Spider offers access for chimney stack maintenance

Words: Heidi AndersSpider, a division of SafeWorks, recently offered a custom, suspended scaffolding solution for tuck-pointing and brick repair work on the 125-foot-tall chimney stack at Lane Tech High School in Chicago.

IWG Inc. was familiar with Spider’s specialization in suspended applications. The company turned to Spider for a custom solution. Spider designed, built and installed a rigging star equipped with three swing stages and two Beta Max Gemini material hoists. The rigging star was lifted into place by a crane and then counterweighted, eliminating the need for anchoring into the structure.

Additionally, Spider offered all rigging services as well as on-site user training to ensure the safe operation of the equipment.

“We were genuinely impressed with Spider’s capabilities through every phase of this project, from the initial design to the on-site supervision,” says Al Arreguin, owner and operator with IWG Inc. “Their Chicago team did a fantastic job meeting our challenges while keeping us safe, on schedule, and within our budget.”
Using Respirators for Silica Exposure
July 2025

Some in the masonry industry have expressed interest in respirator use as protection from harmful exposure to silica. This topic is of paramount importance due to its impact on our workers and the serious health effects of silica exposure. For those new t

From Bikes to Buildings: The Importance of Embracing Rainscreen Wall Designs and the New Building Codes.
July 2025

Have you ever been asked to do a project over the course of your lifetime? For example, when my kids were little, my wife asked me to assemble their bicycles. So, I opened the box, dumped out the contents, and cast aside whatever I thought was unnecessary

Laying the Foundation for Growth: Concrete Masonry Checkoff Unveils Five-Year Vision for Industry
July 2025

The Concrete Masonry Checkoff (CMC) put the finishing touches on an ambitious five-year vision for the industry, targeting a 20% increase in market share, driven by increased demand for concrete masonry products. “This is about building exquisite, enduri

Five of the Seven Chimneys Have Been Saved: Project Chimney Update
July 2025

In the wake of the devastating January wildfires that swept through Los Angeles's Pacific Palisades, a remarkable preservation effort is underway, spearheaded by Project Chimney, an initiative led by Evan Hall, founding director of the non-profit House Mu