When assembling a piece of engineering excellence the right tools for the job are essential, particularly so when it’s a multimillion pound jet engine. One challenge that Planet Platforms  recently tackled was to work round a new series of jet engines at various heights and with different engine profiles.

The issue of working at varying heights completely around an engine was to offer a pair of handed platforms with three distinct points of access; ground level, the main working platform and the platform hop-up step.

Working at ground level, the platform sub-frame is made of an aluminum box section that gives excellent head clearance as it removes the need for cross bracing which would reduce the working area. A small integral hop-up step gives that marginal additional height for engineers to work on the mid-section of engine.

Moving up the engine to the main platform area, Planet used their knowledge and expertise to offer a multi-functional work platform. The need for the equipment to suit a number of aircraft engines types/models was one of the main project briefs. To enable this Planet used a series of manually adjustable sliding fingers that profile each engine type exactly. The composite fingers were chosen for their strength but most importantly for their low slip potential. Each finger is adjusted from ground level by sliding into position and then locking in place. Fixed stop buffers prevent the over extension and accidental removal of each finger.

The final area to access was the upper fan casing section and a built-in sliding hop-up step on the main platform area helps engineers achieve this. The hop-up simply slides and locks in place and an adjacent extending guardrail provides fall protection.

The ergonomics of access equipment is as an important factor as the working platforms themselves. Features on this system included integral lighting and electrical points. These additions help improve the working area in terms of productivity and health and safety. Obviously such added features do come at a cost, but in terms of a time and motion study, they will always benefit the client.

When assembling a piece of engineering excellence the right tools for the job are essential, particularly so when it’s a multimillion pound jet engine. One challenge that Planet Platforms  recently tackled was to work round a new series of jet engines at various heights and with different engine profiles.
The issue of working at varying heights completely around an engine was to offer a pair of handed platforms with three distinct points of access; ground level, the main working platform and the platform hop-up step.
Working at ground level, the platform sub-frame is made of an aluminum box section that gives excellent head clearance as it removes the need for cross bracing which would reduce the working area. A small integral hop-up step gives that marginal additional height for engineers to work on the mid-section of engine.
Moving up the engine to the main platform area, Planet used their knowledge and expertise to offer a multi-functional work platform. The need for the equipment to suit a number of aircraft engines types/models was one of the main project briefs. To enable this Planet used a series of manually adjustable sliding fingers that profile each engine type exactly. The composite fingers were chosen for their strength but most importantly for their low slip potential. Each finger is adjusted from ground level by sliding into position and then locking in place. Fixed stop buffers prevent the over extension and accidental removal of each finger.
The final area to access was the upper fan casing section and a built-in sliding hop-up step on the main platform area helps engineers achieve this. The hop-up simply slides and locks in place and an adjacent extending guardrail provides fall protection.
The ergonomics of access equipment is as an important factor as the working platforms themselves. Features on this system included integral lighting and electrical points. These additions help improve the working area in terms of productivity and health and safety. Obviously such added features do come at a cost, but in terms of a time and motion study, they will always benefit the client.

The design and production teams at Planet Platforms have just completed one of their more unique work at height projects.

Working with the set designers for the current Girls Aloud 10th anniversary tour, Ten, the teams at Planet supplied a number of items for the main stage set. Anyone familiar with the entertainment industry will be aware how last-minute plans and designs can be and this project was no exception with Planet working around the clock so rehearsals and the main show itself would start on time.

Central to the girls’ set are two, 6-tread tiered steps, all of which are inset with lighting boxes. Nearly 100 individual step sections were completed with lighting boxes and used laser-cut and folded profiles, he method favoured by Planet’s CAD team to ensure  uniformity across the manufacturing process.

Flanking each side of the steps are two inclined video wall stands, again manufactured by the Planet teams.

However, most striking of all was the ten 1.0 metre high letters that spelt ‘Girls Aloud’ and were fixed to the suspended walkway that really had the girls working at height.

Access innovators Planet Platforms will be participating in PASMA’s pilot event ‘Tower Week’ this June. Running from June 11th – 15th in Leeds, the Yorkshire region will see the good practice with towers being promoted by the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association and its associate members. Key messages at the event include:

1.    Safe use of mobile scaffold towers
2.    Versatility of towers
3.    A snapshot of tower use
4.    Increasing competency in the use of towers
5.    Raising the awareness of PASMA

The week will start with a launch event at the Royal Armouries in Leeds and will be followed by additional events throughout the Yorkshire region.

Planet Platforms will help showcase the versatility of towers at the Leeds event and help visitors realise the advantages of using access towers.

PASMA will also be showcasing their innovative mobile app for access professionals to gain a snapshot of tower use.

Planet Platforms supported the HSE and industry partners at the Refurbishment SHAD and Exhibition event on the 24th of January 2012, just one of the many Working Well Together campaigns that span the country each year. Each year thousands of construction workers in the UK are killed, injured or have their health damaged. The working well together campaign aims to stop the suffering.

Planet Platforms, access equipment innovators, demonstrated the benefits of low-level access systems. Their stand showcased two new and innovative products that have been recently added to the Planet portfolio.

The first is a fibreglass podium is unique to the UK access marketplace and mirrors the distinctive properties of Planet’s Protec range. Partnering this was The Ultimate Work Platform (TUWP), a modular and lightweight aluminium low-level access system that enables the user to construct virtually unlimited build-configurations.

