Fieldwork often takes us to unconventional environments where even a minor malfunction can significantly impact the operation of the entire system. This time, we found ourselves inside a five-metre-deep landfill shaft, where it was necessary to safely and quickly resolve a malfunctioning valve in a location that plays a crucial role in regulating landfill water. And so began another challenge that tested both the expertise and teamwork of our technicians.
Sometimes our work takes us to places we could hardly imagine
Our work in water management and pipeline service is diverse. Each intervention brings different conditions and surroundings, and sometimes we find ourselves in places where a safe procedure is even more important than the technical defect itself.
One such case was the repair of a malfunctioning valve in a five-metre-deep shaft located at the lowest point of the entire landfill. This is where the landfill water level is regulated, which made the problem critical—the valve was leaking even in an almost closed position and could not be operated.
A hazardous environment requiring special equipment
Descending into the shaft was impossible without thorough preparation. Hydrogen sulphide, methane or carbon monoxide could be released in the area—gases that may be fatal at higher concentrations.
For this reason, we used gas detectors and, for the intervention itself, a breathing apparatus enabling safe presence even in potentially toxic atmospheres.
Who will go down? A clear choice based on experience
Working in such an environment is far from ordinary and requires a person with proper training and a calm mind. That is why we chose Adrián, one of our youngest colleagues. In his free time, he volunteers as a firefighter, regularly working with breathing equipment.
His field experience proved absolutely essential.
Stoppling and installation of a new valve
Before Adrián could descend into the shaft, the team performed temporary pipe isolation using the stoppling method on PE80 d225, ensuring the intervention could be carried out safely. A new valve was then installed in front of the shaft to secure full operability of the system in the future.
After a demanding descent, Adrián managed to open the malfunctioning valve and complete the intervention successfully.
The result? A safely resolved problem in an unusual environment
Although such situations are not our everyday routine, they remind us how important teamwork, expertise and the ability to adapt to challenging conditions truly are.
We are proud to have people capable of handling even unconventional and highly specific tasks safely and professionally.
Do you have a similar problem or need expert intervention in demanding conditions?
Contact us—we will be happy to find a solution even for complex or atypical situations.
FASTRA – specialists in pipeline system service.