This is perfectly illustrated by a project Planet Platforms recently completed for Volkins Construction on behalf of University College London Hospitals (UCLH).
Access to a mezzanine floor in one of the hospital plant rooms was via Cat ladder, hooped at the top in accordance with the design regulations. However, this vertical means of access is restrictive to users, particularly when carrying tools and equipment to conduct in a safe and practical manner.
Over time, the need to access the mezzanine floor has increased and personnel identified a more ergonomic method was needed.
The solution was to replace the Cat ladder with an inclined staircase, manufactured in sectional pieces, as all materials had to manually moved through a series of lifts and narrow corridors at the UCLH site.
Using a mixture of galvanised laser-cut parts and standard Kee fittings, the installation team from Planet were able to utilise in the new staircase with the existing welded handrail structure.
