In recent years , in Italy , they have occurred collapses of metal poles for street lighting which in some cases have had very serious consequences for passersby . These events happened to corrosion that caused the collapse of the structure as a result of an ineffective assessment of their health status or even a complete lack of maintenance of the same by the operators . The joint effort of the companies involved in the project GECOMET , strong professionalism and expertise in the field , is to ensure the safety of support , protecting citizens and ensuring the protection of the operator through a specific responsibility.
The agreement includes a preliminary report (in collaboration with the technical operator of the system) which aims to provide comprehensive advice to establish priorities according to the characteristics of the supports, the techniques to be used and the environmental characteristics.
One consequence of the investigation and intervention leads to an accurate census of the manager poles park. An updated census which shows the condition of stability and static pole, its residual life and the real conditions of state leads to a very detailed situation in order to plan a medium and long-term maintenance plan.
The project provides a direct and continuous relationship with the manager (customer). Upon request, they are provided quarterly reports on the progress of the investigation.
The operations carried out and the data acquired on each individual support are reported in a specific certificate issued and signed by Engineer with experience in the sector and enabled the testing of structures. With this certification are certified by professional analyzes performed and the operators who have carried out, the mechanical stability of the support and possible actions to he prescribed, thus limiting the responsibility of the plant operator.
An innovative Android application enables all operators who have a tablet computer to acquire all relevant data and provide real-time security status of the stake being tested in compliance with the current law (examples of requirements include: removal, replacement, applying corrosion protection, re-verification in 5 years etc.). Such a control method therefore allows the immediate identification of possible situations of danger, an effective maintenance planning and a significant reduction of the dangers of accidents and for extraordinary interventions costs.
The data acquired in phase by means of smart device are made available in a web site platform reserverd at the Customer. The Customer has the possibility to access to this portal by assigning a user name and password and see in real time the work of the technicians and the work progress.
The operating personnel for the execution of the work provided in GECOMET procedure is highly qualified and has certification for NDT (UNI EN 9712: 2012: VT Visual Testing, Ultrasonic Testing UT, GW Guided Waves, MT Magnetic Particles) and certificates specific courses on corrosion phenomena and analysis on the supports. The number of operator certification will be shown on each working sheet, thereby ensuring demand, the traceability of individual activities and transactions.
The poles are considered suitable to remain in operation are coated with a particular tape, referred to as "DoubleShield". The coating is completely environmentally friendly, innovative and effective. It provides a dual barrier to the base of support actively protecting the same and ensuring a protection against corrosion for the duration of the life support testing same.
The GECOMET procedure and operations contained in it are guaranteed by leading companies in their market sectors, with resources and advanced equipment, quality certification, the highly qualified staff and specific experience in the field.