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RAIL WELDING YARD UPGRADE

FMG ELIWANA

Value Added:

In addition to creating an innovative working at heights solution for this package, this project

marked the first time worldwide that the Schlatter Flashbutt machine has been installed to

operate on generator power.


Linkforce successfully completed the project on schedule with zero injuries and zero

incidents for the duration of the works.


The Challenge

The Eliwana Project includes development of a 143 km rail line extension connecting the Eliwana mine to the existing Fortescue Hamersley Line. Part of this project included upgrading the existing Rail Service Yard Flashbutt Welding Facility for which Linkforce were engaged to deliver the design, construction and installation of a new fixed welding unit with a rate of weld production capacity of approximately 80 welds per day.

A key challenge was the requirement to unload 2160 tonne of rail into seven pyramidal stacks, creating working at height challenges due to the impracticality of permanent edge protection.


Our Solution

Linkforce, together with the FMG site teams, were tasked with finding a mobile working at heights solution, requiring anchor points for personnel working within 2 meters of the edge of either end of the rail stacks. After HSE evaluations and discussions, a solution was achieved by using 600kg plate magnets, with a pull off force of 1800kg, which complied with the relevant standards and could also be moved easily as the stacks grew to accommodate for work requirements.


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