Gabion and Reno Mattress Installation
Dams, Reservoirs & Flood Defence › General › Gabion and Reno Mattress Installation
Gabion and Reno Mattress Installation
Gabion baskets and Reno mattresses are wire mesh containers filled with stone, used for river bank protection, flood defence walls, and erosion control. Installation involves handling heavy wire mesh panels, filling with stone using plant, and working on or near river banks and waterways. The sharp wire edges cause deep lacerations, the stone fill is a significant manual handling hazard, and the proximity to water introduces drowning risks. Safe working methods and appropriate PPE are essential for every gabion installation task.
- Wear cut-resistant gloves rated for wire handling throughout all gabion assembly and filling tasks.
- Use mechanical plant to fill gabion baskets with stone wherever access allows machine operation.
- Install edge protection along river bank working areas before starting gabion installation.
- Provide personal flotation devices to all workers within two metres of open water.
- Plan material storage and plant access to minimise manual carrying of wire mesh panels.
- Use wire cutters and pliers with insulated handles to prevent hand injuries during lacing and tying.
- Ensure the bank is assessed for stability before positioning plant or stacking filled gabion units.
- Brief the team on the installation sequence, plant movements, and water safety procedures.
- Inspect wire mesh panels for damage and sharp burrs before handling and assembly.
- Gabion wire mesh has razor-sharp edges that cause deep cuts — cut-resistant gloves are mandatory.
- Use plant to fill gabions with stone wherever possible to eliminate manual handling of heavy material.
- River bank stability must be assessed before positioning plant or stacking filled gabion baskets.
- All workers within two metres of the water must wear personal flotation devices at all times.
- Filled gabion baskets are extremely heavy and must never be repositioned manually.
- Brief the team on water safety and rescue procedures before starting any riverbank gabion work.
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