Top-Hat Packing

Air compressor and dryer package packing

In May 2009 we began an on-site packing contract off-quay on the East Coast of the UK. Our task was to ‘Top-Hat’ pack a compressor and dryer package destined for an oil field near Perth, Western Australia.

The total consignment measured 1450cm x 1280cm x 555cm, and along with its dismantled access walkways and steps, and lifting beam assembly, weighed a total of 113 tonnes. 

Our on-site team, varying between three and five men over 20 days, packed the main package with timbers and metal brackets. 

The ‘Top Hat’ itself was completed with a sheathing of 12mm plywood, with two access doorways and an outer cover of cross-woven polythene. We desiccated all the internal gauges and electro-mechanical valves and protected them with cushioning and polythene wrap.

The access walkways, steps and lifting beam assembly were packed to an agreed BS1133 section 8 packing specification.

We also provided a range of on-site mechanical handling equipment: a mobile crane, platform scissor lift, and cherry-picker boom lift. Our on-site packers were licenced to operate the scissor lift and cherry-picker.

As always with on-site packing, we issued a Method Statement and Risk Assessment. Our timber complied with both ISPM15 and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection requirement, and was marked to Contract Requirements and International Standards.