Smelter Converter Aisle Crane Rail System
Project Overview
The project involved working at heights, with workers using 120ft manlifts and walking on steel. To ensure safety and efficiency, Patrick Mechanical operated a 24/7 rotation with 12 workers per shift. Key solutions included: Developing specialized in-house tools to lift localized sections of rail without exposing workers to overhead hazards. Implementing Thermite welding for precise crane rail placement. Streamlining shift reports and handoffs to ensure smooth transitions between shifts. Establishing a dropped tools protocol to minimize risk when working overhead.
Leasonss Learned:
- Dropped tools protocol and working overhead.
- Streamlining shift reports and shift handoffs in order to facilitate smooth shift transitions.
- Development of specialized in-house tools in order to facilitate lifting localized sections of rail without exposing workers below to overhead hazards.
- Implemented Thermite welding of crane rail.
- Improved QA/QC (quality assurance/quality control) by verifying crane rail placement in the field.
Results & Impact
Patrick Mechanical completed the project ahead of schedule with zero safety incidents, demonstrating exceptional project management and safety practices. In total, the project required 3,699 man-hours, and our success allowed us to take on overflow work from surrounding contractors. This project also enhanced QA/QC practices by verifying crane rail placement in the field, setting a new standard for future work.