Managing heavy loads inhouse
MDC recently purchased a crane truck to help instal, remove and maintain sewer pumps throughout the district in addition to the ability to lift various equipment across teams as required.
Once the Rongotea pump station is complete mid next year, there will be 23 pump stations throughout the Manawatū District.
“Having the specialised truck and a team trained, not only enables more proactive maintenance to occur, but no longer will teams be waiting on contractor availability in the event of a service disruption.” Hamish Waugh, GM Infrastructure explains. “The team will be able remove a pump and maintain or replace it quickly, ensuring the equipment is up and running as soon as possible.”
While pumps are removed for maintenance, the biggest problem in wastewater management is ragging. Ragging is when non-flushable items gather and form in rag balls clogging pipes, pumps and filter screens. This can restrict, and in worst case scenario, stop water flow. The simplest fix to prevent ragging is to not flush anything that shouldn’t be flushed. “We can all play a part in ensuring that our wastewater system is pumping properly,” Waugh encourages. “Only flush what’s meant to go down the loo.”
The crane training is a standardised curriculum which includes both theory and hands on training to become familiar with the hydraulics, the ability to estimate load weight and knowing the lifting points of an object. The training ensures employee safety while operating the truck and teaching the team how to use the gear properly, so it is not damaged. Employees must pass an assessment as the final part of the course.