Spider Access secured the prestigious contract for high-level cleaning services at the renowned Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi. The contract, which spanned four years, encompassed the cleaning of four out of the five towers. Spider Access utilized rope access techniques for the cleaning tasks, ensuring efficient and effective access to challenging areas. Additionally, a dedicated Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) team was deployed by Spider Access to facilitate maintenance works.
SCOPE OF WORK
Spider Access is responsible for a comprehensive cleaning scope that includes four towers, encompassing the entire facade glazing. Our approach involves utilizing rope access techniques to reach all areas of these iconic high-rise buildings effectively and safely, which boast a height of 70 floors, including podium areas. The cleaning schedule entails four thorough cleanings per year for each tower, ensuring impeccable maintenance and presentation. Our experienced team is well-equipped and extensively trained to handle the unique challenges posed by these prominent structures, which prominently adorn the Abu Dhabi skyline. Additionally, we provide a dedicated Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) maintenance team that collaborates closely with the Tower FM team, offering prompt assistance whenever maintenance support is required.
CHALLENGES
Challenge 1: Wind
- Given the towers’ specific location and design, wind poses a significant challenge that necessitates meticulous planning for elevation cleaning. Moreover, a prompt response time is crucial when rope rigging is necessary for removal, as it ensures the avoidance of any inconvenience to tenants caused by ropes colliding with the facade. This proactive approach safeguards against potential damage to the building’s exterior and upholds the overall integrity of the facade.
Our Solution:
- Having a proficient level 3 team positioned on the rooftop, along with a dedicated ground team, coupled with an adept on-rope team equipped with reliable radiocommunication and up-to-date wind readings, enables efficient planning and swift action when necessary. In the event of a requirement to descend from ropes, the team can swiftly secure or remove the ropes. This streamlined approach is made possible by a 15-member team and has consistently demonstrated its effectiveness since the project’s inception.
Challenge 2: Lack of ground anchor rigging points for rope rigging.
- The Etihad towers currently lack any permanent rigging points specifically designed to support the use of ropes.
Our Solution:
- Initially, the project relied on the utilization of weighted counterweight baskets. However, due to their temporary nature, it was necessary to frequently relocate these counterweights using a forklift, leading to significant time consumption and project delays. Following successful persuasion of the client, it was determined that a more efficient and secure alternative was imperative. Consequently, Spider Access, in its capacity, designed and implemented customized permanent anchor points at precise positions across all four towers, offering enhanced safety, convenience, and minimizing project timelines.
THE TEAM
To effectively meet the contractual requireme
nts and uphold stringent safety standards, Spider Access has assembled a proficient and accomplished on-site team with diverse skill sets. Our personnel possess a range of certifications and practical expertise across multiple disciplines.
Our management team comprises individuals equipped with Project Management, Lead Auditor, and NEBOSH certifications, in addition to their extensive hands-on experience. They oversee both operational and safety aspects of the project, ensuring adherence to the highest standards.
We also have dedicated HSE Engineers and Officers, who hold NEBOSH and IOSH certifications. Their role is to enforce our well-established safety policies and procedures, diligently monitoring compliance at all times.
To efficiently manage documentation and online portals, we have a qualified Project Coordinator/Admin who is IOSH certified. Their expertise enables streamlined control and organization of essential project information.
At Spider Access, we place a strong emphasis on safety, requiring all our management staff to possess HSE certifications. This further strengthens our team’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a safe working environment.
Our technicians undergo comprehensive training at various proficiency levels. We deploy rope access teams that are IRATA certified, and we go a step further by providing them with IPAF and PASMA certifications. This strategic approach has proven immensely successful, enabling us to allocate manpower efficiently, cover all required scopes, and optimize costs for our clients.
The credentials of our rope access teams are as follows:
- IRATA Level 1 with IPAF and PASMA certifications
- IRATA Level 2 with IPAF and PASMA certifications
- IRATA Level 3 (Supervisors) with IPAF and PASMA certifications. Moreover, all our supervisors are also trained in Basic First Aid, further enhancing their capabilities and preparedness in emergency situations.
ACCESS METHODOLOGIES
1. Rope Access (EN 795 Certified anchor points, HARKEN Access Rail, DW 200, DW 100)
2. BMU
CONCLUSION
Spider Access has effectively secured and executed a prestigious contract for high-level cleaning services at Abu Dhabi’s renowned Etihad Towers. Through the use of rope access techniques and a dedicated Building Maintenance Unit (BMU) team, we have successfully addressed the cleaning and maintenance requirements of the four towers.
Our comprehensive scope of work encompasses the entire façade glazing of the towers, which necessitates careful planning and execution due to challenges like wind and the absence of permanent rigging points. Despite these obstacles, our team has devised efficient solutions to ensure safety, minimize disruptions, and preserve the buildings’ structural integrity.
With a proficient and diverse on-site team consisting of experienced managers, HSE engineers, and certified technicians, we have maintained strict safety standards and effectively managed the project. Our technicians, equipped with IRATA, IPAF, and PASMA certifications and trained at various proficiency levels, have demonstrated their expertise in navigating the unique requirements of the towers.
Through our proactive approach and commitment to excellence, Spider Access has not only delivered impeccable cleaning services but has also contributed to the overall maintenance and presentation of the Etihad Towers. We take pride in our ability to achieve exceptional results while prioritizing safety and efficiency, ensuring client satisfaction and the preservation of these iconic structures.
