Modular systems save the day at tram workshop

Sayfa installs modular height safety systems during the Preston Tram Depot Workshop redevelopment.

Redevelopment of the Preston Tram Depot Workshop in Melbourne commenced in 2014 and was completed in mid-2016. At an estimated cost of $190 million, the project encompassed redesigning the existing 7-hectare workshop site on St Georges Road into a comprehensive maintenance facility. Included in the redevelopment was provision for laying seven kilometres of new tracks within the depot, reconfiguring the heavy maintenance facilities and many other extensive modifications.

Extensive collaboration between Sayfa’s design team and the project’s construction crew was necessary at every stage of the works to ensure that the products and systems installed met the criteria required of all roof access and height safety systems: compliance, quality, durability and functionality.

There was a plethora of challenges on this project, and supplying the buildings (which incorporated many steep skillion roof pitches) with adequate protection required some innovative and ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking. Frequent site visits and discussions were necessary to determine the appropriate systems that would be required for the many applications.

Factors that had to be taken into consideration were:

• standard and regulatory requirements;
• frequency of access;
• user competence; and
• aesthetic appearance and impact.

A large number of Katt modular ladders and fully adjustable modular cages were installed on the rooftops. Their modular, no-weld installation and ability to be adjusted on-site to exact requirements ensured the installation process ran extremely smoothly and time effectively. Flat pack deliveries were also able to be sent to specific locations around the works.

Raptor Overhead Rigid Rail Systems were used in the new maintenance areas and they provide an effective fall arrest system for maintenance workers. The proprietary Raptor rail system allows for several workers to operate the system at one time, which is of huge benefit to a large maintenance facility where time is always a major consideration. The system is also extremely user friendly and can be easily extended should this be a requirement in future redevelopment.

Static line systems, also an integral part of the design, now allow safe and secure access to areas requiring regular maintenance and these systems were installed on many areas of the roof. The addition of Sentry guardrails and Pace600 walkways also provides a high level of fall protection and safe access to roof-mounted machinery, ensuring optimum worker safety.

Due to the level of roof incline there was also a requirement to supply a large quantity of step ladders, stairs and platforms. The Alto range was provided to offer compliant access and egress to varying roof levels and to supply access to difficult-to-reach areas. Their lightweight, robust aluminium construction makes them ideally suited to provide frequent access to areas requiring periodic maintenance.

Supply of operation and maintenance manuals at handover now ensures that all operators can confidently use the systems correctly, effectively and efficiently. The Preston Workshop now has the peace of mind that only comes from installing easy-to-use, compliant systems.

Since 2002, Sayfa Group has been a market leader in roof access and fall protection systems and it’s their mission to bring every worker home safely. Its sales team is available to offer assistance for installation enquiries and its in-house design team can offer help for companies designing and specifying height safety systems. Additionally, its accredited height safety inspectors can visit buildings to audit existing systems and can offer cost-effective solutions should the systems require recertification or updating. Contact 1300 301 755 or sales@sayfa.com.au for further information.