CSC Services will join a team of ‘aquanauts’ to carry out structural repair work to one of the UK’s most important water pipes next week.
The Haweswater aqueduct is 90km long, hundreds of feet deep in places, and supplies drinking water to 1.5 million homes across South Cumbria, Central Lancashire and Greater Manchester for United Utilities.
CSC Services were involved in the first structural analysis of the Aquaduct for United Utilities in 2013. The emphasis of this planned outage moves to concrete repairs, leak sealing and structural ring supports. As confined space specialists CSC Services have been sub-contracted to do this work through Ram Services.
With some sections of pipe 19km long and hundreds of feet below ground level, ensuring the mental wellbeing and physical safety of operatives is vital. The aquanauts had to undertake rigorous training at a purpose built simulation facility in Cumbria where replica pipes were built. CSC Services operatives had to pass strict health and fitness tests and psychological tests to show they could cope with long periods in small spaces.
Mick Flounders, Contracts Director at CSC Services said:
“As confined space specialists CSC Services have a wealth of experience operating in confined and potentially hazardous spaces. Operatives will face long hours in tight, cramped conditions, so having the right training and knowing what to expect is of paramount importance.”
For more information about the range of repair services that CSC Services can provide in confined spaces visit www.csc-services.co.uk
