Access systems facilitate staff safety for port authority

The Port Authority in Western Australia was established following the Ports Legislation Act 2014, which consolidated seven of Western Australia’s eight port authorities into four new regional port authorities. The Port Authority strives to become the global leader in port planning, operations and marine services, and continuously improves its operations for the benefits of customers, stakeholders and communities. The Port Authority engaged Treadwell to provide new handrails as well as an access ramp, to facilitate safe access for staff.

In response, Treadwell supplied its Access Systems GratEX FRP Mini Mesh Grating and RailEX Round Handrails. Treadwell overcame many challenges over the course of the project. The exposed marine environment accelerated corrosion on structures in the vicinity. However, with their track record of performing beyond expectations in similar environments, Treadwell FRP products provided durability and dependability.

The chosen material for the handrails also had to have low thermal conductivity so that it would be safe to use even in high temperatures, while remaining robust in the outdoor environment. The RailEX Round handrails were assembled accordingly, using a zero-weld method that reduces the chance of corrosion. RailEX is also a suitable alternative to metallic handrails and offers electrical transparency, while being non-conductive in nature.

The Port Authority also required the selected grating to be anti-slip, to ensure the safety of users. Treadwell fabricated and modified FRP onsite, omitting any need for a hot works permit. The lightweight and easy-to-install nature of the product made FRP very manageable during construction. Any system utilising FRP is also virtually maintenance free, due to the nature of FRP, thereby minimising maintenance costs.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Idanupong