Heathrow Airport Main Tunnel
Part of a £103 million project to refurbish the Main tunnel at Heathrow airport, Nationwide Platforms provided a range of powered access platforms along with a number of bespoke safety solutions.
Key Facts
Client: BAM Nuttall
Equipment: 32 boom and scissor lifts as well as three Titan boom lifts
Innovation: Secondary guarding systems, bespoke height limiting systems and fire suppression kits
Project: Part of a £103 million project to refurbish the Main tunnel at Heathrow airport, Nationwide Platforms provided a range of powered access platforms along with a number of bespoke safety solutions
Challenges and Solutions
Measuring a total of 2,520 metres, the tunnel required considerable work at a height of 4.8 metres
To minimise the risk of trapping/crushing, Nationwide Platforms developed a bespoke solution for its large deck scissor lifts which both physically and electronically prevented the scissor pack opening past a height of 4.3 metres. To further reduce risks, all boom lifts were fitted with the company’s secondary guarding system, SkySiren®, and more than 150 operators, along with BAM’s Incident Response Team, were provided on-site familiarisation and toolbox talks on emergency lowering and rescue procedures.
A safe, efficient and cost effective method of installation was needed to fit cumbersome soffit/fire boards
To help with the installation of more than 5,000 soffit/fire boards, Nationwide Platforms supplied a number of Titan boom lifts. Featuring the platform size of a large scissor lift, the adaptability of a boom lift and the lifting capacity of a telehandler, the Titans proved ideal for the task. Its 1,800kg platform capacity allowed multiple boards to be loaded into the platform, while the ability to rotate the platform 180 degrees provided engineers access to the full width of the tunnel, reducing the need to continually reposition the boom.
To eliminate all potential risks of injury and damage in the event of a MEWP fire
In order to raise tunnel working safety standards, Nationwide Platforms procured a fire suppression system which, in the event of a fire, would smother the MEWP engine compartment with foam. An audible alarm also sounds, warning the operator that the system has been activated. All machines were also fitted with Chalwyn values to further reduce the risk of fire.
With overnight road closures in place, BAM was faced with substantial fines should the tunnel failed to reopen
With the tunnel closed from 10.30pm to 5.30am, work was delivered within an intensive period of time. Faced with fines up to £250,000 every 15 minutes to ensure the tunnel reopened on time, Nationwide Platforms worked in conjunction with BAM to provide its Incident Response Team with a comprehensive retrieval procedure on how to safely remove the MEWPs in case of an emergency.
Customer Quote
BAM Nuttall General Foreman, Pete Humphries, said:
“I would like to convey my gratitude to Nationwide Platforms’ airport team working on the supply of MEWPs to the Bam/Heathrow Tunnel project, their service has been exceptional. I would especially like to thank Nationwide Platforms for its continued HELP, SUPPORT and EXPERTISE. I know it is a competitive business but I can truly say nothing is too much trouble. Any issues that may arise are dealt with in a prompt and expertly manner with some occasions at unsociable hours. Please believe me when I say, I will only ever give a glowing review to the BAM business units and others in the construction industry about Nationwide Platforms.”
Did you know?
An off-site training tunnel was constructed (see above) for BAM engineers to practice the installation of soffit boards and the use of Nationwide Platforms’ Titan boom lifts.
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
The view and opinions expressed on this web site are solely those of the original authors and other contributors.
