Grain Silo Ladder System
Precision Engineered Safety
Client: McKelvies Welding & Fabrication
Location: Regional NSW
Services: Structural Engineering
Transforming Access with Cutting-Edge Technology and Compliance
Cresco Australia was engaged to design and implement a new, safe ladder system for a grain silo, replacing the existing, outdated and unsafe ladder. The scope of the project included conducting a 3D Point Cloud scan, designing the new ladder system, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Original ladder pictured below.
Challenges
The existing ladder system presented significant safety risks, requiring a complete redesign to meet modern standards and ensure the safety of workers accessing the silo.
Ensuring precise alignment of the new ladder with the existing silo structure was critical.
The solution demanded high accuracy in measurements and compliance with applicable Australian Standards, including:
AS 1657-2018 – Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders – Design, construction, and installation.
AS/NZS 1891.4:.2009: Industrial fall-arrest systems and devices – Selection, use, and maintenance.
AS/NZS 4024.1:2014: Safety of machinery, including principles for safe access.
Original ladder pictured below.
Solution
To overcome these challenges, Cresco Australia conducted a 3D Point Cloud scan of the silo.
This advanced technology provided a highly detailed and accurate representation of the silo’s dimensions and structural features.
This data was crucial in the design process, allowing the new ladder system to be modeled against the real-life structure with millimeter-level accuracy.
Video: 3D Point Cloud Scan vs Drone Footage
Design & Implementation
Utilising the precise data from the 3D scan, the design team engineered a new ladder system that not only aligned seamlessly with the silo structure but also met all relevant safety standards.
Particular attention was given to the design’s compliance with AS 1657-2018, ensuring the ladder provided safe access in both routine emergency scenarios.
The design was further tested against the requirements of AS/NZS 1891.4 for fall protection and AS/NZS 4024.1 for worker safety in industrial environments.
Model shown within the 3D point cloud scan pictured below.
Key Features
3D Point Cloud Scan
Enabled highly accurate measurements, ensuring a perfect fit for the new ladder system.
Safety Compliance
The design adhered to AS 1657-2018, AS/NZS 1891.4:2009, and AS/NZS 4024.1:2014, ensuring the highest safety standards were maintained.
Durability
The new ladder system was engineered for long-term durability and reliability.
Outcome
The new ladder system will significantly improve the safety and functionality of the grain silo, providing secure access for workers.
By leveraging cutting-edge scanning technology, the design was completed efficiently, and accurately and will be able to be constructed with minimal disruption to operations.
Thank you to