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Universal aerial platforms has supplied Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford with the UK's first all lithium powered - narrow access platform.

This advanced pieces of access equipment works almost silently and produces no emissions making it an ideal solution for indoor and hospital applications. The Hinowa runs on non marking tracks and has a working height of 14 metres - with an outreach of 7 metres and a Z'd boom that gives excellent ability to reach over obstacles.

The Hinowa Goldlift 14 - 70 tracked boom was delivered to the team responsible for its operation in July. Lee Kerr of Universal gave the team a thorough introduction and demonstration of the machine and its abilities. The machine will assist in the maintenance and cleaning of the recently developed Broomfield Hospital.

The newly developed hospital will be capable of carrying out up to 20,000 treatments a year. It will contain 361 beds, five theatres, a 100-bed emergency assessment facility, a new A&E department, pharmacy, maternity & neonatal care unit and a rooftop helipad for the Essex Air Ambulance Service.

Universal believes that this type of equipment will continue to grow in popularity due to its excellent environmental credentials and its very low running costs - a full charge provides 4 hours of continuous work at a cost of approx 80 pence. If you'd like to know more about this type of equipment please contact Lee J Kerr Narrow Access Manager on +44 (0)7970 503 154 or contact us via email on this page.

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Set within the Holborn district of central London, Lincoln's Inn is one of the most architecturally impressive sites in the City. A number of the buildings date back to the 1400's and the site has developed continually, with a great many more structures being added. None is more impressive than the Great Hall, completed in 1843 and opened by Queen Victoria.

Universal Aerial Platforms, have in depth experience with the complexities involved on these type of sites, particularly where access to the working location is difficult to achieve, and where great respect must be considered for delicate structures and load baring strengths.

Lee Kerr, Universal's Narrow Access Specialist, worked closely with the sites property maintenance team to understand their exact needs for works to be completed. Due to the limited time available for access to complete the internal work, the FS (falcon spider) 290 narrow access work platform was used. Although gaining entry to the work site required technical precision for this size of machine, the extra height afforded by the Spider 29 enabled maximum reach within the hall, and a minimum number re set up times.

In addition to the internal structural inspection work, Universal also supplied a FS (falcon spider) 370 narrow access work platform, to assist with external structural inspections. Both machines were supplied with operator as there knowledge and familiarity with access equipment enabled the architects and surveyors to carry out their duties more efficiently.

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New research - commissioned by Crown House Technologies, part of the Laing O'Rourke Group - has confirmed that Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) are safer , even for low-level access. “We were able to provide evidence that MEWPs are safer, more productive and avoid unnecessary strain injury,” says Gerry Mulholland, HSE leader at Crown House Technologies, who initiated this rigorous assessment of work at height policies and procedures within the group. “Lifts make it easier for site management to maintain safe standards as there are fewer options offered and fewer opportunities to make the wrong choice, while their automation reduces accidents
caused by human error.”

The findings were the result of a complete review of the work at height procedures (up to 4.5 metres) for mechanical and electrical installation carried out by the company in 2008. The research began with a series of seven road shows attended by over 170 people across the UK where the workforce was asked, “What do you want to work from?” The general opinion was that MEWPs were best but were too expensive for low level work.” Ladders, podium steps and towers are responsible for 80% of falls from access equipment. Falls from height are the primary cause of serious injury in the construction industry.

The review found that just under a fifth of all accidents on site are related to access equipment with over 80 percent related to podiums, mobile scaffold towers, ladders and A-frames. The study also looked at the cost of access-related accident claims as well as equipment repair, loss and damage. Data was collected from a selection of projects, including: Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, Royal Ascot Racecourse Grandstand, Slough Treatment Works, the Arora Hotel at Heathrow and the York Building in London.

The results showed that such costs were lower on MEWPs than with equipment such as towers that feature non-captive components. Reviewing the personal injury claims data for a two-and-a-half year period indicated that podium steps accounted for 41 percent of claim costs while MEWPs were 11 percent. Among the main types of access equipment, step ladders and podium steps cost less to rent than scaffold towers or MEWPs. However feedback from regular users suggested that MEWPs were both safer and more
productive.

Article from vertikal.net

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A Grade 2 listed building, a 25 metre high domed atrium and a new art installation intended for its ceiling: this was the challenge facing Universal Aerial Platforms in February, as it was called in to assist with the installation of a new artwork by Scottish artist and Turner Prize winner Douglas Gordon at Tate Britain.

