We were asked to look at a problematic weighbridge at FCC Environment's Thetford site by Rebecca Agent, Contracts Manager.

Other companies had suggested that the weighbridge needed a complete load-cell overhaul, in which all cells would be replaced at a cost of over £13,000. Rebecca decided to seek a second opinion from STC Solutions Ltd.

Both Clark Skates (M.D) and Peter Ord (Service Director) visited the site to determine whether all or any of the load cells were damaged. Following a thorough review, we identified that only one cell needed immediate replacement but that the main problem was the cleaning of the weighbridge.

Rebecca commissioned a local crane company to lift the weighbridge deck whilst cleaning took place, and then STC Solutions replaced the faulty load cell and arranged re-verification in conjunction with Trading Standards.

We also advised the installation of T-rubber pieces to surround the weighbridge pit, reducing the amount of debris that could fall into the pit and cause future problems. We also held a load cell in stock, so downtime was minimised. We continue to service and look after the weighbridge as FCC took the decision to place the weighbridge under a maintenance contract with us.

At the same time, at another FCC site in Norwich, a load cell fault was identified. None of the companies who had been called in so far could take the second man-hole cover off an Avery 5152 pit-mounted weighbridge. Failure to remove the cover would mean replacing the load cell would require breathing apparatus and a very detailed risk plan.

STC Solutions engineer Harry Scott managed to free the man-hole cover and installed a reconditioned load cell. Again we had the weighbridge weights and measures approved and placed on a maintenance contract for ongoing servicing.