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Posted By WayneF
We have some pumps in artificial lakes that we need to service. Can anybody recommend the safest way to service them? Only about 2 foot deep where we need to work but still a hazard.
Is it a case of sinking temporary barriers and draining out the water, or is it considered a specialist job?
I am assuming it will need to be done as confined space owing to the drowning risk despite the lack of entrapment risk?
Any pointers would be appreciated
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Posted By garyh
Think more info is needed. Are they fixed on plinths etc or in a pit, or just laid on the bottom. My instinct would be to remove them for mtce then put them back in. If you go for some sort of shuttered dam aproach I would not be concerned about a confined space unless the head is below the level of the dam. When I used to set standards for entries I deemed any pit deeper than 1 meter to be a confined space. There will be mud and sludge and smelly stuff on the bottom, potential biological hazards etc.
I would really consider removing the pumps to dry land for servicing if possible.
Hope this helps.
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Posted By WayneF
Thanks Gary
Our engineers don't know themselves yet, we have inherited the work and nobody can locate the O & M manuals
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Posted By A Campbell
Wayne,
At least consider it specialist at least they will have knowledge of hazards and safe systems of work for similar projects... until you know what you are dealing with?
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Posted By Peter How
Wayne
I agree this maintenance work should be done on dry land.
This means that the pumps must be removed or transported out of the lake.
Somehow you must find out how heavy the pump is and can it be lifted by hand.
What is the floor of the lake like? suspect you cannot walk safely. Can you lift it onto the stern of a row boat?
Can the lake be drained? they usually can by a forgotten penstock valve
Presumably it is attached to a hose (where does the water pump to?) and if electric to a cable, Where is this 415v isolated? It may be possible to drag the whole thing out from the bank.
Flygt type submersible pumps cannot be maintained, except in a clean workshop. regards Peter
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Posted By garyh
Just to add fuel to the fire....the lake will have wildlife in eg fish, insects, amphibians etc. Disturbing sediments or draining it could cause lots of environmental damage (eg fish kill). Prosecutions, civil case by anglers, bird watchers etc..........
Hence, you need to consider environmental impact; consult EA if in doubt.
You know, removing those pumps for the work looks increasingly attractive!
Radical proposals:-
- Consider if you really need pumps - do you need fountains / waterfalls?
- Abandon existing pumps and replace with easily maintained "portable" units
Costs would obviously need considering.
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Posted By Eric Taylor
or how about this for a wild, (cheap), idea...............try a boat or a floating platform? Drag them on to that and service them there.
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Posted By Bob Youel
what are the pumps connected to and what are they doing? As specialits may be needed to free them off the bottom etc
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