Project Overview
The Hoist People were contracted by Formula Scaffolding to provide a custom hoist solution for a re-roofing project at an Airbus facility. The project involved lifting roofing materials and scaffolding equipment to multiple roof levels across two distinct elevations. With access challenges and a 20-week project duration, The Hoist People delivered a tailored goods hoist installation, ensuring the project’s success.
The Airbus project, located in the southern part of the UK, required a hoist to support the transportation of materials to the main roof and a second, higher roof. Formula Scaffolding approached The Hoist People after performing initial site assessments and providing detailed scaffold drawings. The project required two separate goods hoists: an 850 kg hoist for the main roof and a 300 kg hoist for the higher section, both serving roofing contractors and scaffolding crews throughout the 20-week re-roof works.
Challenges Faced
The Airbus project presented several unique challenges, particularly concerning site access and installation logistics. These challenges required creative solutions and effective coordination with the client and site teams.- Access Limitations Due to Building Layout: One of the significant challenges arose from restricted access around the main building. The original proposed hoist location had to be changed after a site visit revealed that a large generator housing blocked access. This required collaboration with the neighbouring site, where palisade fencing was temporarily removed to allow The Hoist People to install the hoist.
- Scaffold-Only Ties: Unlike typical projects, the hoist could not be tied directly to the building due to the purlins. Instead, the hoist had to be secured to the scaffolding structure. The client had already accounted for this in their scaffolding design, requiring close collaboration to ensure the hoist installation met both safety and structural requirements.
- Split Elevation of Roof Levels: The project involved two roof levels at different heights, with the higher roof being four metres taller than the main roof. Materials would need to be lifted to the main roof and then moved across via a walkway to the higher roof. This required careful planning to ensure seamless material transport between the two levels.
Proposed Solutions
To address these challenges and ensure the project progressed smoothly, The Hoist People implemented several tailored solutions:- 850 kg and 300 kg Goods Hoists: Two hoists were selected for this project. An 850 kg goods hoist was installed to handle the bulk of the roofing materials, providing sufficient capacity for larger loads. A 300 kg hoist was also installed to service the higher roof. The 300 kg hoist was dismantled and reassembled on-site to fit into the tight space on the roof. Both hoists were configured with standard ramp exits, ensuring easy loading and unloading of materials.
- Improved Access with Trackway Installation: To overcome access issues, the client arranged for a temporary trackway to be installed on-site. This allowed The Hoist People to deliver the hoists via trailer, eliminating the need for a large crane. This approach reduced both installation time and cost, while ensuring the equipment was placed precisely where needed.
- Scaffold Rack for Efficient Material Handling: To support the scaffolding contractors, The Hoist People provided a scaffold rack for the 850 kg hoist. This custom feature allowed the hoist to transport scaffolding tubes and boards efficiently to the roof, speeding up the erection process. The scaffold rack proved invaluable in reducing manual handling, improving both safety and project efficiency.
Results
The Airbus re-roof project was a success, with the goods hoists installed on time and performing efficiently throughout the duration of the work.
- Successful Hoist Installation Despite Access Challenges: Despite the initial access issues, the removal of fencing and installation of a temporary trackway enabled smooth delivery and installation of both hoists. The 300 kg hoist was successfully dismantled and reassembled on-site, fitting perfectly into the tight space allocated.
- Safe and Efficient Material Transport: Both the 850 kg and 300 kg goods hoists provided efficient transport of materials to the different roof levels, with no disruptions to the schedule. The addition of the scaffold rack further streamlined material handling, reducing the time required for scaffolding erection.
- Collaboration and Clear Communication: Clear communication between The Hoist People and Formula Scaffolding ensured that the project ran smoothly. Regular updates and coordination between the teams meant that the hoists were installed exactly as planned, with no changes required post-delivery. The scaffolders, roofing contractors, and site managers were all able to work efficiently with the hoists, minimising downtime and avoiding logistical issues.
By providing a bespoke hoist solution tailored to the specific challenges of the Airbus re-roof project, The Hoist People ensured that all material handling requirements were met safely, efficiently, and within the project’s timeline. The adaptability of both the 850 kg and 300 kg hoists, combined with close collaboration and planning, ensured the project was delivered without issue.
