We’ve recently been onsite at an indoor reservoir near Southampton, providing floating access for roof strengthening works.
The challenge presented to us came from the restricted access. The reservoir itself is built above ground, but is enclosed within the building, meaning there was no conventional way to launch the pontoon onto the water.
Instead, the pontoon sections and associated equipment had to be lifted into the reservoir through the doorway, using a hoist suspended from an RSJ beam. It took a bit of planning, but this is where a modular pontoon system works particularly well.
Restricted Access Into the Reservoir
Rather than launching from a slipway or open bank, the pontoon had to be installed section by section within the reservoir.
Once the sections were in the water, they were connected together to form the required working platform, ready to support the MEWP.
Double-Stacked Pontoon for MEWP Access
For the works themselves, we supplied a double-stacked pontoon to provide the additional buoyancy and stability required.
The pontoon was used to house a MEWP, allowing the contractor to safely access the roof structure and install strengthening brackets over the water.
Because the pontoon could be installed in sections, it avoided the need for a large open launch area and made the system well suited to the restricted indoor environment.
Safety Boat Support
Alongside the pontoon, we also provided a safety boat with two crew onsite throughout the works.
This gave additional support to those working over water and helped ensure the works could be carried out safely within the reservoir.
A Practical Access Solution
This project is a good example of how floating pontoons can be adapted to suit more awkward access requirements.
Not every site has a simple launch point, open water access or plenty of space to work with. In this case, careful lifting and installation planning allowed us to provide a stable working platform in a location where more conventional access methods would have been difficult.
For roof works, inspections, repairs or maintenance over water, floating pontoons can provide a safe and flexible access solution.
