Pipelines are the backbone of water security, and a reliable water network begins with the safe and streamlined construction of these assets.
Australia is one of the widest and driest countries in the world, which makes access to a safe and reliable water supply a constant challenge, especially for remote areas.
To ensure that all communities have stable access to this vital resource, pipeline infrastructure needs to be constantly upgraded and maintained.
Given the critical nature of these works, utilities need to be able to trust that their contractors can provide the right equipment for the job.
Pipeline projects present a range of safety hazards, as construction often takes place in harsh conditions, involving heavy machinery and pipeline pieces that can weigh upwards of 10t.
Pipeline Plant Hire (PPH), in partnership with Global Equipment Services (GES), designs and manufactures a range of vacuum pipe lifting equipment, which have been optimised to increase the productivity, efficiency and safety of pipeline projects.
The VacLift grips pipeline pieces by cupping onto their side with a rubber seal called a ‘shoe’ before creating a vacuum seal that can easily support up to 15t of pipe.
These innovative vacuum lifts achieve three times the output of other pipeline lifting methods, grant the operator complete control over the pipe’s movement, and come in a range of sizes suited to different excavators and pipes.
GES Director, Matt Dridan, said that he is frequently surprised to find that project developers are not aware of the benefits of vacuum lifters.
“I’ll see some people using ladders and climbing up on trucks and I think, ‘Oh my goodness, I know for a fact that will result in an injury’,” Mr Dridan said.
“Failings in productivity can be made up for down the track. A failing in safety cannot be made up for. A contractor can complete a project over-budget or over-time, but if you injured anyone, there’s no point applying for the next project.”
PPH delivers training support for the use of its VacLifts, which can be provided either on the work site or at its factory.
“At our factory, in a more controlled environment, operators can get a better look at the development of the equipment and get an understanding of the process.”
Mr Dridan said that PPH isn’t just a manufacturing company that decided to take on vacuum lifts.
“We came from the pipeline industry, and from that experience we developed vacuum lifts that fit the sector and meet its unique requirements.
“The people at Pipeline Plant Hire have more than three decades of experience in the industry, so we understand the process, we understand the ramifications of not getting it right, and we understand the overlap of various equipment and conditions.
“We also have the largest hire fleet in the country, and this, combined with our round-the-clock local support, delivers the right outcome for any project.”
For more information, visit pipelineplanthire.com.au
Featured image: vacuum pipe lifts can increase efficiency and safety of pipeline projects. Image: Pipeline Plant Hire
