BUSINESS PROFILE |
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Mobile cleaning access A popular trackside solution, Mobile Access Platforms (MAPs) enable drivers, crew, engineers and maintenance teams to safely board and exit a train wherever it is in the depot, offering a flexible solution when permanent platforms aren’t viable
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tep on Safety client – Govia Thameslink Rail – needed no fewer than 27 MAPs for use at the Greater Anglia rail depot in Cambridge, and they had some very specific design requests. The platforms were for the cleaners on the night shift to use and, along with the conventional safety features such as anti-slip treads, 1,100mm handrail and self-closing gates, they also needed to be extremely easy to move, extremely easy to lock into position, have buffers to avoid damaging the trains and be built to compensate for the camber on the rather slim aprons. GRP is much lighter than steel equivalents and platforms made from GRP profiles, stair treads and handrails are inherently easier to handle while still meeting the 5kn/ m2 loading specification. It’s also longlasting and low maintenance so wouldn’t be affected by being outside all the time and the anti-slip finish remains slip-resistant in all weathers, keeping staff safe at all times. Contrasting stair nosing ensures compliance with the Equalities Act and reduces trips and falls even in low light.
Seven of the 27 ‘wonky’ Mobile Access Platforms ready for delivery
One of the platforms in situ at the Cambridge depot
The unique control handle ensures the platform can be easily locked into position
Step one was to develop a new locking mechanism to replace the usual braked castors. Working very closely with the client, the SoS Design team came up with a unique control handle inspired by luggage trollies found in airports; when released, sturdy, secure feet engage with the floor effectively
locking the platform into position. Unless the control handle is actively engaged, the platform can’t move. Easy to use and impossible for the operator to accidentally leave the wheels unlocked once the MAP is in position. The handle itself also has slip resistant ridges to improve grip even with wet or cold hands and, unlike steel, is warm to the touch. The second requirement was to protect the trains from scrapes when the platforms are placed against the vehicles. Simple rubber fenders around the platform resolved that issue. The final step was to overcome the effects of the apron camber so that, when in position, the stairs and platform would sit perfectly level. That solution was obvious – the legs on one side needed to be slightly shorter than on the other – although counterintuitive to teams that spend their time avoiding ‘wonky’ fabrications. The result, a fully bespoke MAP design that can only be used at the Cambridge depot. Once the prototype was tested, amended and approved, production at the Step on Safety workshop in Brantham went into full swing and the remaining platforms were delivered in batches over the next few months.
Tel: 01206 396 446 Email: sales@steponsafety.co.uk Visit: www.steponsafety.co.uk Rail Professional
