Coles Support Centre: Safe Cooling Tower Access Upgrade

HydroChem Pty Ltd undertook a vital upgrade of the cooling towers at the Coles Store Support Centre in Victoria, a project that highlighted the importance of safe, compliant, and efficient access for ongoing maintenance.

FlowMatrix was engaged to deliver a comprehensive solution that not only enhanced the operation of the cooling towers but also prioritised safety and compliance.

Project Details:

Client

HydroChem Pty Ltd

Project Status

Completed

Job Type

Commercial Cooling Tower Repair

Year Completed

2021

Project Overview

The scope of work involved upgrading two Evapco cooling towers.

Key components included:

Supplying and installing new air intake splash louvres
Replacing the fill pack
Conducting a thorough interior reseal to prevent water and chemical loss

However, a critical aspect of this project extended beyond component upgrades: ensuring safe, reliable access for maintenance personnel to inspect and service vital internal parts.

The Challenge: Access for Maintenance

While ladders had previously been installed in the fan drive area by an access specialist, these did not fully meet the ongoing safety and maintenance requirements, particularly in line with State Government Regulations.

The existing access solutions posed risks and limitations for maintenance teams needing to inspect components like fan drives, water distribution systems, drift eliminators, air intake faces, fill packs or coils, isolation switches, valves, access hatches, and the basin.

FlowMatrix’s Solution: Custom Access Platforms and Ladders

FlowMatrix specialises in designing, supplying, and installing access solutions tailored to the specific needs of cooling towers.

For this project, our team:

Designed and installed custom access platforms, ladders, and walkways aligned with Australian Standards and strict legal requirements aimed at controlling Legionnaires’ Disease.
Ensured the designs facilitated safe, reliable access to all critical internal components, including fan drives, water systems, and other vital parts.
Incorporated considerations for working in confined spaces and at heights, ensuring maintenance could be performed safely and efficiently without unnecessary risks.
Modified existing access points and integrated new platforms and ladders to optimise accessibility.

Now complete, the Coles Store Support Centre’s cooling towers are a model of reliability. This targeted maintenance program has secured complete regulatory compliance while delivering better safety standards and sustained operational efficiency.

Key features now include:

Secure, compliant access to all critical internal components
Improved safety for maintenance personnel
Streamlined inspection and servicing procedures
Enhanced ability to perform internal cleaning, repairs, and regular maintenance with reduced risk

This project exemplifies how specialised access solutions can significantly improve operational safety and maintenance efficiency in cooling tower management.

By working closely with HydroChem Pty Ltd and adhering to Australian standards and legal requirements, FlowMatrix delivered a customised, reliable, and safe access system for the Coles Store Support Centre.

If your facility requires safe, compliant access solutions for cooling towers or other critical infrastructure, FlowMatrix is here to help.

Connect with us today to explore how our expertise can deliver a precise solution for your requirements.