The gas turbines were equipped with Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSG units). A system that generates energy in two ways: the gas turbine that drives a generator and the hot exhaust gases from the turbine that produce steam, which drives a steam turbine.
DDM was ordered to demolish the five HRSG units, plus two 55-meter-high concrete chimneys. With one complicating factor: Barking was surrounded by vulnerable neighbours. Car manufacturer Ford, one of London's most important and busiest motorways and London City Airport, less than ten kilometers away.
“Our biggest effort was in the planning and communication with everyone involved,” says project manager Dave Straker. “Safety for Ford, the highway and the airport naturally had to be guaranteed as much as possible – and inconvenience kept to a minimum. The critical work, namely the demolition of the concrete chimneys, could only be carried out at one specific time, outside office hours. That was Sunday, October 28, 2018, at 7:00 am. Ford was closed, the highway was closed to all traffic for four hours and the airport closed from Saturday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. Thanks to the use of precisely placed explosives, the chimneys collapsed in a controlled manner.”
Six weeks after the Sunday supreme moment, the job was done. Safely, on time and without any inconvenience.
The Quality and Health, Safety and the Environment policy is an ongoing process. That is why DDM is continuously working on improving all these areas to keep improving safety levels.
DDM was rewarded with a World Demolition Award in the Civils category.
Removing 5 arch bridges over the Amsterdam Rhine Canal was an intensive job. The schedule was tight and the expectations of all employees were high. But with a joint effort and incredible passion, DDM has successfully removed and recycled the 5 bridges within schedule.
Every year DDM holds a number of safety days to boost safety awareness.
Last year's objectives are evaluated and new objectives are determined. All managers and all operational employees discuss safety, policy and vision together. In addition to all regular training courses, DDM offers workshops and training to all employees during these days to take the qualities of the professionals to an even higher level. Together with all DDM employees, we are working on an increasingly higher safety ethic. Everyone at DDM carries out their work in a safe and healthy manner, with sufficient attention to the environment. And they're getting better at it. This applies to everyone; back to work healthy and safe and back home healthy.
Dow has awarded DDM a certificate for Outstanding Safety Performance.
Following various demolition and disassembly projects that DDM carries out worldwide for Dow Chemical Company, DDM has received recognition for its excellent safety performance during implementation. DDM always continues to strive for a higher level of safety. Safety First! Read below a quote from the letter that DDM received from Dow. “In summary, DDM continues to deliver excellent performance in safely planning and executing all work related to Dow demolition projects. We truly believe that your company's exceptional efforts continue to be a reflection of the leadership and support of you and the entire DDM Management team. "