Cringila Railway Station, a heritage-listed site located south of Wollongong, NSW, has long served as a critical transport hub, initially catering to local steelworkers since its opening in 1916. Over the years, the station has undergone numerous extensions and upgrades, including the addition of an island platform during World War II and electrification in 1986.
By 2019, Cringila Station required extensive restoration work to ensure it could continue to serve future generations. This included structural restoration and the remediation of all lead-based coatings throughout the station.
Precision Laser Cleaning (PLC) was engaged to carry out the lead paint remediation in a manner that would not disrupt the station’s regular train services.
Challenges
The primary challenge of the Cringila Railway Station restoration project was to:
Safely and effectively remove lead-based paint from overpass areas above live train tracks
Ensuring uninterrupted train services during the restoration process
Maintaining safety standards while working in a high-traffic, active railway environment.
Traditional methods like sandblasting, which require large-scale encapsulation and scaffolding, were unsuitable for these areas. Such methods would block the train line and necessitate station shutdowns, which was not an option for the project's stakeholders. The requirement for a non-disruptive solution that ensured safety, precision, and efficiency was a critical challenge.
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Solutions
Precision Laser Cleaning was selected for this project due to the affordability, convenience, and non-abrasive nature of laser cleaning, which made it an ideal choice for a heritage restoration project like Cringila Railway Station. Unlike sandblasting, laser cleaning does not require extensive encapsulation or scaffolding, making it particularly well-suited for areas with restricted access and operational continuity needs.
PLC deployed two portable laser cleaners to carry out the lead paint remediation. These laser cleaners were equipped with HEPA extraction chambers, which allowed for controlled containment of the lead paint without the need for bulky structures. This innovative system ensured that the paint removal process was both efficient and safe, with the lead debris captured locally, protecting both workers and the public from potential exposure to harmful lead fumes.
By using Netalux advanced technology, PLC performed the necessary remediation work while maintaining full access to the train tracks, ensuring there was no disruption to the daily operations of the station.
Outcomes
The lead paint remediation at Cringila Railway Station was a resounding success, completed on time and to the highest safety and quality standards.
The work was completed without disruption to the train service, ensuring minimal inconvenience to the public and the station's ongoing operations. The station's structural integrity was preserved, and its heritage value was protected, allowing it to continue to serve the community for years to come.
PLC’s innovative approach not only met the specific requirements of the Cringila Railway Station restoration project but also reinforced the effectiveness of laser cleaning in heritage restoration and hazardous coating removal. The project demonstrated the value of choosing advanced, non-invasive cleaning solutions that allow for the preservation of historical landmarks without compromising their functionality.