"access equipment and safety systems"

The Ambient Assisted Living Lab (AAL) within Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh’s acclaimed National Robotarium, aims to revolutionise the way assisted living care in the UK is delivered in the community using robotics and AI. With its purpose-built facilities within a recreated home setting, scientists, and engineers within the AAL will collaboratively research and create robotic and smart technology solutions in its open and remote access living lab, helping improve the physical and mental wellbeing of people with assisted living needs who want to live independently.Sharing this ethos of improving people’s wellbeing through design, Pressalit has been leading the way in assisted living technologies for the bathroom and kitchen for almost fifty years. Pressalit was therefore delighted to be asked to contribute to the inspiring work being carried out at the National Robotarium, the UK’s largest and most advanced centre for robotics and artificial intelligence, which recently opened in Edinburgh.Featured in the AAL is the Pressalit PLUS track system, which allows vertical and horizontal adjustment of different bathroom products. This bathroom is equipped with plenty of our products like the PLUS shower seat, PLUS support arms, and our MATRIX SMALL wash basin with integrated handrail, to name a few. The room can be configured to suit individual user and carer requirements, optimising space for wheelchair or carer access, whilst also future proofing the room.Meanwhile, Pressalit’s height adjustable INDIVO kitchen system brings a sense of independence to daily tasks in the kitchen and dining room. With a simple press of a button, sink and hob worktop heights can be adjusted to suit standing and seated users, and wall cupboards can be brought within easy reach. Tasks from washing up, cooking and preparing food, to sharing a meal at the table, can be carried out in an environment that is safe, comfortable and inclusive.Adam Southcott, Sales and Training Consultant from Pressalit, explains:”Assisted technologies form the future. Pressalit's knowledge and expertise in developing both bathroom and kitchen systems has brought independence to many individuals' homes and social care settings. We are delighted to be associated with the National Robotarium and the research it undertakes. By combining technologies in the AAL environment, individuals, carers, care homes and social care professionals have a unique opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the innovative solutions that are available, now and in the future, to help transform daily routines and enhance independent living.”

We recently received this review from a customer who had enquired about finger safety guards for her home. We were more than happy to advise and help prevent this kind of awful accident happening in her house again.“I first saw the Fingersafe door guard at my son’s specialist school in the office after he stuck his finger in the bathroom door at home and broke it. In a panic being told there was a 4-5 hour wait for an ambulance I went straight to school where he was bandaged up properly but advised to go hospital. My 7 year old attends a SEMH provision and has autism and no sense of danger. The fact his school has these guards I knew who to call after we returned from hospital. I only wish I had bought them sooner.  I made 1 phone call and sent some snaps in and now my house is Fingersafe protected on every door including 2 bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, living room and the garden door. Whatever the door Fingersafe have the right guard for you. The service I had from my initial telephone was reassuring and incredible. This company took away all my worries and concerns and genuinely felt my pain. I couldn’t recommend Fingersafe highly enough. Personally, these guards should be in every home whether you have a SEN child or not. Until my son broke his finger, I never knew how unsafe my doors were. Delivery was next day. I have included some pics of the products too. Thank you to Gina and Sue. Fingersafe went above and beyond to prevent future accidents”The finger safety guards products we recommended for her home can be found across our website and included the MK1A Fingersafe® MK1A | Buy Now | Door Finger Protection | Fingersafe UK (fingersafegroup.com) and the MK1B FINGERSAFE® MK1B | Fingersafe Door Protection | (fingersafegroup.com) both as shown fitted onto her doors in the photographs.Also, as we have various colours available of all our Fingersafe products, we were able to supply the MK1C in different colours to match her external uPVC doors too FINGERSAFE® MK1C | Shop Now | Fingersafe Door Protection Products (fingersafegroup.com)

Ascent anchor posts were chosen to protect workers accessing the roof of the UK's highest building - the mountain café on the summit of Hafod Eryri (Mount Snowdon) at the heart of the Snowdonia National Park and Wales highest mountain at 1085m above sea level. The Ascent Anchor posts form the structural anchors to secure the Latchway mansafe guided type fall arrest system to the structure of the granite & oak clad building.

