Taking outdoor LED to the next level for professionals

Building Products Index Ltd LED Lighting Leave a Comment

View the Timeguard entry on BPindex

View the Timeguard website

The demand for automatic outdoor LED lighting never seems to fade. There are plenty of products for installers to choose from, but which should you choose to add a professional touch? We looked at the trusted Timeguard range:

 

  • Customisation

One of the ‘Top’ products since its launch, is the Timeguard LED Pro range, a range that really does tick all the boxes for professional installers.

For those of you still unfamiliar with the concept, LED Pro is a range of floodlights with interchangeable controls. Installers choose the most suitable floodlight power for the job at hand, IE: 10W to 100W per flood, and then decide how they want it switched: PIR, photocell, RF remote, or as a slave – and plug the two together on site. Change your mind? It’s easy to mx and match. Look out for a new integrated functionality later this year, which will be ideal for new installs or to update existing ones.

 

  • Wide beam lights that really do flood

It might sound simple, but the right sort of illumination can’t be taken for granted. When it’s right, it’s the signature of good quality design. If you need greater light coverage be sure to ask for a wide beam floodlight design.

Uncontrolled LED’s emit a straight beam so, if the floodlight isn’t designed to control and distribute the light evenly, the floodlight will have a spotlight-like effect when what people really want is a wide even spread of light. A quick check is to keep a look out for lenses over the diodes as that’s a sure tip that the designer has considered light beams and angles. Where you have a big area to illuminate, choose LED floodlights with arrays designed specifically to provide the ‘really wide’ beam you may need. It is an option we now offer across our ranges, including the LED-X rust-resistant models.

  • Rust free good looks

Rust resistance is crucial for keeping good looks and avoiding the tell-tale sign of unsightly running marks often seen down the wall. Even though most LED floodlights are now made primarily of polycarbonate, the brackets are normally always mild steel that will corrode and rust. That’s why we designed the rust resistant range, ideal for coastal areas or installation in damper places with every single metallic component, including the bracket manufactured from rust-resistant 316 stainless steel – even down to the screws on the PCB board.

When we designed the rust resistant floodlight range, we also took the opportunity to devise an optional pan & tilt bracket that allows for the floodlight to be panned sideways (left & right) and then vertically by the floodlight fitting itself for precise and accurate area illumination.

Using stainless steel components inside and out keep these lights corrosion-free for years and allowed for a curved bracket so you can pan as well as tilt the lamp to suit.

  • The not-so-basic bulkheads

Demand for bulkhead designs that sit flush to the wall never falters, but there’s no reason for them to be left behind in the quality and design stakes. We continue to improve on them and, while we still offer retro die-cast models, our LED88 polycarbonate versions with & without PIR’s seem to be a market favourite. Easy to install, easy to use and easy on the eye.

  • Small is beautiful

When we first introduced the revolutionary design of the ultra-compact Nighteye range, with both single headed and twin headed versions, it was widely seen that the single units are hardly bigger than a man’s hand – wow!  “Could they do the job”, you asked?  Well, they certainly can, and they’ve proved that they also last the course and give years & years of service. The next step was evolution, incorporating the PIR detector within the main housing in the EVO range so that the detectors are ‘hidden’ but still offer easy to set time and lux control settings. With single and twin floodlight options in black or white, they look great and they do a great job!  We rest our case.

Available in black and white these lamps with concealed PI detectors are hardly bigger than your hand

Find out more at www.timeguard.com – or give us a call us and we can talk about the ranges available and which ones best suit your needs.

Product Focus – Koster KB Flex 200

Building Products Index Ltd waterproofing Leave a Comment

View the Delta Membranes entry on BPindex

Visit the Delta Membranes website

With a long background in structural waterproofing, Delta’s Director, Christopher Burbridge, tells us all about one of his favourite products.

As much as I love structural waterproofing (and trust, me I really love it), Koster products really are a place to invest when it comes to your project needs. I’m not saying you must drop half your budget on a lot of products, but you do have to invest time, research and yes, perhaps a little cash, when it comes to creating a robust solution.

