Prasarana adopts safe work method
New Straits Times Online, 1 August 2013
KUALA LUMPUR: Syarikat Prasarana Negara Bhd reaffirms that public safety is paramount and that it adopts the best techniques in constructing the guideway for the LRT Line Extension Project (LEP).
Addressing public concerns on structures that are perceived to be "hanging" in the air above junctions and highways in the Klang Valley, its group director of project development division, Zulkifli Md Yusoff, said while the structure appears incomplete, it is firmly secured and should not be a threat to the surrounding area.
In the case where the structure needs to cross the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) in Subang, a balance cantilever construction method is used to install the segmental box girders (SBGs).
For normal span-by-span construction, the SBGs are installed using the launching gantry mechanism. Upon being hoisted to the launcher, the SBGs are firmly held by steel cables that are hooked to the launching gantry or girder, which is, in turn, strongly held by steel brackets wrapped at the guideway piers.
The SBGs are hoisted and assembled to form the guideway or track of the LEP.
"The question of the SBGs works conducted in unsafe manner does not arise at all. All safety processes and procedures are strictly observed and adhered to by our contractors," said Zulkifli.
"In addition, all LEP-related construction activities are monitored and approved by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health and the local authorities to ensure compliance of safety regulations and guidelines."
He said: "The installation of SBGs with launching girder or gantry has been identified as among the best techniques to build bridges and guideway.
"We wish to reassure that we have and would continue to take the necessary measures to ensure public safety."
