Challenge

Two sets of abandoned fire sprinkler system pipes had been left in place for years and had developed severe rust and corrosion from the facility’s salt-rich environment. The deteriorating pipes and support brackets created a potential falling hazard. Scaffolding was not an option because of restricted floor space and cables supporting the boiling saltwater vat covers. In addition, the facility operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making uninterrupted operations essential.

Rope Guy Solution

The Rope Guy team used specialized access techniques to climb the facility’s vertical I-beams and traverse the steel and wood ceiling beams to safely reach the abandoned piping. The pipes were cut into manageable sections and carefully lowered to the floor for removal.

By accessing the work area from above rather than using scaffolding or occupying valuable floor space, the team was able to complete the removal without interfering with the facility’s equipment or daily operations.

Results

The severely corroded, abandoned sprinkler pipes and support brackets were safely removed, eliminating a potential falling hazard. Rope Guy’s specialized access techniques allowed the facility to avoid the space limitations and operational disruptions associated with conventional access equipment. Most importantly, the work was completed without interrupting operations at a facility that runs continuously, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.