THE PROJECTPutney Rise is a housing development created by Barratt Homes in the popular south-west London suburb.The development has been designed by Carey Jones Architects to reference the local architecture and design of neighbouring buildings.Putney Rise is located close to Wimbledon Common, Richmond Park, Putney Common, Barnes Wetland and the River Thames; so many green areas nearby that it feels rural.Putney Rise features of mix of 125 apartments and 30 houses set around a series of courtyards and green areas.THE PRODUCTThe Safety Letterbox Company supplied mailboxes for both sections of the development – fire rated mailboxes for the apartment buildings and MEFA Judo individual mailboxes for the houses.The MEFA Judo mailboxes used on the project are finished in RAL 7024 – Graphite Grey; a custom colour that is not typically offered as a standard option. A classic feature of the MEFA Judo mailbox is the contrasting band colour used in the range.The Graphite Grey colour finish of the mailbox matches the window and door designs, with the stainless-steel band reflecting both the window and door hardware.

Trade Access Panels are proud suppliers of both the FAKRO LSF Fire Rated Metal and FAKRO LWK Komfort 3 Loft Ladders. FAKRO is a name that you can trust being one of the World’s principal manufacturers of Loft Ladders which allow convenient access to non-inhabited loft spaces negating the need to install expensive and in most cases unnecessary, staircases.

Three of the UK’s leading access specialists have come together to form the Access 360 portfolio, providing a total manufacturing solution for roof, ceiling, wall and floor access products for the construction industry. Access 360 comprises Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green. These well-established brands all have a strong reputation for delivering innovative solutions to address the challenges of safe access within a building or external environment.

Installing an access panel or a loft hatch is something which is very important when you’re looking to be able to do more with the space you already have within your home. However, there are certain building regulations you should be aware of when it comes to installing a panel or a hatch, as you need to comply with them. In order to make sure that you definitely understand these regulations, we’re taking a closer look at them here.

The Project  A new Primary School built as part of the school’s framework agreement with Milton Keynes.  Two storey portal frame build.Jestico & Whiles Architects The Challenge Produce a system suitable for use in an open space.Open plan arrangement of Cubicles and Solid Surface Vanities located directly off the corridor.Ensure safety of the user and create an anti-bulling, completely visible space. The Solution Excelsior Skyline Cubicle Range, a full height system with overhead panel. This extremely popular range is an ideal choice for school environments meeting the demands of modern education and providing complete privacy and comfort to the user.Full height cubicle systems have increased in popularity over the past few years. Skyline Range enables Schools, Colleges and the like to ensure both safety and anti-bulling objectives are met and Excelsior’s rise and fall hinge paired with the bespoke door design enables lift off access in the event of an emergency.Skyline range is an extremely durable system and comes as standard with a ‘P’ section headrail, ‘U’ channel base rail and over-panel providing maximum stability. Optional bolt through fixings are available and recommended.The successful open plan arrangement of cubicles and solid surface vanities in Orange and Pomme Verte is in keeping with the modern vibrant atmosphere of the school.

Three of the UK’s leading access specialists have come together to form the Access 360 portfolio, providing a total manufacturing solution for roof, ceiling, wall and floor access products for the construction industry. Access 360 comprises Bilco UK, Profab Access and Howe Green. These well-established brands all have a strong reputation for delivering innovative solutions to address the challenges of safe access within a building or external environment. The brand identities have been updated, reflecting the holistic offer that Access 360 presents to the market, to represent the synergy between the brands and the complementary nature of the products.

The Ruskin Square car park in Dingwall Road was fully modernised to help accommodate growing car parking needs. It is conveniently located to local attractions such as the Whitgift Shopping Centre and BoxPark Croydon. With these local retail and leisure facilties on the car park’s doorstep, it was necessary to ensure that it is secure and compliant for all its users. The car park itself is fully accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so safety was a key priority throughout the project. It houses 565 parking bays for people to use and resembles an effective resource in the local area to provide access to these key sites. We ensured that all of the products specified on the project were fit for purpose and met the client’s needs. We installed a combination of RB1X posts, handrail, mesh and our patented BS EN 6180 restraint strap to create a total solution. Pedestrian protection was a key priority so we specified our BS EN 6180 restraint strap that offers limited deflection on the handrail from pedestrian loading. The strap reinforces the handrail to provide additional protection to the vehicle restraint system.