What is it? Where did it come from?

A WOW product and one that never fails to impress me is Koster KB Flex 200. I absolutely love how Koster KB Flex 200 can instantaneously stop water in its tracks. Within seconds KB Flex 200 can solve massive problems, turning into an incredibly easy solution.  It’s a great “Impact” product.

It is incredibly useful on lots of waterproofing project and is user-friendly.

Koster Bauchemie AG have been specialising in development and production of high-quality waterproofing systems since 1982. Their headquarters are in the lovely town of Aurich, Germany.

Delta Membrane Systems is the UK distributor of Koster products.

What does it do?

Koster KB Flex 200 is a permanent plastic sealing compound ideal for sealing pipe and cable penetrations, cavities and for custom detail waterproofing solutions against moisture and pressurized water.

Prior to application, the Koster KB-Flex 200 cartridges are laid into warm water and heated to approx. +30 °C. This ensures that the material has the optimal consistency for application. The application area flanks must be thoroughly cleaned from the inside so that they are free of dust, sand and other loose particles.

 

Koster KB Flex 200 must be dimensioned so that the ratio of the width (w) to the diameter (d) of the installed material is not below 1.5:1. The maximum diameter of the waterproofing is 300 mm. Before applying Koster KB Flex 200, a backing is installed in the penetration at a depth of 10 cm using a common 2C PU foam. The Koster KB Flex 200 cartridge is then placed in the gun and the material is pressed into the penetration from back to front utilizing the nozzle so that the resulting layer thickness is at least 8 cm.

what keeps you continually using it?

Delta has an incredibly famous phrase “locking down a structure”. When we use this in a technical term, we are looking to stop any active water/leaks percolating through the structure at that time and/or to protect areas that are weak points such as service penetrations, which have the potential to leak. We need to ensure these areas are sealed prior to the application of the waterproofing system.

As I mentioned previously Koster KB Flex 200 is a great impact product. It makes the job of “locking down a structure” an incredibly easy one.

Koster KB Flex 200 can be used anywhere – from existing structures, to basements, swimming pools, as well as on new build projects.

The product is ideal because:

  • it doesn’t require ongoing maintenance
  • it instantly can stop flowing water
  • it doesn’t dry out and remains permanently mouldable
  • it adheres extremely well to dry and moist substates
  • it’s a great solution for sealing pipe and cable penetrations along with leak sealing and gap filling and sealing
  • it can be applied to dry, moist or wet substrates
  • it has an immediate functionality
  • it’s suitable for both positive and negative waterproofing

Want to witness Koster KB Flex 200 in action?  We have a great “How to” video guide on our website “How To” Video Guide – Koster KB Flex 200 – Delta Membranes and we absolutely love showing our customers how great a product this is by doing live demonstrations at Delta HQ.

If you’re passing HQ and would like a demo – we’ll always be happy to show you the value of this product.

To find out more about Delta products, call 01992 523 523 or email: info@deltamembranes.com.

Keeping pace with home improvement demands

Building Products Index Ltd Doors, PVC-U, PVC-U, Windows Leave a Comment

Visit the Eurocell website

View the Eurocell entry on BPindex

At Eurocell, our extensive product range ensures that we not only supply the products the market wants, but that we’re also providing the practical benefits and added value advantages fabricators need.

Locally made, locally recycled

Top of the agenda for many people is the issue of sustainability, and as we move towards a zero-carbon society this is only going to become more important. To play our part, approximately one third of the 60,000 tonnes of product we make is recycled. We achieve this by creating the engineered central core, which typically makes up 50% of a product, from recycled material while any products not exposed to direct sunlight are 100% recycled. In fact, we’re so committed to sustainability that we’ve invested over £10m in developing our PVC-U recycling plant.

Not only do we do all our recycling in the UK, but all our manufactured products are produced in a number of production sites in the UK, with the main extrusion being in our purpose-built facilities in Derbyshire. This ability to both manufacture and recycle all Eurocell products within the country means that they have the smallest carbon footprint possible. The home-grown self-sufficiency we’ve built up also means that we don’t depend on long supply chains and can ensure a continuity of supply to our customers.

