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Student Accommodation, Leicester
Expertises
Safety Circle steps used in this project
The Challenge
The client required the removal and replacement of four high-level Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) units. These units are critical life safety components, designed to support smoke ventilation in the event of a fire, making reliability and compliance essential.
Traditional access methods presented significant barriers:
Prohibitive Costs - The scale and complexity of scaffolding required for targeted, high-level access made the approach commercially unviable.
Logistical Constraints - The building’s immediate proximity to live railway lines introduced major safety, permitting, and operational challenges for MEWPs and craneage.
Operational Disruption - Conventional methods would have caused extended disruption to residents and required complex coordination with third parties.
The Solution
Eurosafe deployed a specialist rope access strategy to overcome ground-level constraints and deliver a precise, low-impact solution in partnership with AOV specialist contractor Fire Fix.
By eliminating the need for scaffolding and heavy plant, the team was able to operate independently of the surrounding infrastructure.
Key Technical Elements:
Rope Access Temporary Anchorage
Engineered, non-permanent anchor systems were installed to provide safe, compliant access to the AOV locations without structural modification.Harken Lokhead Winch System
A manually operated capstan winch was utilised to deliver controlled lifting and lowering of the AOV units. This provided the necessary mechanical advantage to handle heavy components safely without craneage.Precision Installation Approach
Rope access enabled technicians to work directly at height with minimal setup, ensuring accurate removal and installation in a confined façade zone.
The Outcome
The rope access methodology removed the need for large-scale access equipment, significantly simplifying project delivery.
Cost Efficiency - Eliminated the high costs associated with scaffolding and plant hire
Reduced Risk - Avoided working near live rail infrastructure and complex permitting requirements
Programme Gains - Completed ahead of schedule
Minimal Disruption - Maintained a low operational footprint, limiting impact on residents
This approach provided a targeted, high-precision solution that bypassed environmental constraints while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Rope access delivered a level of flexibility and control that traditional methods could not achieve on this site. By removing logistical barriers, Eurosafe enabled a faster, safer, and more commercially viable outcome for the student accommodation.
For more info about the Rope Access solutions and services please contact...
Ian Shore
Rope Access Manager, Contracting
