At-a-Glance / Key Facts
Overhead Atrium Glass Replacement for a Busy Superstore
An overhead glazed panel was found to be fractured directly above the main footfall entrance to a busy superstore. With no direct access to the atrium structure available, the client instructed Sky Access UK to develop a safe replacement methodology.
The structure was surrounded by a car park with weight restrictions, which limited the available access options. This required a carefully planned solution using specialist lifting equipment, weight spreading measures and extended outreach access.
The Challenge
Restricted Access Above a High Footfall Entrance
The fractured atrium glazing was positioned directly above the main entrance, an area in constant use by customers and staff. Due to the high footfall location, the works had to be carefully planned and completed out of hours to minimise disruption to the client’s trading operations.
No direct access to the atrium structure was available, and the surrounding car park had weight restrictions that reduced the suitability of conventional access options. Sky Access UK were asked to design a practical method that would allow the replacement to be completed safely within these constraints.
The Solution
Spider Crane, Truck Mount and Out-of-Hours Working
To transport the replacement glazing to the works area, we positioned our spider crane with glass lifting equipment on the car park roof. Weight spreading mats were used to manage the car park loading restrictions and support a safer lifting operation.
We also utilised a specialist truck mounted platform with extended outreach to provide direct access to the glazing. This was positioned in an adjacent bay to the works area, helping to avoid the weight loading issues around the car park while still giving our team the access needed to complete the replacement.
The Results
Completed in One Shift With No Trading Day Impact
Working together, our team completed the removal and replacement of the defective atrium glazing in one out-of-hours shift. The method allowed the works to be carried out safely above a busy entrance while keeping disruption to the client’s operations to a minimum.
All access and lifting equipment was removed before the next trading day, ensuring the entrance could return to normal use without impact. The completed replacement provided the client with a safe, practical solution for a difficult-access atrium glazing issue.