To find out more about these two new products contact Planet Platforms on 0800 0854 161 or email info@planetplatforms.co.uk .

Bristow Helicopters Ltd is once again at the forefront of safety innovations in the aviation industry with the introduction of a custom maintenance platform which will play a vital role in allowing Bristow’s aircraft engineers safe access to all areas of the Sikorsky 92 aircraft fleet during servicing.

The new maintenance platform or ‘staging’ has been designed and manufactured by access equipment specialists Planet Platforms, and comes as a direct response to specific work-at-height requirements within the Sikorsky 92.

The platform’s simplistic design and clutter-free surface provides Bristow’s engineers with a wide of variety of increased safety measures when undertaking precise tasks such as gearbox changes and ground-level maintenance.

The staging has added stability with aluminium decking which was chosen for this solution instead of standard timber to prevent any future deflection of the platform. The added stability allows for a larger cantilevered platform with few obstructions from below, whilst making the robust platforms resistant to substances and everyday wear and tear.

Among the other safety benefits to Bristow’s team of aircraft engineers are the platform’s integral air points which are time-saving when using pneumatic tools, and electric points which prevent the risk of trailing cables and extension leads. Integral lighting eliminates the need to set up time-consuming lighting rigs for night-time working and hence increases productivity during extensive mandatory safety checks.

Richard Harland, Managing Director of Planet Platforms (Northern) Ltd highlighted the need for the platform to be suitable for different climate conditions due to Bristow’s global reach and multiple locations: “We supplied the solution in pre-assembled modules for easy on-site assembly. The staging clearly solves various challenges, but it is also flexible enough to be supplied in flat-packed sections – an essential requirement as we’re supplying further staging to Bristow’s Nigerian location.”

With numerous bases around the world, Bristow Group provides aviation support to the global oil and gas industry. The company has 3,500 employees and boasts a varied fleet of around 400 aircraft.

Work at height innovator Planet Platforms has added the Autodesk® Inventor® Publisher software to the in-house resources used to create user documentation. The Publisher Software helps the marketing department at Planet Platforms to deal with CAD models without the need to access the complete CAD package or have CAD user knowledge.

User documentation is a vital part of customer experience by enabling users to have first-hand interaction with the product, sometimes even before the product is ready for delivery. The software is intuitive as in it recognizes any amendments made to the original and automatically updates the end result – referenced to the original CAD render.

Marketing Manager Tim Mee states of the latest addition: “I can start working on projects earlier instead of waiting until the equipment has been manufactured. Results can be exported to various programs including Word, PowerPoint, Video, Flash, 3D PDF and saved as raster and vector images. It certainly enhances customer experience as we’re able to deliver highly accurate and precise manuals for what are often bespoke products.”

Planet Platforms is a leading manufacturer and distributor of work place access solutions. The company also provides a number of safety inspection and working at height training programmes. Prestigious clients include: Rolls-Royce, Thomas Cook, The Royal Albert Hall, ICI Chemicals, Shell Offshore and The National Trust.

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The Winshill Football Club U14s girls’ team, sponsored by Planet Platforms, has finished in runner up position at the end of the girls’ league season after losing only two games.

The games lost were to league champions Chellaston girls’ teams. The 2-1 victory after extra time secured the Winshill Girls’ final spot for the third time in four seasons, in preparation for the much awaited final on the 21st of May, with kick off at 3.30pm.

Planet Platforms is an access equipment manufacturer and distributor with clients such as Rolls-Royce, The Orient Express, BAE Systems and The National Trust. Sponsoring the Winshill U14 Girls’ Team stands for Planet’s active encouragement of outdoor exercise and keeping fit.

Winning employee of the month also makes Dave eligible to win Employee of the Year with the prize incentive of £100. Congratulations!

Work at Height innovator and manufacturer Planet Platforms has recently purchased a lorry to undertake deliveries of access equipment. The 7.5 tonne drop side vehicle has been wrapped in Planet’s corporate livery to make it instantly recognisable to customers.

Marketing Manager Tim Mee said of the purchase “The new lorry will enable us to meet even tighter delivery schedules. Also, any cost savings of not having the delivery undertaken by a third party can be directly passed on to our customers.”

Planet Platforms’ solutions cover work at height challenges nationally. The company has branches and representatives in Tyne & Wear, Lancashire and Norwich, with the head office in Wakefield, West Yorkshire.

Wakefield-based work at height innovator Planet Platforms has been commended upon completing 10 years as an ‘Investors in People’ accredited organisation. Planet Platforms is one of the select but growing number of organisations in the country to have achieved this significant milestone that demonstrates an ongoing dedication to staff and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Launched in 1991, Investors in People offers a business improvement tool designed to help all kinds of organisations develop performance through their people. It provides tailored assessments designed to support organisations in planning, implementing and evaluating effective strategies and is relevant for organisations of all sizes and sectors.

Planet Platforms is a leading manufacturer and distributor of work place access solutions. The company also provides a number of safety inspection and working at height training programmes. Prestigious clients include: Rolls-Royce, Thomas Cook, The Royal Albert Hall, ICI Chemicals, Shell Offshore and The National Trust.

For more information please visit www.investorsinpeople.co.uk.