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The Shaft Access Platform: The Story that Redefined Shaft Lining

5th, February 2026

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In 2021, during one particular SCS Railways package on the HS2 project, a major contractor encountered a familiar challenge associated with deep excavation shaft works. The construction sequence required personnel to carry out critical waterproofing lining operations at depths of up to 60 metres across five separate sites. Each excavation presented unique constraints, with diameters ranging from 15 to 25 metres.

This raised the question…

Is there a way to access the shaft safely and efficiently?

Conquip took on the challenge, forming the foundation for what would become the Shaft Access Platform.

Where the idea began…

Existing installation methods required operatives to position the waterproof membrane roll on the shaft floor. They were lifted in an access cage and leaned out to fix the lining in place. Alternatively, operatives would throw the membrane roll over the shaft edge and then descend in the access cage to secure it.

Both approaches posed significant safety risks and were highly inefficient. They also frequently resulted in damage to the membrane, requiring the process to be repeated and causing further delays.

In response to the customers’ concerns for safety and inefficiencies, Conquip’s engineering team began developing a new solution that would:

  • Ensure the safety of personnel working at height/depth.
  • Safe and balanced platform for, initially, up to four operatives at once.
  • Prevent damage to the waterproof membrane.
  • Allow the lining membrane to be transported with the staff on the platform.
  • Be compliant with regulations, including Working at Height and LOLER.

The Result: Safe and Efficient Installation for Lining Shafts

The Shaft Access Platform was developed as a safety-led design, incorporating several key features that significantly improved efficiency. These included:

  • Retractable roof: A compliant, retractable roof, as regulations require personnel cages to have an overhead roof to protect workers from falling objects. Plus, it enables material loading with a crane during the working shift without removing the platform from the shaft, delivering a substantial improvement in time efficiency.
  • A-frame system: The system allowed operatives to install and transport the waterproof membrane smoothly and consistently, accommodate different roll sizes, and ensure a straightforward, controlled installation process.
  • Pneumatic wheels: Reduced the risk of damage to both the waterproof membrane and the shaft walls during operation.
  • Stable and safe working environment: Engineers designed the platform to safely support up to five operatives and their tools, account for shifts in centre of gravity during use, and include recessed handrails to eliminate hand-crush risks, foot plates, an impact-tested roof, integrated harness anchor points, and multiple lifting points for safe raising and lowering.

The innovation of this product came from a simple and traditional way of working. After successfully implementing it on the first HS2 package, Conquip deployed the platform on four more HS2 sites over the next 2–3 years. They then added the Shaft Access Platform to their standard product catalogue, meeting wider industry demand for safer shaft logistics solutions and improving overall safety standards.

Learn more about the Shaft Access Platform…

Q1: Are there limiting harness points inside the platform?

A: The Shaft Access Platform is equipped with multiple handrails and harness points that provide mobility and safety whilst operatives work on the platform.

Q2: What is the working load limit?

A: The current platform has a working load limit is 4500kg, or one membrane roll, five operatives and their tools.

Q3: Can Conquip adapt this platform to different sizes and shapes of shafts?

A: Yes, with our in-house team of mechanical engineers, we can create a customised version of this platform to suit specific projects. Find out how this process works, here.