Amazing aesthetics

Windows, doors and conservatories have a significant impact on a home’s appearance, so we’ve developed our systems in a wide variety of colours and styles to ensure that we’re always ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest design trends. A great example of this is our anthracite grey colour option, which has become a popular choice thanks to its high-end visual impact. We’ve even created frames that extend this colour throughout the whole profile, rather than just on the surface foil, so there’s no sign of a white PVC-U core. This creates a premium all-grey appearance without incurring the cost of an expensive aluminium frame.

If grey isn’t the right shade, we’re able to provide frames in an almost unlimited array of colours and styles. This includes the PVC-U Modus system, which is available in colours to fit any design scheme and which can even be supplied with metallic and woodgrain finishes.

Creating bright and open homes

Perhaps the space where maximising light is the most important is the conservatory. Available in a wide variety of visual options, from classic Edwardian and Victorian styles to bespoke designs, our conservatory collection has the solution for any project. For even more versatility, homes with flat roofs can use our Skypod roof lantern range, while homeowners with conservatories that want to make them more thermally comfortable spaces can utilise our Equinox tiled conservatory roof system.

Closer collaborations

To make it even easier for fabricators to offer the full range of Eurocell products, we’ve launched the Fabricator Network Portal. This online platform allows fabricators to easily identify and trade with other fabricators in their area that have products they may not. This means that fabricators don’t have to worry about restricting their offering to a reduced selection of Eurocell solutions, as they’ll be able to access the whole range, enabling them to easily provide their customers with a wider variety of products.

The winter season is likely to be a busy time for fabricators and the whole home improvement industry. By making it easier to collaborate and source the right products at the right time, it will help everyone to work faster and smarter so that we can we start the new year on a strong and successful footing. As we’re always innovating and coming up with new ideas, products and services at Eurocell, you can rest assured that we’ll be there to make sure you can keep this growth going all throughout 2021.

NEW RECOVER CARPET TILES AND SHEET MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIAL

Building Products Index Ltd Carpets Leave a Comment

View the Rawson Carpet entry on BPindex

Visit the Rawson Carpet website

Picture 1Through research and development, UK Manufacturer Rawson have created a product which is surely the future for interior textiles.

A fully recyclable Carpet tile. No Landfill. No Additives. No Latex. Single Polymer. Made from 80% recycled material.

Utilising the highest grade Polyester PET, and advanced machinery, a soft luxurious surface product in a selection of aesthetic colours has been created.

This, backed with a specially designed single polymer robust backing for the tile, provides a product to the market with proven recyclability back into PET, offering a multitude of further life uses.

Recover is available in sheet and tile. both are manufactured using 80% recycled material.

Our standard swatch is available ex stock, however as a manufacturer, bespoke colours and designs are always an option.

The benefits continue with a light weight box, easy cutting and high acoustic and thermal properties.


Specification

Surface Material:80% Recycled PET Polyester 20% Virgin Polyester

Backing Material:80% Recycled PET Polyester 20% Virgin Polyester

3Q5A0609 greenSurface weight:1000g

Total weight: 2000g

Thickness: 7mm

Tiles per box: 20 (5M sq)

Dimensional stability:Pass

Fire Accreditations:Pass

swatches

 

 

 

 

 

Get in touch with their creative sales team for more information and technical knowledge.

+44 (0) 1924 382860

rcsales@werawson.co.uk

www.rawsoncarpetsolutions.co.uk

 

Using Daylight To Create A Brighter Future

Building Products Index Ltd Steel, Windows Leave a Comment

View the Crittal Windows entry on BPindex

Visit the Crittal Windows website

As winter approaches and the days shorten many people – office workers, students, home owners – look back on the long days of summer with a sense of regret. Daylight flooding into workplaces, schools, and homes has a positive impact on our daily lives, and that is not just a vague feeling, it’s a scientifically proven fact and one that architects and designers are keen to exploit.

