Spider’s swingstages help wrap up Venezuela project

Spider, a division of SafeWorks, provided grated deck platforms for a bridge restoration project in Angostura, Venezuela recently.

The Angostura Bridge project called for sandblasting, which Spider provided grated platform decks that prevent debris from accumulating and overloading the swingstage platform. The project's plan called for mobile suspension points that Spider equipped with outrigger beans.

"Bridge work poses some of the most significant challenges Spider faces in applying standard equipment to access a structure," says John Sotiroff, vice president of sales and distribution. "To execute a bridge restoration job, we configure hoists and platforms to work spans with numerous obstructions, limited power available and extreme project conditions."

Sotiroff says the company then developed a custom rigging solution for the project that involved working around the build up of debris, training, and managing traffic and equipment.

Spider's deck platforms are powered by SC1000 traction hoists. The bridge, a 41-year-old suspension bridge, crosses the Orinoco River and the final stages are being worked out.