Surespan designed and installed four revolutionary new hatches inside the Fore Street tunnel on the A406 North Circular Road in Edmonton, London. The hatches are the first of their kind in the UK and have been specifically designed for Transport for London to not only withstand the weight of major volumes of traffic but also allow safe and easy access to the wells beneath.They are currently being trialled in Fore Street tunnel for 12 months. Made of aluminium, they are capable of withstanding D400 loading yet can be easily opened by one operative.

This new 160,000 sq. ft, 18 storey office building evolves the successful Nova formula with a sustainability conscious design, a progressive approach to work and wellbeing, and a vibrant, connected community in the heart of Victoria, London.Throughout the commercial space, a range of off-site constructed washrooms & toilet pods were manufactured in Scotland by Modular Interiors. There was a requirement to increase the finished floor height to allow this space to work effectively.The Knauf GifaFloor system is the ideal partner to this project, particularly to help with efficient programming.FHB38 1200x600mm installed on a pedestal understructure was specified as it creates a solid monolithic floor which can be installed quickly and allows for follow on trades within hours of install. Compared to traditional wet screeds, there is no long drying time, no mess or complicated health & safety issues.GifaFloor is the ideal partner to ceramic finishes such as this project. The ceramic tiles can be adhered directly to the panel, without the need for de-coupling layersThe GifaFloor FHB system offers a high acoustic performance, A1 non-combustible fire rating, limits response to moisture or heat and is manufactured from low carbon gypsum fibre.

Our Anti Ligature Panels are suitable for medical and custodial settings to limit any risk.Supplied with a high security lock so that the panel cannot be tampered with after application into a wall or ceiling.

This is the new eye-catching cycle hub designed, manufactured, supplied and installed by Falco for c2c’s Westcliff Station in Westcliffe-on-Sea, Essex.The new secure cycle hub addition has been fitted with the tried and tested FalcoLevel-Premium+ two-tier cycle rack, providing commuters to the station with secure cycle parking for up to 32 bikes, all within a spacious, purpose built shelter design.In addition to the cycle racks, the sleek 6m x 3.6m cycle hub has been fitted with a FalcoFix 2.0 cycle repair station, bespoke branding graphics, a mechanical code access system, reinforced safety glass cladding and powder coating in an attractive ‘Night Blue’ RAL colour.The included cycle repair stand is equipped with a cycle pump and a number of convenient tools in order to carry out basic cycle maintenance whilst on the go.The two-tier cycle racks are housed in a bespoke contemporary design of the classic Falco Cycle Hub shelter, which features clean lines through the glass cladding supported by stainless steel glass clamps. The whole shelter is hot dip galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461 and then polyester powder coated. Rainwater is collected via innovative integral gutters as part of the roof system and a bespoke bund ensure that the cycle hub is weather proof!The cycle hub was developed by Falco’s in house design team to ensure it met the client’s specification including structural calculations to meet the EN 1090 CPR requirements of UK law.The images attached show the new cycle hub addition, located in between platform 2 and Ditton Court Road.The FalcoLevel-Premium+ is the UK’s leading two-tier cycle rack designed to accommodate twice as many cycles within the same space restraints or any traditional cycle rack or stand. Moving forward, the two-tier cycle racks are designed to be maintenance free to provide minimal cost of ownership to the client (only occasional cleaning required). Additionally should there be any unforeseen damage, the modular nature of each structure means that replacing any damaged items is simple and easy to undertake.For more information regarding the cycle hub scheme at Westcliff Station or any other product from our cycle parking and shelter portfolio, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

Project: London Architectural Glazed approached Surespan to design and manufacture bespoke roof access and AOV Hatch. The project had a requirement for a huge 4700 x 1300 Smoke vent with access however due to EN12101-2 testing, Surespan only has CE Certification up to 1800 x 3000mm. Surespan designed a solution which involved combining a large 3628 x 1300 electric roof hatch with a separate 1300 x 1218mm SRHE/AOV unit combined into one frame.

