once we have considered all the aspects and implications. On the face of it this service could be a safe, cost effective method of carrying out repair work."
For more information about Red Environmental Ltd please visit www.redenvironmental.co.uk and for more information on the Wrekin Housing Trust visit www.wrekinhousingtrust.org.uk or call 01952 217100.



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