Platform for success
Published: 17 June, 2010
The modern access platform is a wonderful invention, but not all are fine-tuned to the intricacies of working in the modern shopping centre, writes Steve Hadfield
When it opened in October 2008, Westfield London was keen to identify platform solutions which would provide the high levels of efficiency vital to running the capital’s newest shopping experience.
In-house personnel undertake the majority of maintenance and ‘at height’ tasks in and around the centre. Event rigging overnight in the centre’s trademark atrium or other media sites is one of the bigger tests for the team and its chosen platforms.
“We usually have just eight hours to set up events, including all the staging and rigs for lighting and technical production,” says Simon Jones, Westfield London’s technical manager for events.
“Clients are paying for the site so it’s vital we have everything ready to go for them on time. We need reliable, versatile platforms which we can work with quickly to get everything done.”
Following the launch of Westfield London in 2008, the team trialled various equipment to find the optimum product and consequently selected the Teupen tracked Spiderlift. “The Teupen proved to be efficient, speedy and the best for reliability. We use a 30m model (Leo 30) to set up events in the atrium. It gives us all the operational speed we need to get everything done overnight.” He adds: “We can also take full advantage of the 200kg platform capacity. Two operators can be up in the basket with their harnesses, work gear and tools, and still use the full working envelope.”
The centre uses larger Leos (23m, 30m, 40m and 50m) in the dynamic atrium space with its trademark tree-like columns.
Simon Jones points out: “The platforms are relatively light for their size and the tracks spread floor loads, so we don’t need to worry about damaging floors or exceeding loads on upper levels.”
Using its non-marking track belt and broad stabiliser pads to maximise contact area, the Leo Spiderlift cleverly distributes and diffuses the surface and concentrated loads imposed on the floor.
Surface loads for the full Leo range (12m to 50m) fall well within the 5kN/m2 maximum design load of modern floor schemes: a notable feat given that the machines still anchor the greatest outreach-to-height ratio of any comparable platform, and from the most compact outrigger footprint.
Simon Jones says: “The tracks give better control of the machine in tight space, allowing it to turn on its axis compared to the larger turning circle of wheeled platforms and the ability to raise or lower the tracks is also useful when we need to get through low doorways.”
This flexibility comes from the patented adjustable crawler undercarriage allowing track width, height and balance to be set for work on slopes, uneven ground or even straddling steps.
“The remote control is really useful,” says Jones. “You can walk around the platform as you operate it and check you are clear of obstacles.” He adds: “If you need to crane the machine up a level, it has all the necessary fixing points for hoists. It’s German engineering that is made for the job. They’ve thought about the design. It’s never limited us.”
When it launched the Leo in the late 1980s, Teupen had pioneered the first tracked chassis Spiderlift. It was meticulously designed ‘ground up’ to bring safe, versatile access to interior ‘at height’ work, especially the challenges set by the emerging multi-storey shopping mall.
A prime design objective was to give the user full rein of the platform’s sophisticated capabilities through simple, intuitive, failsafe controls. Intelligent microprocessor control also ensures that machine operation automatically remains within safe preset parameters. There is no fear of machine cut-outs to interrupt progress, for example, a frustrating feature of some platforms when overload sensors are triggered.
Teupen reliability, flexibility and productivity offer a low cost of ownership and high residual value. The investment will undoubtedly make a long-term contribution to business efficiency at Westfield London.
Steve Hadfield is MD at Ranger Equipment.
