Hoist & Winch Ltd has successfully implemented a specialised tandem-lifting hoist system at Taplow Weir on the Jubilee Relief Channel in the UK, enhancing the Environment Agency’s flood defence capabilities.
This system plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks to over 3,200 properties by managing high water flows from the River Thames.
The newly installed system is designed for the precise lifting of 7-meter-long, 2000 kg galvanized steel stop logs, which serve as a temporary barrier in the Jubilee Relief Channel. This allows maintenance work on the sluice gates to be conducted safely and effectively. The bespoke design was tailored to the specific requirements of the Environment Agency by Hoist & Winch Ltd, working in conjunction with a major water industry engineering contractor.
At the core of this tandem-lifting system are two Yale CPV 2500 kg swl single-fall, electric-powered chain hoists, equipped with motor trolleys for variable speed operation. The system is controlled remotely via a Danfoss/Ikusi wireless handset, allowing individual or dual hoist control for precise load positioning. Special software ensures a fail-safe operation in case of power loss or limit switch activation, maintaining the correct load-hook separation and preventing uneven lifting.
Emphasising safety and durability, Hoist & Winch Ltd incorporated heavy-duty plug and socket connectors, an outdoor specification power-feed system, and protective PVC covers for the hoist enclosure and electrical panels. The system’s design includes audible and visual operating alarms, ensuring high safety standards.
The installation, set in a water-sensitive environment, adhered to strict safety protocols. This included comprehensive planning, the use of additional personal protective equipment like life-preserver jackets, and compliance with CDM regulations. All site engineers were required to have valid CCNSG Safety Passport/CSCS competency certification.
The system’s installation spanned five days, utilising a barge-mounted hydraulic crane. Rigorous testing included a dynamic load test and repeated function tests with actual stop-log loads to meet Environment Agency standards. Following the successful implementation, Hoist & Winch Ltd issued a LOLER Thorough Examination report and conducted operator training for site personnel.
Andy Allen, Director of Hoist & Winch Ltd, emphasisd the system’s importance for the Environment Agency’s annual maintenance program and its potential applicability in other sectors requiring precise and fail-safe lifting solutions. The project not only reinforces the flood defence infrastructure but also showcases the innovative capabilities of Hoist & Winch Ltd in delivering customized lifting solutions for critical applications.
