Custom platform from Spider

Hadek Protective Systems in The Netherlands is using a float platform from Spider, a division of SafeWorks in Seattle, WA, to access the interior of a stack at the new Oak Grove power plant in Waco, TX. The 9.4 m diameter, custom platform has a capacity of 6100 kg, and nine SC-1500 traction hoists suspend it within the 137 m tall structure.

The platform includes a 1.2 m square opening, served by an independent work basket, at its centre for worker and material access. Other features are grated decking (to pass of small-sized materials) and fall protection.

Work within the stack, the first project in the US for Hadek, involves blasting, cleaning, installation of insulation brick and steel lining, and inspection. Spider performed installation and post-project equipment support for the Dutch company.

John Sotiroff, vice president, sales and distribution for Spider, said, "This project exemplifies Spider's ability to engineer and deliver solutions that solve our customers' unique access challenges, but we also navigated training, labor and service needs for this global customer."