Throughout this three-year transport system development, best practice and user health and safety have been the priorities. Steps at the stops were designed to minimise risk of trips and slips by the able, disabled and visually impaired.
Each of the 1,400 pre-cast concrete steps to the new platforms required a non slip front nose (front edge) and MPT scoured the world for suitable products. The design criteria required that the nosing be:
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- Suitable for heavy use in an external environment
- Compliant to the Building Regulation Part M
- Providing a solution in accordance with BS8300 2009 Inner B Code of Practice, against the finished concrete in both wet and dry conditions
MPT Engineering Manager, Adrian Rowe and his team tested a wide range of products, short listing three, including Watco Safety Edge GRP. Our product met the design criteria but was unavailable in the required specification, size and colour; it was however the only nosing of the three with perfect internal angles so it sat snugly on the nose of the pre-cast step.
Not wanting to let this opportunity pass us by, we took up the challenge and developed an exclusive version of Safety Edge GRP in black, with a 70mm tread and 55mm riser.
Adrian commented: “Watco was brilliant in sorting out our problem giving us excellent service throughout. It understood our needs and delivered prototypes in a week. It also finished product development, manufactured and shipped the nosings to meet our tight installation schedule. Nothing was too much trouble. I would recommend Watco to anyone for top quality specialist flooring products.”
Following the first installation in February 2011, Watco Safety Edge is now being screwed and bonded to steps at every stop along the 49 stop extension for the Manchester Metro.
If you have a floor coating or safety problem please let us know. You can email us at info@watco.co.uk or call 01483 425000 to speak direct to one of our technical
advisors.
Watco Safety Edge GRP
An economical, quick to install safety feature. Watco Safety Edge GRP offers a tough GRP base that is resistant to stretching, warping and swelling. We offer two grades; medium for internal and coarse for external stairs, both of which are easily glued using Watco Adhesive Mastic or drilled for screw fixing. The textured finish offers excellent slip-resistance and a chamfered back edge minimises trip potential. Available in white or yellow, Watco Safety Edge GRP can be cut on site if required using a hacksaw or similar cutting tool.
