So, take out the wall

At the end of the long haul was a wall. There was no other way to access the boiler room so we took the wall away.

As the floor was about a metre lower we had to bring the entire boiler into the room and then lower it.

This is an extremely hazardous operation. MRI London had the confidence to do it because we've done it before and know what to do.

Rigging

Bearing in mind that we cannot lift the boiler very high getting the lifting chains underneath and in the right place wasn't as simple as it sounds.

As all team members knew what had to done and how it should be done the operation went very well.

The main problem is the tendency for the boiler to drop at an angle once it's just over halfway over the ledge.

Getting the chains in the right place was essential, once the weight is taken up there is no way to reposition them

Forwards and Down

Each boiler was carefully lined up straight and kept level.

Side swing would result if when lifted one side was lower than the other - which is extremely dangerous for all involved, it's very hard to stop once it's going.

If the boiler drops downwards it is possible for it to slide forwards and out of the chain cradle - again once it starts there is very little you can do.

So proper planning at the outset is essential because you can't do anything about it later - it's too late.

Part 1 of 3