Using new technology for safer outcomes

At Tonkin, we are always looking for ways to innovate and provide a safer workplace, which has led us to the use of drones onsite. We have been using flying drones to capture aerial footage of projects for several years but have recently gained experience operating submersible drones.

Our Mildura office were recently approached to undertake an internal and external condition assessment of an elevated water tank. Due to the requirement for the tank to remain online during the inspection, and the stair access being deemed unsafe for use, an unmanned drone solution was proposed instead of conventional divers.

A crane and dogbox were set up to access the hatch on top of the tank, and the submersible drone was lowered in for the inspection. The assessment took 30 minutes, including undertaking a safe work method statement, launching the drone, retrieving the footage and returning to the ground.

Aside from the advantages from a safety perspective, one of the main benefits was that the operator, who was onsite at the time of the inspection, could view the footage to make their assessment on the same day. Since undertaking the tank inspection, we have also used this technology to help another client gain additional funding for their water treatment plant. This was achieved by helping them understand the internal condition of the large towers and providing footage of dead spots in their settling tanks.