EXECUTIVE HIRE SHOW REVIEW
Vast equipment stocks are held at the Liverpool site.
Height of safety
Alan Guthrie visits the impressive facility of George Roberts (NW), which is developing a new work at height safety range for the hire industry.
The first thing that strikes you about George Roberts (NW)’s facility at Netherton, near Liverpool, is its sheer size. At any given time, the company typically stocks £14m-worth of scaffolding and access equipment, with sufficient immediately available to cope with the entire requirements for applications such as a complete shutdown for maintenance at a petrochemical complex or a similar large-scale site.
The company has identified growing interest in smaller equipment and related safety items, and is establishing a dedicated range for safe work at height, which it promoted at the Show. Indeed, on its stand, George Roberts signed the deal to become sole UK distributor for the new APX-05 Multi Pro safety helmet. “Many helmets for industrial use are only designed and intended to protect the head from falling objects,” said David Probert. “However, when the operative becomes the falling object, it is vital that the helmet it retained on the head and can withstand multiple impacts. The APX-05 is built to a mountaineering standard, amongst others, for top and side impacts, and has a non-releasing chin strap.
At the Show, George Roberts (left) signed the distribution deal for the APX-05 helmet with the manufacturer’s representative Ian McIntyre….
… and, with David Probert (left), placed a significant order with WernerCo for more Youngman Boss tower products to add to the hire fleet.
The business celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and has always been based at the same location, growing steadily into additional adjacent storage area to accommodate its expanding range. It is named after its founder and Chairman, who has built up the original scaffolding and hire operation serving contractors undertaking work such as construction, bridge building, shipyards and other industrial projects, and the operation is now adding to its range of smaller equipment and related safety products.
According to Sales Director Designate David Probert, “More and more national and independent hirers are using us almost as a stockholder, because they know we can readily supply them. Regional hirers turn up daily at our trade counter to load up their vehicles for their next requirements, and we can deliver anywhere in the country using our own lorry fleet and our approved transport partner, offering next-day service. Besides the construction industry, there is year-round demand for events-related services, such as supplying scaffolding for camera towers and access stairways at sports fixtures and music festivals, and we frequently re-hire to other companies. We supplied equipment for the Open Golf tournament at Royal Birkdale last year, and for the Yeovil versus Manchester United FA Cup fourth round match in January, for example.
“We have also seen increasing demand for non-mechanical items like road plates, props, barriers, fencing and trestles, together with low-level equipment and safety products.”
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“Easy adjustment is via a ratchet knob at the rear, and the helmet incorporates biker-style ventilation openings, slots for ear defenders, clips for a head torch and visors, and is
available in different colours. Each one has its own serial number for traceability, and we can issue specific reminders to the customer when they require testing.”
George Roberts (NW) also offers items such as podium steps and aluminium towers from suppliers like Lyte Ladders & Towers and WernerCo Boss, Heras fencing, and the :Ladder M8rix safety device for enhancing ladder stability.
The company prides itself on the thoroughness of its management systems, holding accreditation to the ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 standards for occupational health and safety and environmental awareness, as well as the revised ISO 9001 quality management standard. Following a successful Show, the business is looking forward to establishing closer links with tool and equipment hirers. “We believe we have the largest facility of any independent scaffolding and non-mechanical access equipment hirer in the UK,” said David Probert. “From the one central location, we cover the country and ensure high standards of quality are maintained.
The distinctive APX-05 is designed for top and side protection, and comfort.
• 0151 524 2434
www.scaffoldingsales.com
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