The 2017 Nobel Prize for Medicine went to three American scientists for their work on understanding circadian rhythms – the 24-hour cycle also known as the internal body clock. Daylight suppresses the hormone that induces sleep and the ultraviolet wavelengths in natural light have a positive effect on the body’s immune system. In other words, daylight induces wakefulness, cognitive function, productivity, general health and healing. No wonder in a recent – 2018 – survey 80 percent of UK office workers said daylight was important to them.

This, for a growing number of architects, is a clarion call for natural light to be recognised as a powerful design tool. A report by US practice HMC Architects comments: “As the importance of sustainable design grows, passive strategies like daylighting have become critical in reducing the impact of the built environment.” And they continue: “Today, we have more tools than ever to harness daylight. From innovative reflective materials to advanced computer modelling, architects are using modern technology to light buildings more efficiently. When you embrace these systems, you’ll create a brighter future.”

The most obvious component for assisting this design outcome is the window taking account, not just of its scale and positioning, but also its frame and glazing. The UK’s Building Regulations Part L1A, address the issue in an oblique manner while considering the balance between the insulation of a building and its energy demands. The Regs point out that: “Limiting the glazing on a project will increase the building’s reliance on artificial lighting, increasing the house’s energy demands.” But, conversely, “Overglazing might reduce the overall thermal insulation of a building.”

So there’s a delicate balance to be struck. A plentiful supply of natural daylight, not merely into but throughout a building, good insulation but adequate ventilation, and acoustic control all form parts of this elaborate jigsaw.

Steel window manufacturer Crittall is in a unique position to offer complete solutions to these cross-cutting issues so as to provide specifically tailored environmental conditions, whether the end result is a office complex, a university, a hospital or a home.

The hallmark of a Crittall window is the slender steel frame that is so much slimmer – and therefore admits so much more light – than the alternative window systems that use PVCu, timber or aluminium. All these alternatives require significantly larger profiles due to the basic differences in the frame material and their relative strengths. Crittall has a solution to offer whether the particular project demands a high performance, thermally broken steel system or a traditional rolled steel profile, both of which enhance the thermal performance of buildings, assisted by the windows’ excellent weathertightness and an extensive choice of glazing to control solar gain as required.

The use of such fenestration forms an important part of an architect’s passive daylighting strategy and addresses the issue of ‘collecting’ light into the building. But further options are available from Crittall to assist in the ‘distribution’ of natural light through the interior of a building. This can be achieved by incorporating Crittall Innervision® glazed interior partitioning screens, a seamless transfer of that increased level of natural daylight throughout the building reaching even the most remote working areas.

The performance of glazed interior screens can be further tailored to fine-tune levels of acoustic insulation, light transmission, thermal insulation and natural ventilation control to suit individual clients and applications.

As with its exterior windows, Crittall Innervision® screens are similarly manufactured using strong narrow steel frame and glazing bar profiles to offer maximum design flexibility without compromising the design intent.

They have been used in offices to provide acoustically separated working environments, in hotels, restaurants and homes to open-up the appearance of internal space while creating privacy and comfort without shutting out the light of day.

Passive daylighting strategies are a significant design tool for making buildings more environmentally sustainable while ensuring their occupants – whether pupil, patient, clerk, guest or resident – benefit from being inside. So, it’s time to do away with daylight robbery!

HEWI Solutions: Hand disinfection in the entrance area

Building Products Index Ltd sanitary accessories Leave a Comment

View the HEWI entry on BPi

Visit the HEWI website

The first impression counts: Hygiene is becoming increasingly important in people’s consciousness. The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic are affecting many areas of daily life. Companies, hotels and institutions are faced with the challenge of enabling customers, guests, patients and visitors to disinfect their hands in the entrance area. Discover our mobile disinfection dispenser column for active infection protection – where you need it.

 

HYGIENE WITH STYLE: THE NEW DISINFECTANT DISPENSER FROM HEWI

The new disinfectant dispenser column from HEWI meets the increased hygiene requirements in public and highly frequented areas. The mobile solution for hand disinfection increases hygiene in entrance areas of healthcare buildings, public buildings and the catering and hotel industry.

