HS2 Bespoke Working Platform: Case Study Transcript

Hi, this is Kumar from SCS Railways, working on a HS2 project. It’s a ventilation shaft site. The shaft is about 49m deep, so we need a good access to go down and up the shaft.

Normally all working platforms, they use it as an access into the shafts or working at height. But we looked into the options of using to install a waterproofing membrane. Several things need to be considered the safety of people and what materials we are loading and moment where it’s going to be used, what’s the curvature, the shape of the profile of the platform so that it fits and works within the profile of the shaft. This is where we end up with a new product, which is like a half moon working platform, which helps for the man riding and for people to work to do the waterproofing works in the shaft.

At any point of time there will be four people working on the platform. As part of the design handrail is further away from the edge of the platform to make sure when operators lean against the handrail, they don’t come in contact with the shaft wall. We decide to go for pneumatic wheels so that it doesn’t come in contact directly and damage the lining. We had a thought of using a retractable roof section where we can use a winch.

Conquip and the team came to site to have a look at exactly what we’re looking for. They always give us a helping hand and providing guidance, technical expertise and regulations as well. Like what’s missing, what we have to put it into, compliant to that standards. Several factors have been considered to bring in compliance working at Height Regulations 2005 and LOLER for lifting people,  lifting with Crane as well. Very effective team and efficient team. They come up with innovative product. Having this working platform, it saves a lot of time and it reduces a massive cost. There is mainly the safety of people working in the shaft.

We got five sites with ventilation shafts. It will be used across these five sites for the duration of 2 to 3 years. Wherever I go on the infrastructure projects, I will definitely use this product and I would recommend other teams to use it on your sites.