Manchester airport is one the busiest airports in the UK, servicing the North of England international travel, with over 190 departures each day of the week and a total of 199 destinations. To aid travellers around the airport grounds, the airport has its bus network to transfer commuters to the airport and aircraft. Having its own bus transport network requires a depot to keep these vital transport machines running throughout the day. Whether that’s the technicians servicing the vehicles to keep them maintained and in working order, but to do this, the technicians needed to access the air conditioning units, which are situated on the top (roof) of the bus, and this is where the Tanker Access Platform was able to provide the technicians with a safer option to reach the task at hand.
Prior to purchasing the Tanker Access Platforms from TB Davies, the technicians responsible for servicing the air conditioning units on top of the buses would have used a large mobile platform step that wasn’t specifically designed for this type of maintenance. The safety team at the bus depot quickly identified that the current product was not suitable for this line of work and wanted to provide the technicians with a purpose-built solution that offered them a safer alternative, enabling them to carry out maintenance tasks more effectively.
The Adjustable Tanker Access Platform (ATAP) is a purpose-built access platform for industrial applications where tank or top access is necessary. Powered by a simple winch mechanism, the ATAP offers a range of platform heights of between 2.9 – 4.4m and can be easily deployed by one person. ATAP is also suitable for use with rigid tankers, trailer tanks, and most ISO containers and is designed to ensure the operator is safe and secure whilst climbing onto the tank or top access and working within the safety cage. The platform is weighted with ballast to enable access in situations where it is not possible to place the base chassis below.
Jay Slater, TB Davies sales representative, played a pivotal role as the primary contact in recommending the optimal solution for accessing the roofs of the buses. With over 20+ years of experience at TB Davies and extensive industry knowledge in working at height, Jay brought invaluable expertise to the table. At TB Davies, our mission is to ensure that working at height is as safe and secure as standing on solid ground.
TB Davies commissioned the Tanker Access Platforms and provided demonstrations to the safety team and technicians who would be using this product daily.
The implementation of the purpose-built solution at Manchester Airport’s bus depot has significant improvements for the workforce. With this solution in place, vital maintenance tasks for the bus fleet can now be performed seamlessly, ensuring uninterrupted operations. Moreover, the enhanced safety features of the solution have minimised risks associated with accessing the roofs of the buses, thereby fostering a safer working environment. Additionally, the newfound efficiency in accessing the buses’ roofs has contributed to overall operational efficiency, allowing for smoother maintenance procedures and reduced downtime.
The collaboration between Manchester Airport’s bus fleet and TB Davies approach to safety and efficiency in the workplace. Recognising the limitations of the current product, the decision to seek out a safer solution demonstrates a commitment to employee welfare and operational excellence. Leveraging their expertise as working-at-height specialists, the team at TB Davies swiftly delivered a solution, mitigating risks and enhancing safety protocols with minimal disruption to operations. This successful partnership underscores the importance of prioritising safety and investing in purpose-built solutions to meet the unique challenges of the transportation industry.
