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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