Chimney Inspections and CCTV Surveys

Horizon's steeplejack division were recently contracted to complete the chimney inspection and CCTV survey to the internal flues to the main boilerhouse chimney, which was located in the South East of England. The inspection of the chimney and associated CCTV surveys were carried out in various areas by using a combination of steeplejack ladders, rope access equipment and temporary access scaffold.

From the result of the inspection, it was established that the main body of the concrete chimney remained in a satisfactory condition at the time of the 2016 inspection surveys. No areas of spalling were identified to the external surfaces, and it was also found to be free from any extensive cracking throughout the height of the chimney. Additionally no significant or structural defects were identified at the time of the surveys. However, it was revealed from the CCTV surveys that extensive cracking throughout the internal surfaces of the flues was prominent. Therefore this will need to be monitored as an ongoing assessment of the structure.

The lightning protection system on the chimney was both visually assessed and tested at the time of the inspection, and was found to be in a satisfactory condition. The earth test readings obtained were found to be compliant and below the maximum permissible (20.0 ohms) in accordance with the guidelines of BS EN 6651:1999.