It isn’t always the big jobs or large installations of equipment that make the difference to height safety systems. Sometimes, it’s as simple as seeing an existing problem, suggesting a better way, and having the new system installed in just one day.
That was the case recently at the Windsor Centre in Windsor, Queensland. Centre management contacted RISSafety after noticing an ongoing problem that was causing damage to their roof access system. Trucks reversing into the centre’s loading dock were accidentally hitting the elevated platform when manoeuvring their large vehicles.
A site visit by RISSafety confirmed existing damage to the system and warned of ongoing damage if the problem wasn’t rectified.
Nabeel Yunus, from RISSafety’s Brisbane branch, suggested replacing the non-compliant system with a new roof access system. He suggested raising the system and installing the new system at a height which would allow trucks to pass underneath freely thereby eliminating any further damage to equipment and vehicles, as well as any disruptions to the site operations when these accidents occurred.
Making the work site safer whilst improving site operations
It was important to fix the deteriorating system to ensure safe access for the services and maintenances crew, says Sean Rafferty, RISSafety Business Development Manager.
The RISSafety team replaced the damaged elevated platform with one made from a more lightweight material.
Raising the platform area was a simple solution that removed the possibility of it being damaged by large delivery vehicles.
“This is a better solution that doesn’t have the potential to get hit by trucks,” says Sean. “We didn’t want to put in something where the problem could reoccur. The end product provided safe roof access for the client and peace of mind for the delivery drivers.”
All in a day’s work
RISSafety fabricated and tested the entire solution offsite and completed the installation in a day which ensured there was no disruption to the operations at the busy site. which included removing the deteriorated system and replacing with the new elevated platform.
“The tenants were happy that the works didn’t impact them, especially the Freedom Furniture loading dock,” says Sean. “We had minimal disturbance for trucks and we worked with the guys, so we didn’t impact on their day-to-day duties of deliveries.”
Often RISSafety is called on to provide custom-designed roof safety systems, walkway systems, or aluminium safety railing systems for clients, but the task at the Windsor Centre was a straightforward job, says Sean. “This was an off-the-shelf job, not an out-of-the-box solution,” he says.
Sean says centre managers at similar retail centres should be on the lookout for wear and tear to height safety systems. He says access systems and accessibility can be easily damaged by delivery trucks or similar.
RISSafety’s excellent customer service by highly trained experts was part of the reason for the smooth and timely execution of the job. Ensuring open communication with everyone involved provided certainty, says Sean.
“Happy clients make the job run smoother – and then everyone’s happy,” Sean adds.
RISSafety is Australia’s leading Height Safety provider with an extensive range of height safety and access solutions. See some of the projects we have delivered or get in touch with us today.
