Case Study: specialist model relocation for swansea museum & bp

Our Approach

1. Detailed Pre‑Move Assessment

Before any physical work began, Prime Lane conducted a full site assessment at Swansea Museum's storage facility.
This included:

- Measuring access routes, door widths, and turning spaces
- Assessing the structural integrity of the 3.5‑metre glass cabinet
- Identifying lifting points on the 700kg model
- Planning the safest extraction method with minimal risk to the model or its surroundings

This preparation ensured that every stage of the move was controlled, predictable, and safe.

2. Controlled Extraction from the Glass Cabinet

The model's position inside a large glass display cabinet required a highly coordinated removal process.
Our team:

- Removed or secured vulnerable glass panels to prevent stress or vibration
- Used low‑profile lifting equipment to raise the model evenly
- Applied slow, incremental movements to avoid torsion or flexing
- Maintained constant communication between handlers to ensure synchronised lifting

This phase demanded patience and precision, as the model's weight and fragility left no margin for error.

3. Internal Transport Through the Facility

Once placed on skates the model needed to be moved through the storage facility to the loading bay.
Prime Lane used:

- Heavy‑duty skates and dollies rated for the model's weight
- Gradual, stabilised movement to prevent any shift in the model's centre of gravity

This ensured a smooth, safe internal transfer without disruption to the museum environment.

Enhanced Detail: Hiab Coordination & Loading Process

Specialist Vehicle Selection

Prime Lane arranged a Hiab with the appropriate lifting capacity and reach to operate safely within the loading bay's constraints. This included:

- Choosing a crane with sufficient boom length to lift the crate without overextending
- Ensuring the vehicle could position itself safely without obstructing museum operations
- Confirming ground stability and load‑bearing suitability for the crane's outriggers

This preparation ensured the lift could be carried out smoothly and without unnecessary risk.

Pre‑Lift Safety Checks

Before any lifting took place, our team conducted a full set of safety checks:

- Inspecting lifting straps, chains, and attachment points
- Verifying the crate's structural integrity and weight distribution
- Establishing a clear exclusion zone around the lift area
- Coordinating hand signals and communication between the Hiab operator and Prime Lane's team

These checks ensured everyone involved understood the lift plan and their roles within it.

Controlled Lifting Procedure

The lift itself was carried out slowly and deliberately to protect both the crate and the model inside. Prime Lane supervised:

- The positioning of lifting straps to avoid pressure points
- The initial tensioning of the crane to confirm balanced weight distribution
- A gradual vertical lift to prevent any sudden movement
- A controlled swing and placement onto the vehicle bed

This methodical approach reduced vibration, shock, and lateral movement — all essential for safeguarding a delicate museum object.

Load Securing for Transport

Once the crate was positioned on the Hiab vehicle, Prime Lane ensured it was secured to transport standards:

- Heavy‑duty ratchet straps were applied at multiple anchor points
- The crate was checked for any potential shift during braking or cornering
- Additional padding was placed where necessary to prevent strap abrasion
- A final inspection confirmed the load was stable and ready for the journey

Only once all checks were complete was the vehicle cleared to depart for Dartford, Kent.