Contract Type – Successfully Tendered / Contracted work
Skerryvore is a remote reef that lies off the west coast of Scotland, 12 miles (19 kilometres) south-west of the island of Tiree. Skerryvore is best known for its "lighthouse on the skerry" , built between 1838 and 1844 by Alan Stevenson.
Standing at a height of 156 feet (48 m) it is the tallest lighthouse in Scotland. Operated and maintained by the Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB), the light shone without a break from 1844 until a fire in 1954 shut down operations for five years. The lighthouse was automated in 1994.
Skerryvore Lighthouse has been subject to various engineering and maintenance works throughout the year to keep the lighthouse operational. Enviraz involvement commenced on Monday 25th March 2019 and comprised the removal and disposal of 3 no. insulated generator exhausts with adjoining silencers, and removal of asbestos sprayed residue around exhaust penetrations to allow the safe renewal of the exhausts by NLB engineers.
The remote location of the works posed a unique challenge to Enviraz in logistical terms. The only way to transport plant, consumables and personnel would be over sea, for most of the journey, and air (via helicopter) for the remainder. Enviraz worked in partnership with the NLB and utilised the services of NLV Pharos research vessel, its helicopter and crew to help facilitate gaining access to site.
All operatives attending site, required to reside on the NLV Pharos and were transported to the lighthouse daily, to undertake works.
All operatives attending site were required to successfully complete HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training) with use of the CA-EBS (Compressed Air – Emergency Breathing System). This training was delivered by one of our approved partners – Clyde Training Solutions, Clydebank.
All plant and equipment required for the works was delivered to the NLB facility in Oban, prior to being loaded into approved packaging, in readiness for forthcoming helicopter transfer. The packages were subsequently air lifted to the lighthouse together with operational personnel to facilitate commencement of works.
The space restrictions onsite posed distinct problems for our Site Team, as in addition to segregating our working area, we were required to preserve access, for NLB engineers, to all adjacent areas of the lighthouse. Through regular consultation and coordination with our client and site personnel, we were able to tailor a bespoke asbestos removal enclosure which fulfilled the requirements of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 while allowing site engineers unhindered access to all areas. As a result of this, Enviraz were able to ensure that Skerryvore Lighthouse remained fully operational throughout works.
Successful completion of these works, in an unfamiliar environment, highlights Enviraz ability to work hand in hand with our client to develop and implement practical solution to the issues associated with working in an operational lighthouse. By utilising the appropriate resources and establishing positive working relationships with our clients, Enviraz were able to facilitate our client’s requirement of ensuring an unbroken service provision throughout the project.
Enviraz Contracts Manager, Robert Whitehill, was the nominated Key Client Contact for the duration of this contract. As a Senior Member of Enviraz Operations team, Robert's 15 years’ experience in the asbestos industry was crucial to the successful delivery of the project. The Enviraz Site Team included our Health & Safety Officer, Jonathan Green, Senior Supervisor, Barry Dougan and Asbestos Operative Stephen Talent. All site personnel had relevant Asbestos Removal Training with appropriate Industry refresher, HUET & CA-EBS Certification and trade specific CSCS.