Latest Safety Innovation
Adopted At High-Profile
Site In London
Nationwide Platforms’ latest innovation
in safety, SkyScreen™, was recently
introduced on the construction of
London’s iconic Greenwich Peninsula Low
Carbon Energy Centre by main contractor
Kier, in order to minimise the risk of
objects being dropped from the basket
of an access platform when working at
height. Designed by renowned sculpture
and artist, Conrad Shawcross, the Energy
Centre’s 48 metre chimney required 137
unique panels installing to create what
Shawcross described as its ‘optic cloak’.
Nationwide Platforms showed us how
the new SkyScreen product can minimise
the risk of dropped objects from
access platforms - a focus for us on the
Greenwich Peninsula Low Carbon Energy
Centre - we thought it a great innovation.
The fitting of SkyScreen has limited the
hazard of dropped objects, protecting
personnel, surrounding buildings and
equipment, and forms a key part of our
collective prevention measures on-site.
We would certainly look to use it again in
future projects.”
To ensure the panels were installed both
safely and efficiently, a spider crane
was placed at the top of the building’s
chimney and used to hoist the panels
into position. One of Nationwide
Platforms’ SX-180 boom lifts, fitted with
SkyScreen™, was then used to assist with
the fitting and installation. Due to the
nature of the job, and the need to use
tools and small fixings, the introduction of
SkyScreen™ successfully minimised the
risk of injury or damage caused by items
accidently being dropped from height.
Suitable for 6ft and 8ft platform basket
sizes, the lightweight SkyScreen™ mesh
fully encompasses the platform basket to
provide protection from dropped objects,
tools and materials down to 15mm
in size. As well as retaining maximum
visibility, it is also compatible with a
range of other innovations such as the
company’s material handling attachment
SkyRak® and its secondary guarding
device SkySiren® PCS™.
Mark Starling, Safety, Health &
Environmental Manager at Kier
Construction London, said: “At Kier, we are
keen to adopt innovative safety products
on our projects.
Part of BlueSky Solution’s range of safety
innovations, SkyScreen™ is readily
available for hire throughout the UK.
www.nationwideplatforms.co.uk
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