With the disinfectant dispenser column, HEWI offers design options and enables aesthetic implementation of hygiene measures in entrance areas and lobbies. The design line is available in stainless steel and powder-coated surfaces with a deep matt finish in white, grey tones or black.

DISINFECTION STAND STANDING

There are two functional dispenser variants to choose from: In the sensoric version, the sensor dispenser can be used without contact and is equipped with a drip tray. Thanks to a reinforced base, the column offers optimum stability for hand disinfection in the entrance area even with the manually operated dispenser version.

SYSTEM COMPETENCE – HYGIENE CONCEPT WITH COORDINATED DESIGN

The standing version of the disinfectant dispenser can be combined with other sanitary solutions. Soap and disinfectant dispensers, paper towel dispensers and waste bins are available in the respective design language.

 

More informations: https://www.hewi.com/en/sanitary/dispenser-systems

Newton and Axter Partner to Combine Waterproofing Expertise

Building Products Index Ltd waterproofing Leave a Comment

View the Newton Waterproofing entry on BPindex

Visit the Newton Waterproofing website

Newton Waterproofing Systems and Axter Limited are proud to announce their UK waterproofing partnership. The two companies will be combining their expertise in basement waterproofing and podium deck and roof waterproofing in order to provide excellence to all customers.

The partnership will help to bridge the interface design and liability gap between above and below ground waterproofing; two disciplines that are typically seen on most concrete frame podiums.

Axter are a global roof waterproofing designer and manufacturer with vast expertise in both the new-build and refurbishment flat roof sectors. For more than 30 years they have been delivering excellence to their customers, reshaping roof waterproofing and sustainable roof design.

“Axter are proud to be a design partner of Newton, closing the design and guarantee link between below and above ground waterproof detailing. We’ve been working collaboratively on a series of tried and tested compatible interface details ranging from pile caps to property lines and upstand details, amongst others, in order to eliminate the design risk for architects and specifiers, and to ensure a guaranteed solution that does not leak.” – Michael Anaxagorou, Sales Director, Axter Ltd.

If you have a project that includes below-ground structural waterproofing and above-ground roof waterproofing, you can get in touch with the Newton and Axter technical teams by calling us on 01732 280640 or emailing tech@newtonwaterproofing.co.uk.

Introducing SMARTPLY MAX FR B

Building Products Index Ltd MDF Panels, Panels Leave a Comment

View the MEDITE SMARTPLY entry on BPi

Visit the MEDITE SMARTPLY website

MEDITE SMARTPLY has now launched SMARTPLY MAX FR B, the brand new Euroclass B OSB3, a market innovation bringing increased safety and reliability to an industry contingent on safety and predictability.

SMARTPLY MAX FR B is the first Euroclass B board—the maximum Euroclass rating for a timber panel—manufactured in the UK and Ireland to feature wood flakes treated with flame retardant solution before pressing. This ensures its flame retardance is integral and maintains its structural integrity, unlike many post-treated alternatives, making it the safer choice for use within timber frame construction, or projects that will require a large amount of timber product.

“We are extremely excited to introduce SMARTPLY MAX FR B to the marketplace, expanding our already extensive SMARTPLY OSB range,” comments Richard Allen, Sales Director at MEDITE SMARTPLY.

“In SMARTPLY MAX FR B, customers can expect all the fantastic benefits of a SMARTPLY OSB board, with the addition of ZeroIgnition® solution, a water based and environmentally friendly flame retardant which is added during panel production.

“This is a solution that has potential in a huge range of applications and industries, encompassing many modern methods of construction such as offsite and timber frame construction, light gauge steel and modular construction systems, as well as temporary structures.

“Whatever the sector, all customers can rest assured that this board’s flame retardance will hold to Euroclass B standard, even when cut to size, which makes it different to other FR boards out there.”

Manufactured using advanced resin technology that results in a high performance, no added formaldehyde panel, SMARTPLY MAX FR B can help specifying architects, contractors and fabricators contribute to the creation of safer, healthier environments.