Ireland's newest major sporting venue, the inspiring Aviva Stadium, required a fittingly impressive entrance and exit zone aesthetic for its opening year. Accommodating up to 50,000 seated spectators meant issues of safety were key to the specification process, and the entrance flooring system chosen had to be the highest level functionally as well as aesthetically. Fortunately, Forbo Flooring system's extensive portfolio of entrance matting systems offered the ideal products for the job. Robust, smartly attractive and with moisture absorbing qualities for anti-slip safety, Nuway Tuftiguard was used for entrance areas

IssueEstablished in 1916, Doylestown Country Club is a private country club located in Pennsylvania, USA. In addition to its reputation as one of the top golfing destinations in the state, the Doylestown Country Club’s culinary team strives to create memorable dining experiences for all members and guests. To achieve this goal, the country club has created a new space to elevate kitchen safety and ensure efficient back-of-house operations.ApproachDoylestown Country Club wanted a floor that would provide comfort for their staff, who spend prolonged periods on their feet. Other considerations including reducing noise transferrence in a busy commercial kitchen and having a floor that could be installed around the kitchen drains which required a watertight, seamless transition with the flooring.SolutionAfter consultation between the Altro sales and technical teams, together with the flooring installer and specifier, 350sqm of Altro Stronghold 30 was specified, keeping staff safe from slips and helping to reduce fatigue thanks to its 3mm thickness.Altro Stronghold 30 achieves Altro’s highest rating for slip resistance (PTV ≥55, R12) and is designed to minimise risk in wet and greasy conditions for the lifetime of the flooring. As well as helping to keep staff safe from slips, it also helps reduce their fatigue, thanks to its 3mm thickness which provides noise reduction and comfort underfoot.

Paxton10 Secures Grade 1 Listed Building with Access and VideoThe Regency Town House is a Grade 1 listed terraced home in the heart of Brunswick Town, a Georgian estate in the City of Brighton & Hove, where Paxton are headquartered.Today the building houses a museum and heritage centre with a focus on the architecture and social history of Brighton & Hove between the 1780s and 1840s.

This is the latest cycle hub designed, manufactured, supplied and installed by Falco as part of a new regeneration at Walkden Railway Station. Boosting sustainable travel access for Walkden residents, the new cycle hub has been commissioned by Salford City Council to help combat congestion, provide dedicated off-street parking and provide greater cycling accessibility to and from the station.The 12m x 4.5m bespoke shelter is based on the UK’s most popular cycle hub design - the FalcoHub and features secure cycle parking for up to 32 bikes, utilising traditional Sheffield cycle stands. The steelwork of the roof has been powder coated in a ‘Traffic Blue’ RAL colour, whilst the rest of the steelwork has been powder coated in a seperate ‘Squirrel Grey’ RAL colour. LED lighting with a occupancy sensor has been fitted to the roof alongside bespoke branding graphics which have been applied to the toughened safety glass cladding.The new cycle hub makes use of the FalcoSmart app-based locking system, which uses Bluetooth technology to activate the locking mechanism from the users smart phone or tablet, with the benefit that they no longer need to carry keys or fobs. Cyclists are able to apply for access to the hub via the Council and having downloaded the ‘App’ are given access rights to the cycle hub for a period of time depending on their subscription.The system has a fully automated back office enabling the administrator to register new locks for new cycle stores as well as adding new users and creating groups and assigning rights. A huge benefit to the local authority is that they are able for the first time ever to assess usage of a cycle parking facility, directly from the back-office app information.The cycle hub was developed by Falco’s in house design team to ensure it met the client’s specification including structural calculations to meet the EN 1090 CPR requirements of UK law.For more information regarding the cycle hub scheme at Walkden Station or any other product from our cycle parking and shelter portfolio, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) protects the security, independence and interests of the UK at home and abroad, working with its allies and partners whenever possible. The MOD needs to make sure that the armed forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that all expenditure is kept within budget. Extensive assets of the MOD need to be maintained in a state of readiness at all times. It’s a round-the-clock task operated on an enormous scale, often in hazardous conditions and in extreme weather. An example of this is the maintenance of aircraft.

At Trade Access Panels we are often asked questions regarding SUNPIPES. Please see our guide where we have tried to answer the most frequently asked questions.

