Health & Safety
Safekerb Supagrip takes safety to a new level!
This innovative new product has been designed by market-leading UK manufacturer Oxford Plastics to comply with and exceed the requirements of the Wheel Chair Boarding Ramp Specification, the Safety at Streetworks Code of Practice and the Disability Discrimination Act.
The new kerb ramp weighs just 8.75kg, making it easy to lift into place, and is now able to support an increased weight of up to 350kg (compared to 250kg for the original SafeKerb). It can be adapted to varying kerb or step heights, from 60mm to 160mm.
Oxford Plastics launches new SafeKerb kerb ramp to exceed the requirements of wheelchair guidelines and disability legislation.
The new improved Oxford Plastics Safekerb SupaGrip – which creates a safe means for wheelchair and pushchair users to go up or down a kerb or step – builds on the success of the established Safekerb design and is even more stable and durable.
It’s the ideal product to use when a footpath is closed for utility works but also has a wide range of other uses, such as providing inclusive access at events where there are different ground levels to negotiate – or making it easier to move sack trucks or other equipment around construction sites.
Like the original, the main body of the improved kerb ramp is made from high- density polyethylene (HDPE), but now also includes a heavy leading edge made from PVC on both the pavement and road side.
The SafeKerb SupaGrip also has an effective anti-slip surface and raised sides for additional safety, and does not need pinning, although it can be bolted down if required. Its improved ground adhesion makes it even safer than the original version. The product also stacks neatly for easy transport and storage.
Peter Creighton, Business Development Director for Oxford Plastics Systems, says: “At Oxford Plastics we are driven by innovation and are always looking at ways of improving and refining our products. The innovative SafeKerb II has been developed in conjunction with customers and end users to help them meet and exceed the requirements of access regulations.
“It’s the ideal product to provide safe and easy access up and down kerbs, steps or different ground levels for wheelchairs, pushchairs and mobility scooters, as well as sack trucks or wheeled bins. Its versatility also means it can be used in a variety of situations, including utility works, events and construction sites, to ensure the safety of all.”
Drainage company fined for excavation collapse
A Slough drainage company has been fined after a worker was seriously injured when an unsafe excavation collapsed during work to lay new pipes outside a home near Canterbury.
Michael Simpkins, now 42, from Oxshott in Surrey, sustained multiple fractures to his left leg in the incident at a property in Conyngham Lane, Bridge, on 7 April 2011. He was unable to work for six weeks before later resigning because of recurring pain and psychological trauma.
His employer UKDN Waterflow Limited, who have since gone into and been bought out of administration, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an investigation found the excavation pit was missing vital shoring.
Folkestone Magistrates’ Court heard the injured worker was cutting and cleaning a pipe for rejoining at a depth in excess of two metres when a side of the pit suddenly gave way, creating a slip of soil and debris.
The lower half of his body was completely buried, with the weight of the material buckling his leg as it crashed down. He was dug out by a colleague and taken to hospital.
HSE established that there was nothing in place to support the excavation and prevent the collapse, despite this being a clear and common risk for this kind of work. There was also no evidence of suitable planning or supervision.
Magistrates were told that in February 2011, just weeks before the Bridge collapse, HSE received a complaint about another UKDN excavation that suffered a partial collapse. Nobody was injured on this occasion, but it should have served as a warning that adequate shoring is required at all times.
UKDN Waterflow Limited, previously of Waterside Drive, Langley, Slough, was fined a total of £60,000 and ordered to pay a further 39,506 in costs after failing to attend court and being found guilty of three separate breaches of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007.
After the hearing HSE Inspector Nicola Wellard said: “As a company specialising in laying water pipes and drainage systems, you would expect UKDN Waterflow Limited to be acutely aware of the dangers posed by unsupported excavations.
“It is, after all, an intrinsic part of what they do, and we established that shoring was used in some other projects managed by the firm. It makes the failings we found in the Bridge collapse all the more baffling, as it should have been abundantly clear that the provision and use of shoring was a basic necessity.
“Sadly there was nothing in place and an employee sustained a painful, debilitating injury that has had lasting consequences.
“I hope the prosecution serves as a reminder to all companies who engage in excavation work that adequate shoring is required at all times, irrespective of the size of the dig.”
42 drain TRADER | February 2016 |
www.draintraderltd.com
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