Princes Mead Shopping Centre Annual Inspections

To carry out inspections of the roof structure and inspect the safety of the large-scale model of Mick Mannock’s SE5a aircraft suspended from the ceiling of the Princes Mead Shopping Centre, Farnborough, Hampshire about a mile from the site of the Royal Aircraft Factory.

The aeroplane was suspended high above the ground, making it inaccessible for a MEWP to reach. This posed a significant problem as the cable and lifting systems of the aeroplane needed to be inspected and maintained regularly.

In such a scenario, MCL utilised rope access methods, which proved to be the most suitable solution. With the use of ropes and specialised equipment, the technicians were able to safely and efficiently access the suspended aeroplane. This method not only provided a secure means of reaching the aeroplane, but it also minimised the disruption to the surrounding area that scaffolding would have caused.

One of the significant advantages of using rope access methods is the minimal disruption it causes. Unlike the MEWP, which requires a large area to be set up and can cause inconvenience to the public and tenants, rope access methods only require a small team of technicians and their equipment. This makes it a more practical and cost-effective solution, especially for inspections that need to be done regularly.

The use of rope access methods also offers the advantage of completing the inspection in a shorter time frame. With the MEWP, the set-up and dismantling process can take up a significant amount of time, causing delays and disruptions. In contrast, rope access methods can be set up quickly, allowing for the inspection to be completed in one night.

In addition to the practical advantages, the use of rope access methods also offers environmental benefits. With the MEWP, there is a significant amount of carbon emissions produced due to the use of diesel-powered engines. In contrast, rope access methods are environmentally friendly, as they do not require any heavy machinery or produce harmful emissions.