This includes not only the built environments actively created but the natural environments left behind: SMARTPLY MAX FR B is sustainably produced using timber from sustainably managed Irish forests.

“At MEDITE SMARTPLY, we want to support a safer, wider future for timber buildings, that will enable the wider construction industry to work more sustainably and more efficiently, truly building for the future. This has been one of our main motivations in developing SMARTPLY MAX FR B.”

SMARTPLY MAX FR B also complies with the performance requirements in the Structural Timber Association’s (or the STA’s) FR BUILD “Design guide to separating distances during construction” for timber frame buildings above 600m² total floor area. We refer to this product as SMARTPLY MAX FR/FR BUILD within our range.

SMARTPLY MAX FR/FR BUILD can be used in a timber frame building when mitigation measures are required due to the distance from neighbouring buildings. There are wall and floor systems outlined within the guide which give points towards the overall building, this satisfies any mitigation that may be required. Please refer to the STA guide for more information.

Finally, SMARTPLY MAX FR B meets with the requirements of European Standards EN 300 and EN 13986, while also complying with the European reaction to fire class B-s2,d0 and Bfl-s1. Boards can be manufactured in largescale formats of up to 2.8m wide by 7.5m long, making it ideal for offsite manufacturing, alongside traditional building.

For more information of the new SMARTPLY MAX FR B, visit: mdfosb.com/en/smartply/products/smartply-max-fr-b

Staying Dry

Building Products Index Ltd Filler Leave a Comment

View the Toupret entry on BPindex

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Toupret’s HUMI-BLOCK solves a perennial problem for those who need to repair damp-damaged surfaces during restoration or remedial work. This highly effective damp-proof skimming filler provides a breathable barrier that blocks water penetration while still allowing water vapour to pass through substrates. It is a much-needed, reliable solution that resolves an all-too-common issue in repairs and maintenance work.

HUMI-BLOCK’s breathability helps to avoid replacing simple damp or flooding problems with condensation and mould issues. The professional grade damp-proof filler draws on Toupret’s 80-years-plus of industry experience, is easy to apply and has been specially developed for use on substrates that have suffered from damp, flooding or water ingress. This makes it ideal for flood-damaged basements, as well as cellars or garages above the water line.

This expertly formulated filler is easy to apply on damp or dry raw masonry or brickwork that is otherwise clean, sound, cohesive and hard. It can be applied as a skim coat and, additionally, to fill holes and cracks locally up to 1cm. HUMI-BLOCK can be applied to dry or damp substrates, allowing trades to get to work on water damaged areas far more quickly once they are stripped back to the brickwork. This means faster completion and decoration, which equals saved time and costs.

Once applied, HUMI-BLOCK can be coated with any water vapour permeable paint or system, including Toupret products such as Joint, Skim & Fill, Airspray or Decorator’s Skimcoat. There is no need to seal HUMI-BLOCK after applying it, because it will do the job of blocking inward damp penetration and the unwanted effects that can have, such as bubbling, flaking or crumbling substrates or finishes.

HUMI-BLOCK has a working time of up to four-hours and can be applied with a brush or trowel. It comes in 6kg handy-sized bags for smaller projects, or 20kg bags for larger jobs or heavy users. The product promotes maximum adhesion of coatings and finishes and is classified for water vapour permeability standards: V1 for EN ISO 7783-2 and W3 for EN ISO 1062-3.

As always, the experts from Toupret can provide on-site guidance or demonstrations for this product, as well as bespoke training from our technical team. HUMI-BLOCK and the rest of the Toupret range are widely available from leading building and decorators’ merchants across the UK.

 

For further information on HUMI-BLOCK and the whole Toupret fillers range, see www.toupret.co.uk.

Crossrail systemwide contractor ATC reaches for new heights with the help of Bilco UK

Building Products Index Ltd access solutions Leave a Comment

View the Bilco UK entry on BPindex

Visit the Bilco UK website

With the new Elizabeth line set to deliver a 10% increase in rail capacity across central London, the project will provide a high frequency service that reduces journey times and creates new travel opportunities by linking 41 stations across 100 kilometres.

