Description: A nightclub beneath Putney Bridge had suffered historical problems with flooding since 2016. When another contractor was unable to complete the installation of a FLIP device solution, Thames Water commissioned Falco to complete the works.
A risk assessment was conducted during the lead-in phase which identified a number of health & safety issues to be managed. Confined-space working was a key risk and a rescue plan was prepared in conjunction with the Fire Brigade and trialled during the lead-in phase. A large number of rat droppings were also observed – we engaged a specialist pest control team to undertake an eradication and clean up programme to ensure the working area was clear of rodents and pathogens. Our H&S measures were incorporated into our methodology to create a RAMS which was submitted to the client.
Falco engaged a structural engineer, Coyle Kennedy, who assessed and designed the temporary works requirements. The excavation was in a vault which ran underneath Putney High Street and there was careful consideration in relation to the existing Victorian Structure and its foundations.
Our Project Manager liaised with the landlord of the redundant site and Thames Water to provide access for the works (use of a digi lock for multiple users) and Wandsworth Borough Council to arrange suitable welfare and material storage in nearby Wiemar St.
The work process included clearing all the rubble and materials left behind first. The excavation was approximately 2m deep and had to be carried out and supported by hand with all materials moved into the below ground vault. Falco’s extensive and multi-disciplined supply chain was utilised to resource the works. Due to its manual nature it was necessary to bring in additional skilled labour (carpenters and steel fixers) at short notice.
A 400mm thick reinforced concrete base and 250mm thick reinforced concrete walls were formed. A 1215 FLIP pump along with accompanying pipework was installed plus the fixture and installation of an electrical 3 phase control panel – a robust product with a 60-year life span. Falco coordinated HRC for the installation of the electrical equipment and installed the mechanical equipment with directly employed skilled and experienced operatives.
Because the Flip was located in the basement of a disused night club it was necessary to install an ATU 800 telemetry alarm which provides a remote alarm on failure to Thames Waters Control Centre at Maple Lodge which is manned 24/7. The work was delivered and completed within a very tight programme – we managed to deliver our a solution from initial site visit to commissioning of the asset in 9 weeks (8 weeks earlier than requested by Thames Water).
Client Testimonial
We are so pleased with the new Pumping Station installation (FLIP) in Putney. What was a complex and difficult task involving planning issues, significant spoil removal and excavation in a confined space was swiftly completed by the team at Falco.