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Island Ingenuity

2 June 2010

Slowly raising the concrete beam Photo: Joe Brennan

The trade team building a new powerhouse on Macquarie Island has used ingenious methods to erect a huge timber beam without heavy lifting equipment.

The beam, measuring 12 metres long by 1.2 metres deep and weighing about a quarter of a tonne, had to be placed into position 5 metres above the floor.

Antarctic Division Asset Manager, Tony Foy, said without a crane on Macquarie Island the builders had to devise a safe method of erecting the beam.

"The team of Joe Brennan, Jim Dunnett, Chris Hill, Chris Sammut, Steve Wall, John Duggan, Justin Febey and Craig Hilder decided to use two scaffolds as a support to put the beam in place," Mr Foy said.

"It was then slowly raised into place using chain blocks until it was five metres off the ground.

Erecting support struts either side of the beam Photo: Joe Brennan

The beam in place Photo: Joe Brennan

The powerhouse building continues to progress Photo: Joe Brennan

"Attention to detail was imperative and a thorough Job Safety Analysis was prepared and faithfully followed.

"The resourcefulness of the builders meant a terrific job was done, despite the limitations of working in such a remote place," he said.