We were tasked with removing a hefty 800 metres of suspended concrete slab for Andrew Carney Construction. Now, anyone who's worked on a building site knows that a suspended slab is a bit like a sleeping giant. You’ve got to tread carefully.
The client needed the slab gone, and gone safely. We had to cut it into sections that could be lifted out by an excavator. The site had limited access, and we had to be mindful of the excavator's lifting capacity.
We were dealing with a suspended structure, so any mistake could have had serious consequences.
We started with a proper site survey. We needed to understand the slab's dimensions, the supporting structure, and the overall site conditions. We found that the slab was supported by 250mm wide I-beams.
We worked out a cutting plan to divide the slab into manageable sections. The real trick was to ensure that each cut was centred on those I-beams. That way, the cut sections would sit safely on the beams until the excavator could lift them out. We measured and measured again, double-checking everything.
We used our diamond drilling and cutting equipment. These tools are fantastic for this sort of work. They allow us to make clean, precise cuts with minimal vibration. That's important when you’re dealing with a structure like this. You don’t want to cause any unnecessary stress.
Before we started, we did a detailed risk assessment and method statement. Everyone on site had a proper briefing, and we made sure everyone knew their roles.
We used all the right personal protective equipment (PPE), including harnesses and helmets. We also used inertia reels. These are clever bits of kit that prevent falls. If someone slips, the reel locks, stopping them from hitting the deck.
We also kept a close eye on the structure. We were constantly checking for any signs of instability. We had a spotter watching the whole operation, making sure everything was running smoothly.
We also made sure that everyone had access to safety information. The Health and Safety Executive has lots of resources that we use to ensure that we are always up to date with the best practices.
With the plan in place and all the safety measures sorted, we got to work. The diamond drilling and cutting went smoothly. Our team is highly skilled, and they know their stuff. They worked steadily, making sure each cut was spot on. Once a section was cut, the excavator moved in to lift it out. We had a banksman on hand to guide the excavator operator, making sure everything went according to plan.
The excavator operator was skilled and handled the concrete sections with care. It was like watching a well-rehearsed dance. Each section was lifted and placed safely on the ground. We kept the site tidy, clearing away the debris as we went. It is important to keep a clean site as it makes things safer and easier.
We worked through the 800 metres, section by section. It was a big job, but we kept at it. We worked efficiently, but we never rushed. We knew that safety and precision were more important than speed. The Construction Plant-hire Association gives good guidance on safe lifting practices.
Andrew Carney Construction were over the moon with the job. They were particularly impressed with how quickly and safely we completed the project. They said we were professional and efficient, and they were happy with the quality of our work. That’s always good to hear. It’s nice to know that your hard work is appreciated.
They also liked that we kept them informed throughout the project. We gave them regular updates, and we were always available to answer any questions.
We’re proud of the drilling work we did in York. It was a good example of what we can do commercially for larger clients and projects.
We’re always ready for a challenge, and we’re always committed to delivering high-quality work. We believe in doing things properly, and we’re always striving to improve our skills and knowledge.
We believe that our success is down to our commitment to quality and safety. We are always striving to improve our services, and we are always looking for ways to make our work more efficient. We are also committed to building strong relationships with our clients.
We are thankful for the opportunity to work with Andrew Carney Construction on this project. It was a pleasure to work with them, and we look forward to working with them again in the future.
We are also thankful to our team for their hard work and dedication. They are the ones who make it all possible. Contact us today for a free on-site visit and quote.
