Safe Access for the new Albukhary
Foundation Gallery of the Islamic World
Bilco UK supplied twenty one special size
Ladder Access Roof Hatches to the British
Museum’s newest gallery. After three
years of careful planning, research and
collaboration the Albukhary Foundation
Gallery of the Islamic World opened in
October 2018.
the cover in the open position to ensure safe
egress and a grip handle allows for easy,
one-hand release and closing. This one-hand
operation of the SS-50TB, to a fully open or
closed position, enables the ladder user to
maintain three points of contact at all times.
The SS-50TB is the perfect solution for
projects where regular roof access is
required and safety is paramount. The roof
hatch meets all the requirements of the
Manual Handling Operating Regulations
(MHOR) 1992.
The new, permanent, exhibition space is a
result of the renovation and joining together
of two beautiful Victorian galleries located
in the ‘White Wing’ area of the Museum. The
galleries had been closed for several years
as they were in need of renovation.
The Albukhary Foundation Gallery of the
Islamic World displays magnificent works of
art alongside everyday objects. The aim is
to enable the visitor to explore the cultural
significance, breadth and impact of the
Islamic world in a creative and exciting way.
Audio-visuals and specialist lighting bring
the culture of the Islamic world to life.
The roof of the White Wing was originally laid
in lead but was later replaced with copper
in the 1960s. As part of the refurbishment
of the two galleries it was decided to return
the roof to its original lead design. The roof
timbers and boarding were overhauled, and
forty-five tonnes of new lead added.
Ladder access was required to the roof
void area to allow for routine maintenance
activities. Bilco UK’s SS-50TB Ladder
Access Roof Hatches were specified by
the architects, HoK. The installation was
managed by the Principle Contractor,
Coniston Limited, who have a reputation for
50 - www.refurbandrestore.co.uk
delivering heritage and conservation projects
and a long history of working with the British
Museum.
The SS-50TB Roof Hatches were made to
order as they were required in a larger non-
standard size, 1215mm x 915mm, than the
standard stock sizes. The hatches were also
manufactured with a PPC finish to blend in
with the new roof.
The SS-50TB is engineered with compression
spring operators to provide smooth, easy,
one-hand operation, regardless of the size of
the hatch. An automatic hold-open arm locks
The Ladder Access Roof Hatches are fitted
with a closed-cell EPDM sponge gasket, as
standard, to help ensure weather tightness,
energy efficiency and to meet Building
Regulation Air Leakage targets. The specially
designed gasket provides a better seal of the
cover to the curb. This ensures the hatches
have a Class 1 rating under BS EN 12207:200
and meet the requirements of Part L of the
Building Regulations.
A thermally broken cover and frame design
provide superior thermal performance. The
design of hinges and other features ensures
that the hatches are resistant to the effects
of ageing and weather in exposed locations
– a necessity for a large roof area in Central
London!
If you would like to find out more about safe
and easy access to roof areas for your next
project please call 01284 701696 or visit our
website.
www.bilcouk.co.uk.