The Project A modernised, revamped nursery based in The Old Courthouse, Ednal Lane. The Nursery prides itself on its high-quality interior and services ensuring children and parents alike enjoy first class facilities and equipment as standard.Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid officially opened My First Friends Nursery and Pre-School on November 13th, 2015, and commented “The facilities look great fun for the kids”.The Challenge Propose a system with children of nursery age in mind. Consider the height of the doors & partitions.Peardrop range is not supported by an overhead rail and the frontage is fixed at the floor and gable walls only.Flooring substate needs to be at lease 60mm thick and stable to ensure a secure fixing point at the base of the foot. The Solution Consult with the client and survey the area to ensure suitable fixing points.Harlequin Peardrop is the idea system for children of nursery age, the system is self-supporting on an aluminium leg; the legs ability to perform is reliant of the strength of the floor substrate which in this case proved suitable, enabling the client to proceed with this infant friendly system.The full system is professionally manufactured with children in mind providing easily accessible doors for children whilst ensuring efficient dimensions for adults to supervise.

Bilco UK supplied 21 special size Ladder Access Roof Hatches to the British Museum’s newest gallery, the Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World. Ladder access was required to the roof void area to allow for routine maintenance activities. Bilco UK’s SS-50TB Ladder Access Roof Hatches were specified by the architects, HoK. The installation was managed by the Principle Contractor, Coniston Limited

Installation of Profab Access' Riser doors with Adjustable Frame at 8 Bishopsgate

The car dealer Kronsbjerg in Odense, Denmark, is a family owned company. Kronsbjerg was established in 1922 and is now run by the fourth generation with three branches on the Danish island Funen. Over the years, they have sold and serviced several, different car brands. In December 2015, Autohuset Kronsbjerg started selling and servicing yet another car brand in their department in Odense. Taking on this new car brand meant that existing facilities became too small. Therefore, Kronsbjerg decided to invest in a new, beautiful building of approx. 1500 m2 , which could accommodate both management facilities and exhibition areas for the existing and new cars. The new premises are built in split levels between the two exhibition areas that have a level difference of approx. 50 cm. Therefore, it was necessary to create accessibility for people with walking difficulties and wheelchair users – as well as to meet the Danish regulatory requirements for accessibility in new buildings.To negotiate the height differences Kronsbjerg chose the LP7 platform lift from Stepless by Guldmann both because of its elegant and light design but also because of the plug and play construction that has a very low entry level of only 50 mm. This allows for a short ramp and no need for placing the platform in a pit.  

THE PROJECTThe Royal Mail Pigeon Hole Boxes project uses a large bank of through the wall mailboxes that used a securely front panel on the box along with a open rear that allows for easy retrieval of the posted mail. These pigeon holes are built through a panel and access to the rear of the boxes is only available to security-approved personnel. This bank of pigeon boxes contains a larger box at the base of the bank which can receive large mail/small parcels.PROJECT DETAILSProject Type: Commercial Post Office Mail SortingProduct: COM 2 mailbox chassis w/ open backInstallation: Through the WallQuantity: 200+Accessories: Oak surround / Support legs

THE PROJECTThe East Village which was originally built for the 2012 Olympics athletes and visitors has become one of the highly sought-after locations in London. It is known for having many significant properties with floor to ceiling windows offering maximum light, improving the feeling of wellbeing and open space.Victoria Plaza is the latest addition to the East Village and the only accommodation built since the village was built back in 2012, with a beautiful view overlooking Victoria Park.THE PRODUCTThe Safety Letterbox Company Ltd (part of the Renz Group) already had the pleasure of working with Get Living on Manchester’s Middlewood Locks in Salford, and were therefore delighted to produce both mailboxes and parcel boxes for this exciting development in London.The myRENZbox intelligent parcel system has been a unique addition to the buildings with three variants of the system servicing three lobbies. A 23-box modula system within the Asteria House lobby. A 70-box system at Insignia point and an 83-box system at Laurel point.All systems are fitted with wi-fi connection and bar code scanners and polyester powder coated RAL 9005 jet black.As the East Village continues to develop, additional added extras such as Hyperoptic Hyperfast Broadband which is readily available is satisfying the growing demand for living within a future-proofed environment, and Intelligent parcel boxes such as myRENZbox do just that.myRENZbox brings peace of mind to those living on the developments by knowing they no longer need to wait at home for a delivery, and that they have a 24/7 facility to inform them that their parcel is safely stored. Read our wellness in the workplace blog here for the benefits of myRENZbox.If you’re looking to future-proof your development by offering a first time, last-mile delivery solution then myRENZbox can provide you with an efficient, traceable solution open to all carriers.

