The challenge
Clinker dust had built up on the pitched metal roof of the clinker storage and conveying building to a depth of 150 to over 400 mm. Moisture had partly hydrated it into a concrete-like crust.
The extra dead load threatened the sheeting, purlins and trusses, and corrosion was developing underneath. The sloped roof had no edge protection and heavy traffic ran below, so conventional access was not an option.
Scope of works
- Dual-rope access, horizontal lifelines and edge protection on the pitched roof
- Controlled breakout of the crust with low-impact pneumatic and hand tools, protecting the sheeting
- Planned debris routes and fenced drop zones below
- Zero-drop tool tethering and protection of the conveyors underneath
Outcome
Several tonnes of compacted clinker were removed, restoring the roof to its design safety margin and exposing the sheets for assessment, with zero LTI and no production stoppage. Dust on roofs has caused collapses elsewhere: read our cement mill roof demolition and roof cleaning case studies.
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