A local builder working for a housing association has shared his delight at seeing fresh talent coming through the ranks in the construction industry. T G Sowerby Developments, based in Scunthorpe, have been sharing the progress of their apprentices on a site on Bottesford Road over the last year. Ben
Rigging machines like cranes use various components to operate, including a wire rope. Proper choice, installation, use, and maintenance are essential to keep the rope in top condition for a longer time. However, even with appropriate care, it will eventually reach its end of life, as it’s still an object
A local builder working for a housing association has shared his delight at seeing fresh talent coming through the ranks in the construction industry. T G Sowerby Developments, based in Scunthorpe, have been sharing the progress of their apprentices on a site on Bottesford Road over the last year. Ben McCormack, Jack Gaynor and James Green have been working on the development, with Ben and Jack on joinery apprenticeships and James working in plumbing. Director Steve Sowerby said “All our apprentices are offered full time positions with us once they’ve completed their studies and it will be no exception for these three. That then gives us the opportunity to offer other students the same chance of an apprenticeship once the current apprentices have moved on to full time positions, we already have a bricklayer on trial.” For Ben and Jack, the project represents part of their journey, having worked on the popular Coal Yard at Royston-Under-Dinmore before moving on after this to work on site at the White Swan in Barton. All three projects are being done for Platform Housing Group, who themselves have also said how pleased they are with seeing their local contractors giving young people the opportunity to learn their vital trades. Project manager for Platform Housing Group Christine Storr said, “When looking for small and medium sized enterprises to partner with, the use of apprenticeship schemes is high on the criteria for awarding the work. As a large provider of affordable homes, we’re seeing how the sector is struggling with the skills gap. Allowing young people to learn on the job from the experienced tradespeople we work with is good for both the housing sector and the local economy and is just one of the ways we feel we can best contribute to the communities we build in.” Working with 1,200 colleagues and 45,000 homes, Platform Housing Group works to deliver quality homes and customer services that bring tangible differences to local homes and lives across the Midlands. For more information about Platform Housing Group, visit – https://www.platformhg.com/
Rigging machines like cranes use various components to operate, including a wire rope. Proper choice, installation, use, and maintenance are essential to keep the rope in top condition for a longer time. However, even with appropriate care, it will eventually reach its end of life, as it’s still an object prone to natural wear and tear. There are various causes of wire rope damage, and you must be familiar with them as a crane owner. It helps determine an issue on the first sign and act on it immediately before it leads to failure. Neglecting it may cause injuries, property damage, and delay in the business operation. Check out some of the common causes of wire rope problems below. Abrasion Improper wire contact to the drum, sheave or other objects can cause abrasion damage. Other causes include incorrect rope size, wrong fleet angle, poor spooling, and frozen rollers. Signs of this damage are worn ends as thin as the edge of a knife. Prevent this problem by ensuring proper installation and using the right wire rope size. Corrosion You would see the corroded part externally, but it would be hard to tell the extent of the damage through the naked eye, thus making it more dangerous. Some of the causes of corrosion damage are improper lubrication, exposure to substances like acid, and improper storage. Store equipment appropriately and ensure proper lubrication to prevent corrosion on wire rope. If you want to ensure that it is still safe for use, consult an expert like a service provider specialising in PM, ATLAS, and Hyva cranes. If the rope needs replacement, they can also advise the right one to use and help with proper installation. Fatigue The repetitive rubbing of the wire rope on the sheave and drum could cause damage due to fatigue. It’s one of the easiest to detect because you can immediately see it with your naked eyes. Individual wires would break, making them weak and eventually affecting the other wires, then leading to failure. Excessive rubbing may be due to vibration, worn bearings, and incorrect rope diameter. Prevent these issues to avoid premature failure due to fatigue. Kinked The kinking of wire ropes could be due to improper unreeling of the rope, incorrect sheave size, and poor rope installation. Be sure to choose the correct sheave size that matches your rope. Moreover, ensure that you unreel and install it the right way. Looped wires also have similar causes. Tension Carrying a load more than its capacity can cause the wire rope to break due to tension. You will see cuts on the individual wires on one end. Consider the load limit of the rope, and ensure that you stay within that limit to extend its life. Core protrusion This is characterised by the rope’s core protruding out. One of its causes is unwanted rope twists, which may occur with improper installation. Poor seizing methods and shock loading are also other possible causes. Keep your wire rope in check for any damage, and fix or replace it as needed to ensure safe operation.
