Solution: Industrial Shrink Wrapping

Offering a top class service is what we do best at Vertex Rope Access and meeting our clients need is our number one aim. Industrial abseiling is the perfect choice of access for a variety of operations, many of which would be otherwise unachievable. Working with a recent client who required areas of metal plant framework weatherproofing, we had to think outside of the box. Not only were the areas over 20 meters high and 5 meters wide, but the weatherproof requirement was only a temporary measure, meaning that a permanent structure covering the area was out of question. The client recognised that due to the size of the area which needed weatherproofing, conventional access methods such as scaffolding or MEWP's were unsuitable and so contacted Vertex Access for a tailored access solution.

After detailed research it was decided that shrink wrapping was the ideal solution for this client’s needs, paired with using rope access to reach the high inaccessible areas.

Our team of rope access IRATA operatives are highly trained in a variety of areas and for this job specific training took place. Working with a local shrink wrapping company, our operatives trained in the technique and process used to apply the plastic sheeting with precision.

Shrink wrapping has many benefits; its robustness provides total protection against most weather, unlike traditional scaffolding sheeting which often has gaps and can come undone in high winds. Shrink wrap is also extremely versatile as it can be applied to awkward shapes which traditional sheeting does not offer. Once in place it requires low to no maintenance due to it being so robust and once finished with, is easily removed and recyclable. Using heat guns, the team were able to tightly wrap the plant structures in the durable plastic cladding, welding large sheets together to form a tight seal which can with stand most weather conditions including strong winds and rain.

Working in a 4 man team, Vertex Access can complete an area of 1000m2 per day, wrapping large buildings quickly and efficiently. Few companies offer this unique service, excelling Vertex Access to the forefront of the field for industrial rope access services.

To discuss your specialist access needs further please call 01709 379453 or email info@vertexaccess.co.uk

Project: Rubens Palace Hotel

On the door step of Buckingham Palace, the Rubens Palace Hotel unveiled London’s Largest and most colourful Living Wall.

Vertex Rope Access operatives were more than happy to turn their hand to gardening completing maintenance works in front of an eager audience.

Standing tall at 350 square metres with over 10,000 plants and ferns, the London Living Wall will brighten the popular walk from Victoria Station to other tourist attractions around Victoria.The wall is ripe with pollinating plants recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society – made up of horizontal rows of ferns, flowers and plants, anchored by 16 tons of vertically placed soil.These plants are said to be the best pollinators, attracting wildlife such as bee’s, birds and butterflies, improving the air quality for those living, working in the area and making this busy tourist clad area of London a little greener.

The ‘Vertical Garden’ is not only an aesthetically pleasing tourist attraction but helps combat surface flooding by using rain water from the hotel roof and filtering it into the walls irrigation system, this not only absorbs excess water during heavy storms but allows for sustainable, low maintenance preservation.Vertex Rope Access was commissioned by Treebox to provide Industrial Rope Access solutions for the maintenance of the Living Wall façade, this included; replanting/pruning of plants and ferns and maintenance of the irrigation system.

Vertex Access provides Industrial Rope Access Operatives for a variety of operations. Often the use of abseiling techniques can be the most practical way to achieve tasks that would otherwise involve considerable expense, time and impact on the building. For this project, Rope Access was considered the best option. The other methods of access such as scaffolding and MEWPs were not reasonably practicable in providing an efficient access solution.Secondly, the Living Wall will need regular maintenance; Rope Access provides a safe, fast, cost effective access solution, creating little visual disturbance.

To discuss your access needs further please call 01709 379453 or email info@vertexaccess.co.uk