The construction of cooling towers with a multitude of varying dynamics, hazards and differing weather conditions can be a daunting task, one that requires careful planning and execution. Even though safe work is planned, the primary hazard of all cooling tower construction continues to be falls. Because of this hazard, an engineered control or a working walking surface should be ensured rather than relying on fall protection. At International Cooling Tower (ICT), the company depends on safe work platforms as its primary fall protection control.
Once the structure of a tower is constructed, safe work platforms are installed on every level to support installation of the fill media, drift eliminators, hot water basins, fan deck, fire protection and electrical equipment. These safe work platforms include complete handrails and toe boards to protect workers from any potential falls. ICT also installs perimeter protection that serves as a handrail and guardrail, protecting workers from falls. All of the company's accesses and ladders are caged in for maximum protection. In some cases, ICT uses state-of-the-art dual-leg retractable and self-retracting lifelines as a secondary control, ensuring 100-percent fall protection.
When planning safe work platform installation on any of ICT's cooling tower sites, creating a detailed construction execution plan is paramount for successful completion of work scopes. The company's project managers define milestones, allow room for flexibility and continually perform a one-week look ahead. They ensure the construction schedule and procurement align and, finally, communicate the plan in detail with customers and work crews.
ICT's supervisors are trained in essential leadership skills, communication and teamwork. They carefully take the time to train workers to firstly -- and most importantly -- work safely.
ICT Superintendent Enrique Calzadias is currently working on rebuilding a 16-cell back-to-back counterflow tower at a Gulf Coast refinery. He passionately described the ICT culture. "At ICT, we are very family-oriented," Calzadias said. "We want to keep everyone safe on our jobsites, during the drive home and at home. The crews understand the plan because they are empowered to be involved in every step of the planning process. They understand the milestones, the risks and the path forward, and are continuously striving to develop innovative solutions."
Safe work platforms have many positive outcomes for both ICT's customers and employees. Its employees feel completely safe while they are working. This allows them to focus on the job at hand with confidence and let their craftsmanship shine. Because customers are part of the entire process, they feel confident ICT is doing its job with respect to planning, execution and sending workers home safe every day. This combination enables ICT to complete projects safely, ahead of schedule and ahead of budget, and provide customers with a superior product and high-quality workmanship.
For more information, visit www.ictower.com or call (281) 479-3255.
