Harsco screens for safety

UK scaffolding and access equipment supplier Harsco Infrastructure has been contracted by AJ Morrisroe of Borehamwood to provide its Safescreen system for a major new commercial development under construction in Manchester.

The perforated metal mesh Safescreen system is being used on the One, St. Peter’s Square project, to enclose multiple work floors and safeguard site personnel against falls from height, objects and debris being dropped from height, and adverse weather conditions.

The asymmetrical shape of the concrete-framed building provided a challenge, as Harsco’s product engineer Nigel Phan explained: “The upper floors are stepped in and out from the building line to create an irregular façade. This creates different clearances to the slab edge, but the Safescreen units feature pull-out platforms which can be used to equalise these differences.”

The platforms enable Safescreen to create a uniform layer of protection, and on some floors to provide additional working space that extends beyond the slab edge. This feature can be particularly beneficial for floors where concrete has been freshly poured, said the company.

When a level has been constructed, the screens can be raised using hydraulic equipment, which can be operated by just three persons.

When complete in 2014, the 270,000 sq ft (82,000 square metre) mixed use development will offer office accommodation and cultural space for public exhibitions.