Custom swingstages for landmark building in downtown Seattle

Words: Don Watson, John ZemlinSpider, a division of SafeWorks, is providing a custom suspended access solution to contractor Elite Construction for masonry restoration work on The Josephinum apartment building in Downtown Seattle.

The 14-story residential landmark posed a unique access challenge. Its cornice was four feet wide and 12 feet below the top of the parapet, making it impossible to safely and stably get standard rental equipment close enough to access the building’s façade.

In one week’s time, Spider designed and produced a solution that consisted of two 30-foot offset platforms powered by SC1500 traction hoists and equipped with a modified counterweight beam to increase stability and a custom head on the walk-through stirrup. This allowed the entire platform to be on the inside of the suspension rope and provide complete access to the wall and underside of the cornice. Rigging was accomplished by gantry outriggers on the roof.

“I’ve been a customer of Spider for thirty-three years,” says Don Watson, foreman with Elite Construction. “I was confident they could solve the unique access challenges the Josephium building presented, and they have once again exceeded my expectations. I’ve partnered with John Zemlin, Spider’s district sales representative in Seattle, for over 20 years.

“He, along with their experienced team of engineers, delivered an ideal solution where competitors fell short,” Watson continues. “Spider has enabled our crew to work safely and comfortably.”

For more information, visit www.spiderstaging.com.
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