In order to eliminate the chances of freak accidents, complying with operational compliance procedures is a prerequisite for a Hydro scheme to operate. Skyriders recently assisted engineers with two shaft inspections at a Hydro scheme located in South Africa.

The Hydro project was established to deliver energy to the national grid at peak demand times using hydroelectric power and consists of an upper and a lower dam, each capable of holding approximately 22-million-m2 of water. During peak times, the water is released from the top dam and passes through the shafts into the bottom dam and in times of low demand, the shafts are used to pump the water back again.

The three-man team from Skyriders Access Specialists (Pty) Ltd assisted with inspections of the shafts, which lasted three days, from 8 to 10 December 2015. Skyriders marketing manager Mike Zinn indicates that since all construction on the project has been completed, the next step was to hand over to an engineer for inspections. “We assisted with getting the engineer into the shaft safely, the final visual inspection of the shaft and removed possible hazards such as debris and sand bags which could cause damage.”

The inspection of the whole shaft and its entire depth was done using rope access gear such as rope, head lights and battery operated spotlights for clear visibility. “The shafts were well over 700 m long, 6 m in diameter and with 25 degree slopes. Although it was not easy getting inside the shafts, the project was finished on time,” adds Zinn.

Skyriders boasts extensive experience in all rope access applications and its technicians are trained in various fields of rope access expertise. Zinn highlights that two senior technicians with level 3 IWH certification, which is the highest level of rope access training, and one level 2 technician, were sent out for the project. “One senior technician went down into the shaft with the engineer and the other two technicians were on standby rescue outside.”

Skyriders also provides structure inspections and installations, high-pressure cleaning, waterproofing, bolting /steel erection, welding, concrete inspection and repairs, and non-destructive testing. Due to its cost effectiveness, flexibility and speedy expertise, Skyriders has become the preferred supplier of innovative height-related solutions.