As part of the landmark construction project, over 42 kilometres of new tunnels, 50 kilometres of new track and 10 new stations are being developed in conjunction with major upgrades to the existing infrastructure.

Throughout the construction stages of the central section, which spans from Westbourne Park to Plumstead and Pudding Mill Lane, over 350 of Bilco UK’s innovative aluminium Ladder Up® Safety Posts have been specified by Crossrail’s systemwide contractor Alstom TSO Costain Joint Venture (ATC Systemwide) to provide safe and secure access.

Weighing just seven kilograms due to the milled aluminium construction, the resilient Ladder Up® Safety Posts will provide engineers with unobstructed access to the walkways when conducting essential maintenance throughout the tunnels, once the line is operational.

Once fully open, the Elizabeth line will provide an additional 1.5 million people with access to central London within 45 minutes, covering Reading and Heathrow in the West, right through to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the East.

The specification process, managed by Construction & Rail Contractors McNealy Brown, focused on the requirement for durable yet functional access solutions that would consistently provide a safe and direct step through onto the walkway, without impacting on the surrounding electrical services.

The unique and high quality construction of the Ladder Up® Safety Post fulfilled each requirement of the brief. This includes features such as the innovative telescopic post, which mounts permanently to the top two rungs of any fixed ladder to provide a secure handhold that enables the user to enter or exit the opening in an upright and balanced position.

Clive Burfoot, Contract Manager at McNealy Brown, said: “When we first began researching potential access solutions for the Crossrail project’s central section, it became clear quite quickly that the Bilco UK Ladder Up® Safety Post was the only product available on the UK market that would fulfil our extensive list of requirements.

“The telescopic extension was one of the main benefits that secured its specification for this project, as it enables the Ladder Up® safety post to be both retracted and extended, a key function that wasn’t available with any other access solution.”

Each ladder has been installed with two Ladder Up® Safety Posts, which are located on either side of the ladder to provide the direct step through onto the walkway for increased safety and efficiency.

The installation process, which has been managed by ATC Systemwide, will provide secure access throughout all essential areas of the central section, including at either end of every station and at additional strategic locations.

Vimesshen Ravindran, Senior Mechanical Engineer at ATC Systemwide, said: “The lightweight construction of the Ladder Up® Safety Posts ensured the installation process was quick and easy, resulting in no unforeseen issues on site. When the system retracts, the high quality spring-balance and convenient lever release provides a controlled means of lowering into its retracted position. This delivers enhanced ease of operation, ensuring long term suitability and usability for the engineers when undertaking future maintenance tasks.

“The Ladder Up® Safety Posts will play an essential role in ensuring the central section of the Elizabeth line continues to run at the highest standard, so it was crucial we specified access solutions that would facilitate the continued maintenance of the line, safely and efficiently.”

The telescopic tubular section automatically locks when fully extended, while the adjustable mounting hardware accommodates any ladder rung size or spacing. The corrosion resistant construction can also withstand the demanding environment of the London underground system, ensuring its successful operation for years to come.

Darren Waters, Managing Director of Bilco UK, said: “We are extremely proud to have been involved in the UK’s high profile Crossrail infrastructure project and have worked closely with McNealy Brown and ATC Systemwide throughout every stage of the specification and installation stages.

“This has ensured our unique Ladder Up® Safety Posts have fulfilled each individual requirement of the central section of the Elizabeth line, from security and ease of usability, right through to long term durability. We look forward to seeing the completion of the Crossrail project as our innovative access solutions play a vital role in ensuring its safe and successful operation.”

Aiming to make travelling throughout the capital easier, quicker and less crowded for passengers, the Elizabeth line will not only reduce the strain on London’s transport network but transform the way passengers experience and interact with the city and its suburbs.

For further information on Bilco UK’s complete range of roof access solutions, visit www.bilcouk.co.uk or call 01284 701696.