Bespoke Aluminium & GRP Access Platforms, Hanger Doors & Access Walkways

Introduction –

Aluminium structures (work platforms) Ltd provides a complete service that includes all site personnel, planning, design, project management, risk analysis and supervision for all various stages of the works to be undertaken..

The experience of Aluminium structures on similar projects has reinforced the importance of ensuring all work is executed with minimum disruption to any of the operations being undertaken by other contractors and site personnel. Consideration is always given to other activities being undertaken and affected third parties our methods and conduct will appropriate and proper at all times.

 Aluminium structures have a wealth of experience of providing temporary and permanent access systems in live environments to enable the carrying out of refurbishment and development in a safe and timely manner. Full risk assessments and methodology statements including design risk assessment will be undertaken prior to commencement.

Critical success factors

In terms of success, both the contractor and the clients’ needs are the same; a speedy and safe execution of the works within defined budget/costing.  To achieve these parameters, we consider that the following are

Essential;

• Speed of erection
• High Load Capability of Access System
• Lightweight
• Partnership approach
• Team Working
• Safe working
• Professional appropriate conduct
• Innovation
• Cost efficiency
• Open approach to delivery and excellent project.

Bridging Panel Access System

Overview

Most conventional scaffold options come with inherently associated dangers, for example the dropping of component parts e.g. scaffold fittings, tubes and boards, and at the same time creating a congested work zone beneath the working area due to the volume of component parts and the requirement for extensive ground founded supports.

The bridging access system significantly reduces the risk of falling components and loose materials. This provides a safe zone beneath the working area allowing a ‘business as usual’ approach in the areas below. 

The “bridging Panel “access system comprises of a series of standard component parts to which bespoke brackets and make-up platforms are introduced.

A typical mix between standard items compared to bespoke items would be a ratio of 95:5 in favour of the standard product.

Key elements of the standard system are: –

• Bridging panels – 2.5 and 1.25m long prefabricated panel modules
• Plan brace frames
• End brace frames
• Standard 2.5m platforms
• Standard handrails and toe-boards 

Flexibility 

The modular component sizes used in the bridging access system are selected to provide the maximum versatility in assembly enabling a large range of access structures to be designed and assembled. A typical form that the system adopts is one of either arch spanning a clear zone or flat bridge spanning a clear zone.

Both assemblies can be either static or built and supported or suspended from tracking along which the access/working platform can be relocated.

Specific span dimensions and arch heights are achieved using “spacer” spigots enabling an accurate dimensional fit to perimeter walls, roof soffits and client determined working clearances. 

Each individual element of the system easily falls within the maximum recommended lifting weights detailed within the UK Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 ACoP. 

Combined or assembled units are managed using either purpose made trolleys or bogies and electric or manual winch and lifting systems. In general the maximum weight of any assembled framework will not weigh more than 500 kg.  

Manufacture 

All component parts of the bridging system are manufactured using the “in-house” fabrication facilities established at the head office in Chester. The advantages of such a facility means that unforeseen needs can be accommodated and programmed to be available to suit the agreed programme of installation for any particular application.  

Normal quality control systems employed in both the factory and work unit ensures that all component parts are full interchangeable and conform to the standard of fabrication specified during in the design process. 

General Safety

Aluminium Structures will design, supply, erect, maintain, adapt, dismantle and remove upon completion.

All specialist access and scaffolding necessary to comply with the contract requirements as identified in the specification. All work shall conform strictly in accordance with all relevant Statutory Legislation, codes and guidelines and conform to the loading constraints noted within any tender documentation. 

Design Considerations

Use of the “bridge Panel” system on world-wide projects has resulted in many standard solutions being available. All projects involving use of the system are fully designed and checked using in-house 3d modelling and checked by independent structural engineers. 

All design scenarios take into the account any instability and erection loading conditions that might be more onerous than the fully erected and installed completed system.  

Site Establishment 

Previous experience of working in live environments have resulted in Aluminium Structures  developing a well coordinated team of in-house project managers, engineers and site personnel along with careful selection of sub-contract services that can provide safety, quality and speed of operations both on and off site. Project management Works to be undertaken on the projects would entail a dedicated Project Manager whose key duties would include: – Development of safety cases within the framework of the client’s current working practices.Development of risk and hazard analysis documents for all aspects of the works.Liaison with the client on matters of programme, progress and issues of safety.Generating a rolling programme for the works.Co-ordination of all site works and bought-in items.Development of working method statements. All on site personnel are supported via the head office team.