Surespan designed and manufactured four access products for the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California The Project:HKS Architects were behind the architectural design of the stadium by creating an unrivalled sports and entertainment destination. The 5-billion-dollar stadium has created a diverse event space that offers an unparalleled experience from enjoying cocktails and food to immersive sporting events.The stadium offers a ground-breaking video experience that became the first venue to air live football on its roof. Furthermore, the centre-hung Samsung screen is the world’s first halo video board that is roughly 70,000 square-foot, dual-sided and is considered the most LEDs ever used in a sports and entertainment venue.The SoFi Stadium will be hosting several global events from the Super Bowl LVI 2022, 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics opening and closing ceremonies.The Product:Surespan designed and manufactured four access products.  Two electrically operated, double leaf, flush floor hinged access covers to suit an overall frame size of 4267 x 1768mm.  Two electrically operated, double-leaf ceiling access panels to suit an overall frame size of 4267 x 1768mm. The lids have been designed to open downwards.

IssueThe Woodland Village is a purpose-built facility within Sherwood Forest Center Parcs. The concept has been developed over several years across all Center Parcs villages providing a guest attraction dripping in the magic of Christmas from start to finish, offering more than just a “meet and greet” with Santa. The lights, music, animations, and the occasional elf, guide visitors on a journey through the Woodland Village and on to Santa’s Woodland Workshop.As a multi-functional facility, set in a forest, Santa’s Woodland Workshop needed a floor that could withstand all the “muck and mud” of the wilderness, trudged in by the rangers and their little helpers. The floor design would also need to be suitable when the village operates as a Christmas retail outlet providing welcoming aesthetics and having the durability to cope with heavy foot traffic.ApproachAltro floors have a proven history within Center Parcs having been successfully installed at Center Parcs villages across the UK and Ireland. Floors that matched the internal Woodland Village ‘earthy’ design, the corporate branding of the Rangers’ Hut and Christmas shop, providing safety from slips together with easy cleaning were required.SolutionWith PTV >36 slip resistance, Altro EasyClean Technology and a 10-year guarantee Altro Illustra was specified for the Rangers Hut, providing a naturally safe, clean, simple yet effective design. Able to cope with medium to heavy traffic with sustained slip resistance, Altro Wood was specified for Santa’s Woodland Workshop bringing a forest feel to the busy guest attraction.Of course, only families visiting Santa are allowed to see inside the Woodland Workshop and view the festive floors, “You see, Santa really does exist” said lead designer, Darren Binney of Jackson Design Associates Ltd.

Our recent project at LIDL RDC in Houghton Regis, near London, struck a perfect balance between looks and functionality using DucoWall Screening 35. This case study shows how the DUCO louvre wall system met key performance and construction needs while improving the building's appearance.Challenges at LIDL LutonThe LIDL RDC, the world's largest at £300m, spans about 1.2 million ft2 and stretches nearly half a kilometer next to the M1 motorway. A major challenge in such a large retail project is keeping construction swift.The DucoWall Screening 35's direct clip system was a game-changer, cutting installation time by about 50% compared to traditional methods.The site included eleven external staircases, two towering at 33m, posing significant challenges with wind loads and alignment.Solution: DucoWall Screening 35Tony Colborne of Conttego found DucoWall Screening 35 to be the adaptable solution needed.“Overall, we were very happy with the project. The DucoWall Screening 35 was installed at a pitch of 112 mm and the direct clip system meant that we were able to align the mullions quickly and accurately. Using a mixture of the mullions available meant we were able to maximise the spans, without the need for secondary supports. The blade gives a great connection strength, and the overall speed of install was a huge benefit.”DucoWall Screening's direct clip system is designed to screen equipment, staircases, and other structures architects and clients prefer out of sight. It offers two blade sizes and various mullions, with blades adjustable to three different pitches, tailoring to project needs.Results and feedbackThe project was a success, exceeding expectations in speed, efficiency, and overall outcome. DucoWall Screening 35 proved to be an effective future solution.Architect: IMA ArchitectsContractor: JungheinrichDUCO Partner: Conttego Louvres, Bridport

