A name synonymous with the construction industry for over 130 years and with a reputation for quality is a leading UK building and civil engineering contractor. Sir Robert McAlpine has an enviable record of achievement in the construction industry – wide and varied in nature, including the Eden Project, Wales Millennium Centre, Bullring shopping centre, Cold Clough Wind farm, Sellafield Nuclear Reprocessing Facility and the Millennium Bridge over the Thames. Sir Robert McAlpine operates in all of the following sectors:
- Commercial/offices
- Retail
- Sport/leisure
- Industrial
- Transport
- Healthcare
- Power
- Offshore
The company were tasked with refurbishing a prestigious office development adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral, London. Six floors up the roof has parapet access for maintenance purposes. Whilst trying to fit the guttering the contractors realised climbing a standard stepladder would pose too much of a risk, with there being insufficient support on the right-hand side and nothing to hold onto at the top.
In order to provide safe access to the guttering, at approximately 2 metres in height, TB Davies suggested fabricating an aluminium mobile safety step, with platform guardrail and outriggers for added stability. This bespoke step has wheels and brakes for transport along the parapet. It also brakes down to allow transit in the office complex lift. This project was commissioned in April 2003 and delivered for assembly in August. As a result, the contractors have been able to successfully and safely administer the fitting of the guttering around the whole of the building. The equipment will remain at the site for future maintenance activity.