The job called for some serious access expertise, not only in the assessment of the best way to approach the task and the selection of the right narrow access equipment, but also from the team on the day dealing with an historic building and a valuable artwork.

The task was a challenge on two fronts – the difficulty of accessing the Tate’s impressive Octagon space, which forms the centrepiece of the galleries, and the need to ensure the artwork could be installed safely at height. The selection of the right bit of kit was essential, and the team decided on the Spider 24 Narrow Access Platform to provide the right combination of reach and manoeuvrability. An access risk assessment was carried out to ensure there was no risk to both the structure of the building or the artwork.

On the day, the expert operators manoeuvred the narrow access platform over an obstacle course of staircases and fragile surfaces at the entrance of the building by the river Thames in London. The platform could then be used safely by the artist and gallery staff to attach the artwork, consisting of a series of text pieces, to the ceiling and walls of the magnificent octagonal atrium.

http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/exhibitions/douglasgordon/default.shtm

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Our specialist narrow access expert Lee Kerr takes great pride tackling the toughest of narrow access challenges, none more so than when he surveyed St Margaret Lee Church in Lewisham.

Due to subsidence, cracks had appeared above the Alter causing masonry to present a hazard.

This particular church was a challenge to access, "when I first visited the church to carry out a site survey I knew that there was only one type machine for the job". After careful measuring Lee decided that the TS15 spider was best suited, due to a tight isle of only one metre wide and only one position where the Spider could be safely set up and manage the working height of ten metres and on parts needing an outreach of seven metres.

The machine gained access via a door measuring only 1.2m wide and had several steps to get over which we employed the services of a local scaffold company.

The works were completed ahead of schedule, even allowing enough time to replace a number of light bulbs positioned in normally inaccessible parts of the building.

If you have a narrow access challenge you can contact
Lee on his mobile : 07970 503154,
or email : lkerr@universalplatforms.com

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Universal Aerial Platforms recently worked with Coventry Cathedral to help clean its famous "West Screen". The Company provided a Spider FS290 which allowed access to all levels of the inside and outside of this huge piece of artwork without disruption.

This priceless screen is one of the most impressive features of the Cathedral and was created by New Zealand artist John Hutton in the late 1950's. It took ten years to complete and consists of 90 glass plates each measuring 8ft by 3ft of which 66 depict hand tooled etchings of saints and angels all suspended in a bronze frame from the Cathedrals roof.

Advance Cleaning Services, the Specialist Contractor which undertook the clean, know the new Spider to be a sure-footed means of accessing difficult and delicate commissions.

The machine itself is used in situations where careful handling and positioning are required. In this case, having to work closely to such a valuable piece of history, the special features of the FS290 (silent, fume-free electric working, narrow [0.8 m] stowed width, lightweight [3750 Kgs] were all attributes essential to overcome the assignments restrictions.

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Leading powered access rental company Universal Aerial Platforms is expanding its fleet of specialist lifting equipment, after taking delivery of 10 Upright SL30SL machines.

Manufactured by UpRight Powered Access, the SL30SL has a unique "speed levelling" system that makes it ideal for rough terrain. The oscillating axle keeps all four wheels on the ground, even when operating on an incline. This means the machine can be used safely in conditions that are impossible for other types of platform - and the working area always remains level.

The SL30SL can cope with gradients of up to 35% (or 19 degrees) while still providing a working height of up to 11 metres - and can be driven at full height. The big deck 1.72m x 4.23m platform provides a large and safe working area, with a carrying capacity of 590kg.

Steve Mann of Universal said: "The UpRight SL30SL brings an added dimension to our rental fleet.

"We know there is demand from our customer base for a versatile machine that can still provide good deck space and working height for operations on rough terrain.

"Compared to other standard platform types, we feel the SL30SL provides greatly improved and safer operating conditions in the most difficult site environments."

The UpRight SL30SL lifts brings Universal’s total fleet investment during 2007 to over 30 specialist platforms, totalling more than £2 million.

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Universal Aerial Platforms recently worked alongside Mike Smith Studios to help install Channel 4’s impressive new ‘Big 4’ sign, situated on the forecourt of the famous television centres headquarters.

The steel sign measures a huge 16.6m in height, has a footprint of around 12.2m, took three months to build and five days to piece together.

