Greenwich Peninsula Low Carbon Energy Centre, London
Key Facts
Client: Kier Construction Ltd
Equipment: An SX-180 boom lift fitted with SkyScreen™
Project: Nationwide Platforms recently provided an SX-180 boom lift with its latest safety innovation, SkyScreen™, to assist with the construction of the district’s iconic Low Carbon Energy Centre. This formed part of an £8.4 billion project to transform more than 200 acres of Greenwich Peninsula in London.
The Challenge
With dropped objects accounting for a third of all reported near misses on Kier Construction sites, the contractor was keen to adopt preventative measures during the construction of the Low Carbon Energy Centre. This included minimising the risk of injury and damage from potential objects falling from the platform basket of the SX-180 boom lift while it worked on the 48 metre chimney. Designed by renowned sculpture, Conrad Shawcross, the chimney required the installation of 137 uniquely shaped steel panels to create what Shawcross described as its ‘optic cloak’.
The Solution
To ensure the panels were installed both safely and efficiently, a compact spider crane was lifted on top of the chimney and used to hoist the panels into position. The SX-180 boom lift was also used in conjunction to assist with the fitting and installation.
To minimise the risk of dropped objects the SX-180 was fitted with SkyScreen™. Developed by Nationwide Platforms’ dedicated research and development division, BlueSky Solutions, SkyScreen™ is a lightweight mesh that fully encompasses the platform basket. As well as retaining maximum visibility, the system also provides protection from dropped objects, tools and materials down to 15mm in size.
The Benefits
Due to the nature of the job, and the need to use tools and small fixings to install the panels, the introduction of SkyScreen™ successfully minimised the risk of injury or damage caused by items accidentally being dropped from height. As a result, there were no reported incidents of workers being injured or equipment being damaged from dropped objects during the project.
Customer Quote
Mark Starling, Kier Construction London, Safety, Health & Environmental Manager, said:
“At Kier, we are keen to adopt innovative safety products on our projects. 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 – and 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.”
Did you know?
With a working height of 57 metres, Nationwide Platforms’ SX-180 boom lift is one of the largest in the world
Contact Us
Nationwide Platforms
T: 0808 100 3812
Testimonials
Nationwide Platforms have always embraced the ethos of the Birmingham Gateway Project. On such a diverse and complex project, Nationwide Platforms delivered and maintained a service which allowed safety and a complex programme to run in parallel. Continued support and initiatives throughout the lifespan of the project afforded us the opportunity to experiment with new products with a view to making work at height a safer environment to be in.
Nationwide Platforms in association with Mace delivered an on-site demonstration day covering emergency descent procedures and pre-use inspections which was a huge success and the sessions were delivered to more than 180 operatives in five different languages. Through engagement with our supply chain, Nationwide Platforms have introduced and trialled various new products on site with the full support of Mace on every occasion. Over the last three years the relationship between Mace and Nationwide Project has become very strong and without the continued support, commitment and professionalism of the team at Nationwide Platforms none of this would have been possible. I look forward to working with Nationwide Platforms in the future.
Mace Environmental Safety and Health Manager, Paul Gaughran
Nationwide Platforms’ off-site support in the planning stage and during the onsite activities was second to none. It was also extremely helpful in assisting with the programming and completion of our works. The onsite team were courteous, helpful and always on time.
Nationwide Platforms’ equipment was also of a great quality with all the latest safety features we would expect and more. The performance all round would lead us to have no issue with both recommending and hiring Nationwide Platforms in the future.
AMCO Rail (Scotland) Sub Agent, Gordon Paterson
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