Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd. (RSS) is delivering lifting equipment and services to BAM Nuttall for the Cross Tay Link Road infrastructure project in Perth, Scotland.

RSS, which has a depot at nearby Grangemouth, celebrated its involvement, and met local residents that will benefit from the new three-span bridge over the River Tay, at a community open day last Thursday (11 April).

The Cross Tay Link Road is the central element of the Perth Transport Futures Project, a programme of major upgrades to improve the road network around the city. It will address the area’s long-term transport needs and promote economic growth, while tackling congestion and pollution. It is the biggest infrastructure job ever undertaken by Perth & Kinross Council. It is being delivered by engineering and construction group BAM Nuttall.

RSS is providing a variety of lifting and rigging equipment, including branded chain blocks, in addition to periodic Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) inspections and other services. The offering, totalling approximately 1,500 assets, is all supported by Motion Software’s radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology.

Gordon Orr, regional manager – Scotland, at RSS, said: “As a preferred supplier, we have to ensure that BAM has all the lifting and rigging gear it needs, when they need it, and that it is fully compliant in line with LOLER. We often have staff on site, but when we’re not there in-person, we’re at the end of the phone; our responsiveness is frequently remarked upon.

“The whole thing is bound together by an RFID system that is changing the way that blocks, shackles, hooks, slings, and harnesses are inspected and monitored on such sites.”

RSS Chain Blocks

RSS-branded chain blocks up to 25t capacity have been used for a variety of lifting operations. Most recently, they have been utilised for bridge formwork, where, as Orr explained, BAM created a temporary structure that supported the weight of wet concrete during construction of the bridge deck. Lever hoists and shackles are also in daily use.

BAM Nuttall invited RSS and other suppliers to participate in a tabletop-style exhibition — part of an event advertised as a day packed full of family fun, community updates, and opportunities to learn more about the Cross Tay Link Road project.

Residents have been engaged with the works from the outset, given that new infrastructure will improve the local transport network and traffic flow, and reduce journey times. It will also enhance pedestrian and cycle safety, increase network capacity, as well as significantly reduce traffic congestion and related pollution in Perth city centre.

Orr was joined at the community day by RSS colleagues, Sean Maslen, director of sales and business development; and Lauren Green, office manager.

Maslen said: “BAM did a great job of using the event to connect with the community. It was especially uplifting to meet people taking their first steps into industry. Amy, of BAM; and Jacob, of Flannery Plant Hire, for example, both 19, were overseeing the Boston Dynamics robot dogs and digger demo units respectively. Everybody took something away from the day and we might have encouraged some younger people into the lifting sector.”

Orr added: “There was genuine interest in what RSS do and how we play a part in such a landmark project. For many, it was the first time they had seen a shackle, chain block, or lever hoist. We gave residents branded giveaways and they went home knowing more about the lifting and rigging industry than they did that morning. I thought of GLAD [Global Lifting Awareness Day] and how important it is to take these opportunities to celebrate our industry.”