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 | | THE PLATFORM COMPANY RING TRUE | | | The Platform Company | | 04/10/2006 | | |
Powered access specialists The Platform Company have proved invaluable helping maintenance teams safely access a 25m high bell housing at Marlborough College, Wiltshire. A requirement for urgent investigation came in response to concerns that fastenings to the college chapel's historic 250kg bell might be in dangerous condition. Following a full site survey by The Platform Company, a new Genie S-85 telescopic boom was specified as a faster and more efficient alternative to scaffolding. The inspection quickly revealed both rot and corrosion in the bell's iron reinforced timber frame which is now scheduled to be taken down and re-engineered.
Part of the Platform Company's recent order for more than £30m of the latest powered access equipment, the rough terrain S-85 boom proved ideal for the job. Offering an impressive 23 metres of outreach and up to 27 metres of working height it was easily able to get up and over undergrowth restricting the perimeter of the chapel. Two trained operatives from the college's maintenance team used the machine's articulating jib to reach a compact 16cm square timber hatch, located on the tower roof, which covers the bell fastening.
'We needed a machine that could take us right up to the problem area with safety and precision. Thanks to The Platform Company the source of the problem has been quickly identified and the fastening will be replaced this summer, restoring our chapel to its full glory,' says Marlborough College Deputy Estate Bursar.
The Platform Company go for Gold
The UK's largest independent powered access provider, The Platform Company were exclusively selected by main site contractor, Bovis Lend Lease to assist in the 100 million pound renovations entitled 'The Golden Square Project' taking place in Warrington. The brief, to create a first class shopping centre in the heart of the city is being kept to deadline through their quality and consistency of support, supplying all the powered access machines, safety advice and training on site.
The Platform Company supplied a range of Genie machines from their recent investment of new aerial work platforms, which included GS 2668 scissor lifts. The scissor lifts used on site were all specified with rough terrain wheels to tackle tough site conditions. Their compact design meant that access through narrow and restricted areas was easily gained. However, these features did not compromise working height, with the GS 2668 reaching an ample 9 - 11 metres.
The Platform Company also have a responsibility on the site to oversee the safety and security of all their machines and operatives. They have a daily presence at Warrington to provide advice and keep site operatives up to date with the suitability and availability of machine stocks. The new Genie machines used on site all feature an onboard 240v generator to provide power on platforms to increase safety by doing away with any hazardous trailing power lines and cumbersome stand-alone generators. In addition, every rough terrain platform boasts foam filled tyres, eliminating downtime caused by punctures and self-levelling hydraulic outriggers for increased stability in tough site conditions.
The Platform Company also supplied the harnesses used by operatives as the recommended personal protective equipment at the Golden Square site. The system involves a 4 in 1 interchangeable lanyard, the only harness available to provide both fall arrest or restraint at either 1.1 m or 1.8m lengths and were previously endorsed by BAA for use by operatives working at height at Heathrow Terminal 5.
For increased security on site all machines working on the Golden Square project are fitted with a 4-digit security keypad to prevent any unauthorised use. Not only does this minimise the chance of theft and possible damage to personnel, machine and built environment, it also provides an excellent return on Bovis Lend Lease investment by reducing insurance premiums and improving productivity through no lost keys or accidental battery discharge.
The Golden Square project in Warrington is firmly on track and is planned to be completed by March 2007 with The Platform Company working alongside Bovis Lend Lease until completion to deliver safe work at height and access solutions to the site.
'The Platform Company shares Bovis's corporate values of high calibre customer service and delivery for maximum value for money. As the largest independent supplier of Mobile Elevating Work Platforms in the country they deliver a promise of increased productivity with benchmark levels of safety through modern equipment and training.' says Simon Pritchard, Project Manager for Bovis Lend Lease.
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