Safety warning over timber salt domes

21/03/2019 | ALAN SHEEN

In the afternoon of Sunday 13 January 2019, during strong winds, and as a result of deterioration in the condition of some of the panels, the timber salt storage dome at a mine suffered a substantial collapse.

The site was closed at the time and no injuries were sustained. The dome was installed in 1995 by Dome Corp Ltd using panels imported from the United States.

Failure was initially in an area of panels that had previously been highlighted for replacement, where wet salt, which had spilled from the infeed conveyor, had accumulated on the top of the concrete perimeter wall and the lower wooden panels. This had led to rotting of the base rails and ply, which is considered to have detached from the sill plate under the pressure from the wind. All of the above are extreme conditions that are distinctive to this dome at the mine site.

The incident is under investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Being knowledgeable in the design and maintenance of this style of storage building, Eurodome Ltd has been asked to assist in the study and to communicate the incident with the winter maintenance sector in the UK. In order to ensure the long life of structures of this type (and that they remain watertight) it is crucial that they are regularly inspected and repaired competently.

The HSE is recommending that all those responsible for wooden Dome Structures immediately carry out a ground level inspection of their dome style barns. If there are any signs of leaks, panel damage, rotting or broken rails and members, a competent company should be employed to carry out a detailed inspection, both at ground and high level.

To ensure the structural integrity of the building is maintained, a company experienced in wooden salt dome maintenance should carry out any subsequent repairs.

Guidance on what to look for in an inspection can be obtained from the Eurodome website. The frequency of inspection depends on the age of the structure, together with the use, condition and environmental conditions around the barn but in our view inspection should be carried out at least annually.

It should be noted that when properly inspected and maintained, the Eurodome Salt Barn has a service lifetime of 30-50 years. Eurodome Ltd is also on hand to support owners with any inspection or maintenance questions they may have.

Alan Sheen is director of Eurodome Ltd

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Senior Technician-Road Closures

£35,422 - £38,730
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic and a team player Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technician - Road Closures (2 Posts)

£29,719 - £31,691
The Network Planning division is seeking to appoint someone who is enthusiastic, an excellent team player Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Structures Inspector

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for two Permanent Structure Inspectors to join our dynamic SBIM team Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives Kettering, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Site Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Site Manager Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Principal Commercial Manager

£Competitive
The SBIM contract involves delivering inspection and maintenance programmes for National Highways Bristol
Recruiter: Amey

Senior Commercial Manager

£Competitive
We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Permanent Senior Commercial Manager Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Maintenance Operative

£Competitive
We have fantastic opportunities for a permanent Highways Maintenance Operatives. Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: Amey

Managing QS

£Competitive
In this role, you will support the Senior Commercial team in the end to end commercial process for the Area 12 contract. Yorkshire and the Humber
Recruiter: Amey

Highways Inspection Officer

£32,962 - £36,791 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a Highways Inspection Officer to join us! Windsor, Berkshire
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead

Highways Technical Assistant

£29,064 - £31,537
Are you looking for a varied role in a dynamic and innovative team environment that can make a real difference to North Yorkshire’s highways? Leeming Bar, Northallerton
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Street Lighting Electrical Inspector

£34,434 - £38,220 per annum
Do you hold an ONC in electrical engineering or City & Guilds Electrician? Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior bridge Engineer - WMF2212e

£47,181 - £48,226
You will be the key responsible engineer for this area and will also provide technical advice and guidance to our team Cumbria / Various
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Civil Enforcement Officer - WMF2221e

£28,598 - £29,540
Are you seeking an active and challenging role, part of a friendly and welcoming team? Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Bridge Engineer - WMF2219e

£42,839 - £44,075
We are currently seeking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic Bridge Engineer Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Public Transport Officer

£42,839 - £46,142
We are looking for an experienced public transport professional to become our Senior Public Transport Officer. Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy) (Fixed-Term)

£48,226-£51,356
We are looking for an experienced professional to join as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy) Northampton, Northamptonshire
Recruiter: North Northamptonshire Council

Mobile Street Scene Operative

£24,796 to £25,989 per annum
The Waste and Street Scene department requires enthusiastic and committed mobile street cleansing operative. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recruiter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Technician - Highways Design (2 Posts)

Grade 10 £35,422 - 38,730 per annum
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Professional Services Section Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Engineer External Contracts

Grade 11 £39,865 - 43,270 per annum
You will lead a team of Clerks of Works Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW