Stepping up safety with Watco

New builds allow contractors to specify the best and latest products for the task – and Manchester Metro’s 49 stop extension was no exception – but one essential product did not exist until Watco accepted the challenge.

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).

None of the existing nose products could meet all of the design criteria in terms of being suitable for heavy use in an external environment; compliance with the Building Regulation Part M and the provision of a solution in accordance with BS8300 2009 Annex B Code of Practice, against the finished concrete in both wet and dry conditions

Adrian Rowe, MPT Engineering Manager and his team tested a wide range of products short listing three, including Watco’s Safety Edge GRP. This met the specification but was unavailable in the required specification, size and colour.

Adrian commented: “Watco developed an exclusive version of its Safety Edge GRP, in the specified black shade, with a 70mm tread and 55mm riser that fitted on to the rebated precast step to keep the nosing flush. It also had perfect internal angles so it sat snugly on the standard profile of the nose on the precast concrete steps.”

The new Watco Safety Edge product has ticked all the technical boxes and is now being screwed and bonded to the steps at every stop.

If you have a floor coating or safety problem please contact Watco: www.watco.co.uk or call 01483 425000 to speak to one of its technical advisors.