Flag Pole removal

AIRA were commissioned to remove a 10 metre high 550 kg flag pole from the roof of a 75 metre high building in busy North Sydney.

The initial plan was to remove the flag pole via crane situated at street level. AIRA were asked to price based on this plan. However, following some initial enquiries, the pole had not been inspected for structural integrity and signs of deterioration were showing. Coupled with the spring weather and long range forecast for higher than usual winds, AIRA decided not to progress with the planned removal. Instead we suggested building a light duty scaffold and using rope access and rigging techniques, we would remove the pole piece by piece. This allowed us the flexibility to cancel work if wind and rain became a problem and not have to apply for council street permits with the possibility of cancellation due to weather conditions.

The roof structure was assessed for load capacity and once deemed safe we progressed with the planning stage. All scaffold was hoisted to the roof and erected on site. Once in place our rope access system and hoisting system was put in place and the pole cut down over a 2-day period. The first day’s work was suspended due to high wind and approaching storms. Once the pole was down, the hole in the roof was made water tight and all access equipment removed from site.

The works, whilst potential hazardous were carried out without incident due to proper planning, consideration of all the possible factors and a high degree of technician skill. Combining our multi-disciplined skills across rope access, scaffolding, rigging and engineering services, AIRA completed the works without incident, injury or building disruption.