Spider, a division of SafeWorks llc, is in the final stages of powered access work on the Angostura Bridge in Venezuela.
Spider has been supplying multiple grated deck platforms powered by SC1000 traction hoists to enable VHICOH of Venezuela to perform sandblasting and painting work on the 41-year-old suspension bridge that crosses the Orinoco River. In addition to the swing-stage equipment supplied, Spider provided bilingual on-site support by installing the equipment and training the local crew.
Spider is known for its expertise in providing access in bridge restoration work, having provided equipment for every bridge from the boroughs into Manhattan, N.Y., the Tacoma Narrows bridge in Washington state, the Bridge of the Americas in Panama, and the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan featured on “Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe.”
“Bridge work poses some of the most significant challenges Spider faces in applying standard equipment to access a structure,” said John Sotiroff, vice president – sales & distribution. “To execute a bridge restoration job, we configure hoists and platforms to work spans with numerous obstructions, limited power availability and extreme project conditions. We develop custom adjustable rigging solutions, plan for debris accumulation, perform specialized training for the crew, and manage equipment moves around vehicle and shipping lane traffic — all in typically remote locations with high winds and under tremendous schedule pressure to re-open the traffic lanes.”
This first phase of renovation of the Angostura Bridge called for sandblasting with a heavier media than commonly used stateside. Spider’s grated platform decks prevented this debris from accumulating and overloading the swing-stage platform. VHICOH’s project plan called for mobile suspension points, which Spider augmented with specially-engineered outrigger beams to ensure safe rigging.
Seattle-based Spider is No. 70 on the RER 100.
