Bigge Crane and Rigging, Southern California branch participated in an emergency elevated extraction drill with the fire and safety department at a refinery in El Segundo Calif.
The Coker Reliability project consists of retrofitting the structure in preparation for the drum replacement. Because of the unit’s height and location, the operation requires the use of two Liebherr LR1300 cranes, each with over 140 ft. of main boom and a 150-ft. luffing jib. These cranes reach over the coke pit on the west side and the unit’s operation systems on the east side.
With contractor personnel working at elevated locations of the unit, the project management team conducted this drill in preparation of an actual injured personnel emergency retrieval. This drill required the precise placement of a rescue basket onto the North side 164 ft. deck.
“The rescue operation was well planned and ran as smoothly as possible”, said Randy Cooper, managing contractor, “The location of the crane and the radius of the lift have been pre-determined to ensure an efficient rescue if the needs arises.” The Fire and Rescue team commented “The ride was better than Disneyland.”