Surespan is increasingly being asked to provide specialist glazed access and ventilation solutions. Project:The architects working on a project at Stratton House in London, approached Surespan to design and manufacture a“bird wing” style, double-leaf glazed ventilator with concealed operating gear from below. Surespan was chosen for its expertise in producing bespoke products.Product:The operation of each leaf ensured maximum airflow into the building below and smoke release in the event of a fire. Measuring 2500 x 2000mm and polyester powder coated white to match existing building roof furniture.

Making the most of outdoor space in an urban environment is very important. With land at a premium, more people are converting their flat roof space to a garden retreat. How do you get to it though? A full size staircase takes up a lot of room and can be quite expensive, especially for occasional use. A Premier Loft Ladders customer had exactly that problem at her Hammersmith, London apartment. Learn how the Elite loft ladder saved both space and money, while still providing safe and convenient access to the flat roof...

IntroductionFerrari World in Abu Dhabi is the world's first Ferrari theme park. The park includes 37 different rides and attractions and features the world's fastest rollercoaster “Formula Rossa” – reaching 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The park has been open since 2010 and has been nominated for numerous awards. Project:Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi needed a unique solution to allow for the maintenance of rollercoaster carts. Due to restricted space, a sliding hatch was proposed to allow easy craning in and out.Products Supplied Surespan manufactured and supplied an SLHE Aluminium, thermally broken, single leaf, electrically operated, sliding roof access hatch. The hatch was a large 5400 x 4000 structural opening sliding hatch.A sliding hatch allowed maximum clear space. Operated by a 230v geared motor. The lid and upstand are filled with 50mm thick CFC and HCFC free Polyisocyanurate insulation which offers a U-Value of 0.43W/m²K.

Project detailsIn 2008 the MPT consortium* was awarded the Manchester’s Metrolink phase 3a extension project, a 49 stop, £275 million extension to the Manchester Metro. The new build allowed contractors to shop around for the best products for the job, but one essential product could not be found. Throughout this three-year development, best practice and user health and safety have been the priorities. Steps were designed to minimise risk of trips and slips for pedestrians, the disabled and visually impaired. Each of the 1,400 pre-cast concrete steps on the new platforms required a non-slip front edge and MPT scoured the world for suitable products. The design criteria required that the nosing would be: Suitable for heavy use in an external environment Compliant to the Building Regulation Part M Providing a solution in accordance with BS8300 2009 Inner B Code of Practice, against the finished concrete in both wet and dry conditions Our solution Adrian Rowe, MPT Engineering Manager and his team tested a wide range of products, short listing three, including Firm-Step Edge®. Our product met the design criteria but was unavailable in the required specification, size and colour. Not wanting to let this opportunity pass us by, we took up the challenge and developed an exclusive version of Firm-Step Edge® in black, with a 70mm tread and 55mm riser. “Watco was brilliant in sorting out our problem, giving us excellent service throughout. They understood our needs and delivered prototypes in a week. They also developed an exclusive version of their Firm-Step Edge®, in the specified black shade, with a 70mm tread and 55mm riser that fitted on to the rebated precast step to keep the nosing flush. It also had perfect internal angles so it sat snugly on the standard profile of the nose on the precast concrete steps.” Following the first installation in February 2011, Firm-Step Edge® is now being screwed and bonded to steps at every stop along the 49 stop extensions. Firm-Step Edge® is an economical, quick to install safety feature. Firm-Step Edge® offers a tough GRP base that is resistant to stretching, warping and swelling. We offer two grades; medium for internal and coarse for external stairs, both of which are easily glued using Watco Adhesive Mastic or drilled for screw fixing. The textured finish offers excellent slip-resistance and a chamfered back edge minimises trip potential. Available in white or yellow, Firm-Step Edge® can be cut on site if required using a hacksaw or similar cutting tool or we offer a cut to size service. *MPT (M. Pact Thales) is a consortium comprising Laing O’Rourke, VolkerRail and Thales UK.

