Sydney Harbour Bridge – Lead Paint Removal

  • Government
  • Maintenance
  • Repairs
  • Bridges

Rope access hazardous coating removal

Project Overview

Specialist Height Access safely removed hazardous lead paint from confined and difficult-to-access areas of the Sydney Harbour Bridge using rope access and blasting techniques.

Client
Transport for NSW
Duration
13 Months
A worker in protective gear is rappelling down the inside of a large, metal industrial structure.

SOLUTION DELIVERED

Safe lead paint removal in confined spaces

Transport for NSW engaged our team to carry out lead paint removal on the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of a major refurbishment program. Many of the bridge’s existing coatings dated back decades and contained lead, which had to be safely removed to protect both the structure and public health. 

The project required work in extremely tight, poorly ventilated areas, making access and safety paramount. Our team developed a detailed methodology for the removal process, incorporating specialist blasting techniques and stringent containment measures to prevent environmental contamination. 

Equally critical was our rescue planning — working in such hazardous conditions demands a robust emergency response procedure. By identifying potential risks and establishing effective controls before work commenced, we ensured the safety of all personnel throughout the project’s 13-month duration. This combination of technical skill, hazard management, and access expertise underscores why Specialist Height Access is trusted for some of Sydney’s most complex maintenance projects. 

Side-by-side comparison of a corroded metal structure and the same structure after cleaning/restoration.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

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The team's capabilities used on this project

A close-up view of a zip line course with cables, pulleys, and safety equipment attached to a building structure.
ROPE ACCESS
High-access lead paint removal
Using rope access techniques to safely reach elevated or restricted areas for hazardous coating removal without large-scale scaffolding.
CONFINED SPACE ENTRY
Lead paint removal in restricted areas
Performing industrial maintenance and hazardous material removal in enclosed, low-ventilation environments while complying with strict safety standards.
SURFACE PREPARATION & BLASTING
Abrasive blasting for coating removal
Using controlled abrasive blasting methods to remove old coatings and prepare surfaces for repainting, ensuring clean adhesion and safe containment of hazardous materials.
SAFETY & RESCUE PLANNING
Confined space rescue readiness
Developing and implementing comprehensive rescue plans for high-risk environments, ensuring rapid response capability and compliance with industry best practices.
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Talk to us about your project needs.

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The technical experts in high & hard-to-access areas

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Australia's leading height safety & rope access experts

IRATA & ISO Accredited, with a state-of-the-art training facility. Our clients use us because we set the standard for excellence in the industry.

Workers are suspended within a dark, cylindrical stone shaft, seemingly performing maintenance or inspection.