Premier Pits tackles high water table challenge
Inspection pit manufacturer Premier Pits has described a recent installation of its products in a facility within a high water table area, which posed additional challenges for the team.
The company, which has been installing pits for 40 years, says that there are more factors than usual to consider when replacing existing pits in areas with high water tables – but that its installation teams have the expertise to ensure customers have a fully watertight end product.
In the recent project, Premier was called upon to replace three brick and block pits due to severe leakage from high water tables, and deal with the resulting overflow of water during installation.
“Due to the high water table, the water that was apparent whilst digging out the old pits was substantial; this then leads to the risk of the surrounding ground becoming unstable,” said the company.
“It is imperative to minimise the time between starting to excavate the old pit and installing the new one. On top of this, the workshop in question required minimum disruption as it was in full working order throughout.”
The speed of installation was critical, says Premier.
“The new pits had to be ready at the exact time the old pits were dug out. The excess water was pumped out of the hole before the concrete was pumped around the newly installed pit. The Premier Pits team used their expertise to ensure these installations were carried out to the highest of standards.
“One pit was worked on at a time, leaving the other two pits available for day-to-day use to keep the workshop up and running during the whole installation.”
The customer now benefits from three prefabricated working pits that are sealed to ensure that the high water table in the area will not be a problem again.
Premier Pits’ range includes inspection, ATF, maintenance, rail, and washdown pits, all supported by various pit accessories and health and safety equipment. Under-chassis, wash pits and ramps are also available.
“When choosing a pit manufacturer, it is vital the product meets the highest manufacturing standards,” said the company.
“You can buy in confidence knowing that every Premier pit and ramp complies to CE and BS EN 1090-1: 2009 + A1: 2011, BS OHSAS 18001:2007 SSIP.
“From the first point of contact, to the completion of the job, Premier Pits offer a complete package.”
Advice is provided on the type of pit to install, along with the modifications and accessories required for working on specific vehicles. The company’s experienced design engineers employ the latest CAD design facilities, and are able to provide design support to architects, structural engineers, and contractors alike.
Although all pits are built around standard basic formats they can be tailored to suit individual customer needs, thereby making available an endless range of combinations, says the company.
“Once delivered to the site, the pits are installed by one of Premier Pits’ own teams of skilled and experienced fitters. Before handover we always ensure that the pit and surrounding floor is clean and tidy, with all waste material removed.
“To ensure that everything is still in order on new build projects, we revisit the site just prior to the building being handed over to the client.”
The company says it continues to make design improvements to its pits, add new features and options, as well as improving installation methods. Premier Pits are exported worldwide, to destinations including Angola, Afghanistan, Mexico, France, Norway, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Canada, the United States – and even Antarctica.
