Spider, a division of SafeWorks LLC, recently provided the powered access solution to promptly remove the massive Nike advertisement featuring LeBron James from the Sherwin Williams Building, near Public Square in Cleveland.
When James announced on July 8, that he would be leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to play for the Miami Heat in the 2010-2011 NBA season, Spider mobilized within 12 hours to remove the billboard. Spider used a 40-foot swingstage powered by traction hoists to enable Bricklayers Inc. to dismantle the 2,700-pound, 110-foot tall by 212-foot wide mesh banner.
In addition to urgency, speed and safety were crucial requirements to this project. Transportation of Cleveland’s metro transit trains running directly beneath the banner had to be paused during the banner removal process. The ease with which Spider’s platform could be relocated to various rigging locations enabled the contractor to work swiftly, minimizing the disruption to the transit traffic below. Precautions were also taken to ensure the platform’s wire ropes did not interfere with the rail lines, keeping safety top of mind.
“We provided the access equipment and rigging to Bricklayers Inc. to install this banner in 2005,” said John Sotiroff, vice president, sales and distribution. “Our Cleveland team rose to the occasion to immediately deliver a safe, reliable solution for this urgent situation, impressing the contractor, building owner, and Cleveland fans who were eager to erase Lebron’s memories from their hometown.”
To see Spider’s platform in action on this dismantling project, visit http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=5369316.
Seattle-based Spider is No. 71 on the RER 100.
