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Master Builders Australia National Occupational Health & Safety Award

Walkways and Ladders Win National Safety Award

Sitzler Pty Ltd was awarded the coveted Master Builders Australia (MBA) National Occupational Health & Safety Award for a Commercial Project at the MBA awards ceremony in Canberra.

Sitzler won the award for its outstanding work on the ConocoPhillips fin fan walkways, stair and ladders project which encompassed the supply and installation of purpose-built stairs, walkways and ladders on the methane/ethylene and propane fin fan decks on the Darwin LNG facility.

The fin fans are a major part of the hydrocarbon cooling process in which process gas passes through the fan coils before storage of the finished product. The heat produced during this process results in surrounding air temperatures of 60 degrees Celcius.

The proximity of the project to flammable gases and operational plant led to a number of major hazards being identified as presenting a risk to people and property including:

  • working from heights, at least 25 metres above ground;
  • the potential for construction equipment to ignite the gas and cause a fire or explosion;
  • high ambient temperatures caused by ambient and artificial heat sources;
  • contact or damage to the live plant, causing fire or explosion.

“Our client, ConocoPhillips, expected unconditional commitment to occupational health and safety,” said Sitzler Managing Director Steve Margetic. “This was taken on board by Sitzler and became the single biggest factor driving the project execution plan and schedule.”

The works were carried out both on and next to an operational live plant inside the gas processing facility.

“After receiving the invitation to tender for the fin fan walkways and stair towers, Sitzler saw the chance to apply our extensive knowledge and experience to deliver this difficult project,” Mr Margetic said.

Extensive preparation for the project was carried out in conjunction with the client, Conoco Phillips, client representative Worley Parsons and Sitzler allowing best practice delivery in an operational plant environment with a strong OH&S focus.