Client: Fonterra
Project: Fire Hydrant System – Takanini Site
Date: October 2019
Delivered by: Abbotts
🧠 The Problem
Fonterra required an upgrade to its fire hydrant system at the Takanini site, ensuring full compliance with safety protocols and underground service protection. However, the site presented multiple challenges—tight safety standards, buried hazards, and material uncertainties (including potential asbestos).
🔍 Our Process
We approached this high-risk excavation job with care, coordination, and compliance from the start:
Health & Safety First
All contractors underwent site inductions.
Toolbox meetings were held before any task
Permits were reviewed and approved, and underground scanning completed.
A well-defined, barricaded work zone was established.
Hydrovac Excavation
Asphalt was cut and removed.
Top layers were vacuum-excavated using Hydrovac, but difficulty arose with compact boulders.
A small digger was brought in to assist ("Digger Dave Smith" makes an appearance).
Hazard Discovery
Excavation reached 1200mm deep.
Existing lines and valves were exposed and assessed.
Samples from the main line tested positive for asbestos—forcing immediate work stoppage.
✅ The Outcome
Despite the unexpected asbestos detection, the project upheld top-tier safety standards and teamwork:
Project Highs
Strong communication across all contractors
Excellent team work ethic
Safe and tidy worksite
All underground hazards identified without incident
Project Lows
Work halted due to asbestos risk (main fire hydrant line treated as asbestos)
Excavation sealed until further notice
