Project Overview

Lanes Group was commissioned to carry out a major traverse of a culvert linked to the West Coast Main Line in Crewe, Cheshire. The culvert had been identified as a source of diesel fuel pollution in a nearby brook. Gresty Brook runs directly under the West Coast Main Line; one of the busiest railway lines in the UK. Evidence of diesel fuel pollution was highlighted in an environmental monitoring report.

Lanes Group Challenge

The challenge for the Lanes Group was to carry out a major traverse of the 609m long pipe to locate the source of pollution. As with any major traversing operation, scoping and thoroughly planning the project was vital to its success. The first step was to survey the structure using a Panaramo 3D OptiScanner camera; which highlighted no signs of structural damage. The traverse was then broken down into 6 x 100m sections, to be made from six different access points along the pipe. This meant each member of each designated team spent a minimum amount of time in the culvert.

Lanes Group Achievements

Lanes Group successfully completed a major traverse of a large culvert and identified the connection responsible for the diesel pollution. So that the culvert can be entered more safely in the future, our team installed chain tiles at 10m intervals. The project was completed in two weeks and demonstrated out ability to carry out large-scale confined space operations.

Safety First at All Times

• Full breathing equipment due to strong smell of diesel identified during scoping process;
• Intrinsically safe lighting and radio equipment;
• Rescue stretcher;
• BA board to log air supply for breathing apparatus and times of use;
• 4 breathing apparatus sets;
• 30 compressed air tanks;
• Harnesses and lifelines sourced from a specialist provider;
• Network Rail PPE;
• Confined spaces training provided by Mines Rescue Service;
• PTS training provided under the supervision of a Rail COSS (Controller of Site Safety);
• Chemical suits;
• Waders.