At-a-Glance / Key Facts
Patch Fitted Glass Replacement In Southampton
The client requested our assistance to replace a shattered patch fitted double glazed unit at Southampton & New Forest Magistrates. No O+M records were available for the glazing specification or the hole detail for the patch fittings, so the replacement needed to be carefully surveyed and manufactured from site measurements.
The defective glazing was located at height as part of a feature façade. External steelwork made access very difficult for conventional access equipment, requiring a bespoke approach using rope access and a counter-balanced lifting method.
The Challenge
No O+M Records And Restricted Façade Access
The replacement was complicated by the lack of O+M records. Without original glazing details or patch fitting hole information, the team needed to confirm dimensions and specification on site before a replacement unit could be manufactured.
Access was also constrained by external steelwork surrounding the feature façade. Conventional access equipment could not provide the direct approach required to the glazing face, and the same constraints meant that a crane installation was not possible.
The Solution
Rope Access And Counter-Balanced Lifting
Before works commenced, we attended site to assess the available access methods and conduct a pre-lim measure of the defective glazing. This allowed our team to confirm the required hole details, produce a drawing of the replacement glass and issue it to our glass manufacturing partner.
Given the location of the glazing, we utilised our in-house IRATA trained rope access technicians. This provided direct access to the glazing face, which was not possible with machinery due to the adjacent steelwork and restricted façade arrangement.
The Results
Safe Installation Around Existing Steelwork
Because the access constraints meant that crane installation was not possible, the team used a counter-balanced floor crane positioned above the works area at roof level. This allowed the replacement glass to be negotiated around the existing steelwork and into position safely.
By combining a site-measured replacement unit, IRATA rope access and a bespoke lifting method, Sky Access UK were able to provide a practical solution for a difficult-access high-level glass replacement where conventional plant and crane options were not suitable.
