2011 | Rafferty Steeplejacks

Rafferty’s Trainee Steeplejack Achieves Top Awards

December 16, 2011
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Last night saw the Steeplejack & Lightning Protection Training Group awards ceremony in which Peter Nuthall, one of Rafferty’s trainee steeplejacks, achieved two prestigious awards. Peter has been with the company for over three years and has attended the National Construction College at Bircham Newton to qualify as a steeplejack. Peter won the Bert Bird Award for best portfolio and the Barry Congreave Trophy for best overall achiever. The picture below shows Carl Woodroffe, Contracts Director of Rafferty’s, presenting the awards to Peter.

The directors of Rafferty’s are immensely proud of Peter’s achievements which are a testament to his character and work ethic. We would like to wish him all the very best in his chosen career and look forward to working with him in the future.

December 7, 2011
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Rafferty Steeplejacks have been awarded a contract to carry out the complete refurbishment of a 27m high brick chimney at the Greater Manchester Police Museum in Central Manchester. The works will include the following;

Installation of safety fan deck scaffolding directly above roof level to protect members of the public in the event of falling debris.
Installation of multi-lift scaffolding throughout the full height of the chimney above roof level. The multi-lift scaffold arrangement will be fully enclosed using Monarflex sheeting.
Cutting out and replacing approximately 60 No. spalled bricks on all elevations.
Raking out and re-pointing of all mortar joints throughout the full height of the chimney on all elevations.
Repairs to the chimneys stone head and replacement of existing steel retaining band at the termination point.
Design & installation of a new lightning protection system to comply with BS EN 62305:2006.

November 23, 2011
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A valued customer in Burton-On-Trent has awared Rafferty’s a contract to carry out maintenance repairs to a 19th Century water tower. The water tower was constructed in 1866 and stands approximately 34m high above ground level.

Rafferty’s were initially contracted to replace the Union Jack flag at the termination point of the tower and carry out an all elevation inspection of the structure using rope access techniques.

The inspection revealed defects that would be expected of a 145 year old structure. All defects were deteailed in a comprehensive report and photographic log for the clients consideration. A suitable repair method was then formulated by Rafferty’s who were then instructed to proceed with the restoration works which include the following;

Cutting out and replacing approximately 400 No. spalled bricks on all elevations.
Replacing a defective area of stonework with new which will be re-bed and doweled into position.
Removal of moss and vegetation from brickwork and mortar joints.
Raking out and re-pointing of perished mortar joints on all elevations.
Chasing out and sealing of various fractures on all elevations.
Modifications to the lightning protection system to comply with current standards.

Safe access to all elevations of the structure will be achieved by using suspended platforms which can be elevated to all levels of the tower. The duration of the contract is expected to be 5/6 weeks weather depending and will require a team of 3 steeplejack operatives.

November 10, 2011
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The external repairs on a 30m high brick chimney in Gloucestershire UK are well underway in preparation for the sites Christmas shutdown. A team of 3 steeplejack operatives are currently carrying out the work which includes the installation of specialised access scaffolding at the termination point, along with fracture repairs and re-painting of external steelwork. Internal maintenance repairs to the brick lining is planned for the Christmas shutdown and includes an internal washdown and partial demolition and re-building of the internal brick lining. Please click on the following photographs to enlarge.

November 2, 2011
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The views of different Cities seen by steeplejacks is spectacular. Rafferty’s are currently working on two 89m high steel chimneys in London UK. The following photograph was taken from the top of the chimney and shows a stunning view of the City of London and River Thames.

October 13, 2011
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A valued customer based in Gloucestershire UK has awarded Rafferty’s a contract to carry out external and internal maintenance works on a 30m high brick chimney during the Christmas period.

The external maintenance work includes pointing of fractures and re-painting of external steelwork. The internal maintenance work includes a washdown and partial demolition and re-building of the internal refractory brick lining. The internal brick lining repairs are crucial to the sites production for the new year so a strict planning schedule has been implemented to ensure that the shutdown dates are achieved.

Finally, when you are enjoying the festivities this year please spare a thought for the steeplejacks working up high amongst the soot of the chimneys around the UK. For these hardy men it will definitely not be a white Christmas!

September 26, 2011
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Rafferty’s have successfully completed structural repair works to a 73.2m high steel chimney in the Northern Ireland.

A re-design and feasibility study of the structure was initially carried out which revealed that structural modifications and repairs were required to ensure the structural integrity of the chimney. This involved installing stiffening steelwork between the 20m and 24m level along with removing the existing helical strake wind stabilers and replacing them with a liquid filled stabilising damper system.

A team of 3 steeplejacks and welder platers successfully completed the project to the complete satisfaction of the client and without any disruption to the operating conditions of the chimney.

The following photographs outline the works carried out.

September 13, 2011
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Rafferty’s have secured a sizable contract to carry out maintenance works on 2 No. 89m high twin flue steel chimneys and 1 No. 33m high multi flue steel chimney for a valued customer in London, UK.

The maintenance works are planned to start at the end of September and will require a specialised team of steeplejack operatives for a duration of nearly 8 weeks.

September 6, 2011
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Following a recent external quality audit, Rafferty’s have been informed that they will achieve ISO 9001:2008 accreditation for a 12^th year running. The certificate of registration will soon be posted on our website.

Rafferty’s would like to congratulate its management team for their hard work in maintaining this notable accreditation.

August 10, 2011
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Rafferty’s have successfully completed emergency structural repair works to 2 No. steel chimneys on a Power Plant in the South West of England.

The 65m high x 6.3m diameter stacks had suffered corrosion attack and deterioration to the steel shell which required immediate structural plating works. An innovative scaffolding arrangement enabled safe access for our steeplejack and welder plater operatives to undertake the works from both inside and outside of the structures throughout their full circumference.

Rafferty’s highly specialised workforce along with their vast experience of structural repairs to steel chimney structures proved paramount on this project. Our swift and professional approach ensured the future structural integrity of these chimneys, much to the relief of our valued client.

The following photographs show the typical defects located and our steeplejacks and welder platers at work. Please click on the images to enlarge.