Initially a crane was used to lift the beams into place and the 22m Spider to position and secure them. The Spider has been used in a number of similar situations where a combination of height, accurate movement and narrow jacking are required and where space and movement aren’t at a premium.

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Universals confidence in the business and hire market continues with the recent delivery of 15 Nifty Heightrider 21m machines from Milton Keynes based supplier Niftylift.

The Heightrider is a 4-wheel-drive rough terrain platform which combines serious weight and space saving technology with the latest advances in boom geometry, making the machine one of the most versatile pieces of equipment around.

The machine's best selling feature is its light weight being under 6.5 tonnes. This provides low floor point loadings and makes it a popular choice with contractors where built up floor areas beg for lighter weights and maneouverability. Hydraulic controls allow smooth and measured operation, with platform rotation and use of the flyboom allowing operators to position the platform with much greater precision than many of its contemporaries. In addition to its 63ft platform height and generous 13m outreach, whether up and over or below ground level, it still provides plenty of room in the cage for much needed tools andn equipment and is still only 2.25m wide.

Universal commented that whilst they continued to invest, Niftylift, were clearly their manufacturer of choice when looking to purchase boom type platforms especially in a market that's so dominated by cheaper foreign suppliers - It also felt good to buy British and buy British well!

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Universal Aerial Platforms recently gave St Paul’s Cathedral a helping hand to survey its North face with the hire of its Mantis 38m TSJ to surveyors Plowman Craven.

The Mantis was chosen because of its generous capabilities when working and positioning in restricted areas where there may be slopes, paths, obstacles or weight restrictions which disqualify conventional machines.

Narrow Access Manager for Universal Aerial Platforms, Lee Kerr, commented ‘This machine provides indoor and outdoor solutions for complex access situations. For this particular application it was an ideal choice being able to gain access through a narrow gateway and provide working heights of up to 38m whilst working within a confined space.’

For further information contact Lee Kerr on 07970 503 154

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Universal Aerial Platforms has taken delivery of a new Spider FS290 from Danish based supplier Worldlift Industries.

The machine based at the company’s Basildon depot is specially designed for in or outside maintenance work in tall buildings with narrow access and limited floor space.

These machines are specifically used in areas requiring, compact, flexible high reach machinery, making it possible to operate in places where other platform types fail.

Its key features are:-

• Low weight - can be used where low floor loadings are vital


• Automatic outriggers
• A Honda Super Silent engine preserves battery life and enables the machine to travel long distances


• Removable second set of drive wheels for further low ground pressure reduction


• Optional narrow cage


• Spacious two man rotating cage


• Up to a 14m outreach


• Double jib arm
• Minimum width of 0.80m - can be taken through a standard doorway


• Infinitely variable jacking options


• Tri energy fuel. Battery, Mains or Petrol

The FS90 also employs the latest technology in control systems providing incredibly smooth operation which provides the operator with speed, usability and safety.

With further machines on order from Worldlift Universals narrow access fleet is set to become the largest and most versatile in the country.

For further information go to the Worldlift Industries website or contact Steve Mann on 07977 561 122.

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As part of the on-going re-branding process within Universal the corporate website has received a new look. "The new site has a cleaner feel, slicker navigation and improved functionality" stated Guy Willett, Marketing Manager. New features include enhanced Equipment for Sale, Jobs, News and Feedback pages. "

In addition the site has been developed with speed in mind for office, and particularly site staff, who want to glean the information they need with faster download times," added Guy. "We believe this enhanced site will compliment our exceptional sales and hire-staff support, and will offer an outstanding service to our customers."

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In its ninth year the V Festival has become one of the leading music events in the UK. Since its inception Edwin Shirley Staging (ESS) has continued, with its innovative staging solutions, to assist in this success. ESS chose to use Universal Aerial Platforms for its powered access requirements (pictured here is a Genie S85 aiding the completion of the Chelmsford venue's main stage's side hoardings). "Choosing the right powered access, on time and at the right price is key for achieving our goals since it assists in so many parts of the job right from set up to final snagging work" stated Vicki Wiseman, Buyer at ESS.

"With Universal's good previous track record with us combined with competitive prices, large fleet and in-house logistics we were confident of a first-rate service" continued Vicki. "The S85 with its fly jib and robust construction and ability to scale well above the apex of even the main stage was the ideal plant which we chose from the spec sheet CD ROM Universal had supplied us with." added Vicki.

Strict quality and safety controls are used throughout the site.