Emilia Romagna: Bell tower of the Duomo of Modena


Sector: Historic Buildings 

Location: Modena

Date: 2004 - 2011

Products: Protecta, Igena and Vertic 

 

CUSTOMER NEEDS:

  • The main customer need was to install a lifeline that would ensure a zero impact on visibility: in fact, thanks to its special cultural and artistic significance, since 1997 the Duomo of Modena is listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.    
  • The Duomo bell tower (known as Ghirlandina), located in Modena, underwent a restoration started in December 2007. Prior to this, the customer asked Sicurpal to secure it both internally and esternally.
  • The first request dates back to 2004: the customer need was to secure the internal part of the windows alongside the tower, because of the risk of falling due to the tower height (86,12 metres).
  • Restoration works lasted till the end of 2011, therefore at the beginning of the year, the customer asked us to secure the tower exterior upper walkway, placed at about 60 mt above ground level and surrounded by a very unsafe balustrade only 1 mt high.
  • The walkway is only the external part of the whole floor built above the bells. From this eight-sided floor, it was formerly possible to access the very top of the tower, thanks to a wooden winding staircase which dates from 13th century. Due to its steepness, to the irregular size of the steps and to a very short and uncomfortable banister, Sicurpal was asked to secure the staircase as well.

         

OUR SOLUTION: Protecta, Igena and Vertic

  • 2004: Sicurpal installed Igena vertical lifeline on an existing ladder in order to access the planking level and a “Protecta Ariana” Lifeline bond to the tower wall to secure the workers in charge of maintaining windows.
  • 2011: In order to secure the exterior walkway, Sicurpal choose an Igena horizontal lifeline bond to the walls with curved anchors to be installed in the eight corners in order to follow the architectural plan. The lifeline has been installed 30 cm above ground level in order to ensure its invisibility.
  • Sicurpal installed a Vertic vertical lifeline for securing the winding staircase. The lifeline was equipped with fairleads specifically designed for use in combination with the shuttle in order to allow users to operate safely and yet freely never mind the inclination of the staircase.