The refurbishment of platforms is part of Network Rail’s government funded National Stations Improvement Programme (NSIP ). The five year programme aims to deliver £179 million worth of station improvements to a minimum of 150 medium sized stations in England and Wales.An overarching objective of the programme is to achieve a noticeable improvement to the passenger perception of stations whilst providing value for money in station investments. Part of this remit involves aspects of customer comfort and safety, including ensuring that the control of surface water runoff is efficiently and effectively managed. For this project Murphy Group were commissioned by Network Rail as the main contractor.Clark-Drain has provided a total of 740m length CD 434 linear drainage channel for installation in three of the station‘s platforms to drain the surface water at a maximum rate of 4.6 l/s into silt box traps before discharge into the mains.The silt boxes work by retaining runoff to allow deposited silt to settle to the bottom of the basket before the water is discharged via the outlet pipe connection. The basket is located so that it is easily removed for periodic cleaning. Both the channels and silt boxes are lightweight and designed for easy handling, installation and maintenance. The bodies of the channel are constructed from recycled hard wearing polypropylene to protect them from damage and ensure long lasting durability. A BS EN 1433 Class B125 quick-fit grating with ‘CatchLock’ retention system provides all the strength required for the 12.5 tonne loading it was designed and tested to withstand and perfectly suits high trafficked station platforms.The narrow-slot ‘heel-guard’ design reduces the potential for tripping and slipping and provides a useful safety feature for passengers and rail staff.The weight of each one meter length, at 5kg, made it very easy to install enabling Murphy Group Engineers to lay several lengths in one go for faster levelling and taking 25% less building time  than heavier polymer concrete options. As part of the aesthetic appeal of the platform refurbishment, the CD 434 was specified because of its flexibility to follow the curve of the platform edge, giving uniformity and enhancing the visual appearance when laid to the same contour.In addition, the linear drainage channel was supplied with 450 x 450mm, 600 x 600mm and 750 x 600mm steel recessed covers and frames. These enabled 60 of the stations lighting cable access chambers to be securely covered and in-fi lled with the marble effect paving specified for the station floor as part of an attractive and functional design for the public to enjoy.WHY THE CD 434 WAS CHOSENLightweight – The one meter length channel and grate is lighter, weighing 5kg, compared to traditional concrete products weighing 20kg or more without being detrimental to its strength for EN1433 B125 loading.Reduced manual handling – Lightweight design and simpler, easier and safer installation provides greater emphasis on health and safety, reducing work related injuries.Easy and quick to install – Installing up to four lengths in one go enables faster levelling, taking 25% less time than traditional polymer concrete.Dual Locking – The Catchlock system simplifies locking of the grating yet enables safe and speedy access for maintenance. The optional anti-tamper bolt locking system provides added security against theft, reducing time and cost spent on replacing lost gratings.Anti-slip and narrow slot finish – Reduces the potential for tripping and slipping, helping to improve public safety.100% recycled – ‘Green’ credentials help toward reducing the carbon foot-print and act as a theft deterrent due to having no intrinsic scrap value.Enhanced durability – Carefully designed load transfer structure improves product life span and lowers maintenance and replacement costs.Heat resistant – The polypropylene/nylon properties make the CD 434 channel ideal for hot tarmac installation.

Berry Systems completed works on behalf of our client, Bowmer & Kirkland, to deliver effective bespoke edge protection. We also installed rubber column protection and specialised bridge walkway pedestrian barrier to meet their specification requirements.The Porter Building houses 110, 625 square feet of office space for companies to utilise. It is conveniently situated in Slough with excellent transport links to key areas in London and the surrounding cities. The building itself has 100 car parking spaces and 100 bicycle parking spaces for employees and visitors to use. We were tasked with installing edge protection and vehicle restraint systems in the building to ensure both vehicle and pedestrian safety.The system installed was a perforated aluminium edge protection combined with buffer baseplates and mullion attached. This was designed in house by our design team to combine the two products delivering a compliant system meeting BS EN 1991-1-1 standards. Our team also designed the specialised bridge walkway pedestrian barrier to increase pedestrian safety on site. This particular project demonstrates our ability to design VRS solutions bespoke and being able to accommodate additional client requirements. In all of our projects, we work with our client to ensure that safety is the ultimate priority and the necessary industry standards are met.