Elan Valley 2022 Case Study

ESS executed an exceptional display of skill and efficiency in delivering support for the annual maintenance of the 73-mile-long Elan Valley Aqueduct.

Project Overview
ESS executed an exceptional display of skill and efficiency in delivering support for the annual maintenance of the 73-mile-long Elan Valley Aqueduct. With 39 highly trained and dedicated staff from a variety of departments, ESS provided a comprehensive suite of services including top-man services, rescue teams, confined space consultancy, safe systems of work, welfare arrangements, and confined space entry accompaniment. Despite the challenging radio communication environment within the viaduct's tunnels and conduits, ESS's Communications Team rose to the occasion, expertly installing a highly effective tunnel communication network to ensure seamless communication. As a result of ESS’s support, the client was able to carry out their vital maintenance with ease, thanks to ESS's support and commitment to excellence.

Background
The Elan Valley Aqueduct plays a crucial role in supplying clean water to Birmingham, and it is essential to conduct regular inspections and maintenance to guarantee its structural integrity. For a period of 9 years, ESS has been providing support in maintaining the aqueduct. Due to our exceptional performance and high customer satisfaction, ESS was invited back for another year of maintenance support. Our track record, combined with the necessary equipment and expertise, made us the preferred partner for this vital project.

Challenge
The maintenance of the Elan Valley viaduct, which spans a length of 73 miles, presented several potential hazards including the risk of suffocation caused by a build-up of harmful gases in the tunnel, which could be caused by leaks or other environmental factors. It was essential to establish proper safety protocols and communication infrastructure to ensure the well-being of workers and prevent any potential incidents during maintenance operations.

Solution
To address the risks associated with maintenance on the Elan Valley viaduct, ESS provided a comprehensive solution that included a range of services and equipment. The solution included rescue teams, and confined space consultancy to ensure the safety of workers during maintenance operations. ESS also compiled safe systems of work, welfare arrangements, and confined space entry accompaniment to ensure that all necessary protocols were in place.
To ensure the availability of necessary equipment, ESS provided all the confined space equipment required, including tripods, winches, gas detection devices, escape sets, lighting, and communication equipment such as GPS radios and specialised tunnel communication systems. This equipment helped to mitigate the risks associated with working in a confined space, such as the risk of asphyxiation from gas buildup.
Additionally, ESS addressed unexpected challenges such as damaged or missing copper cables that formed the basis of the Communications network within the tunnel. The team provided additional personnel to essential deliver cable maintenance to ensure communications could be established and maintained.

Results
Thanks to ESS, the customer was able to conduct their planned work with confidence, knowing that they had the equipment needed to get the task completed, reinforced by an experienced rescue team available in case of an emergency. Our expertise and commitment to customer service helped to ensure that the work was delivered on time and within budget.