RAILWAY SYSTEMS: GRP FIBREGLASS RAILWAY ACCESS PLATFORMS & RAMPS

Safe access by staff to rolling stock for maintenance can present practical
difficulties where no existing platform surface is present;  as can access of
passengers to platforms where no provision for wheelchair users has been made
in the past, or where existing steps are steep and hazardous.

Highly effective solutions to these problems are custom built access platforms and ramps made from composite
materials. The public, personnel & light equipment can utilise these new surfaces to gain easy and safe access to
train carriages or locomotives in all circumstances.

A full design, drawing and engineering verification service is available for these products, with prefabricated sections
being delivered to site for rapid assembly by our installation team.

All walking surfaces are finished with a highly durable, Anti-slip coating incorporating refined aluminium oxide grit.
Integral guard rails are fitted, conforming to Equality Act legislation if required, with hazard edge markings, gated
access, end of platform steps also available options.

Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP) products will not rust or rot, nor will they need painting as the colour is throughout
the product and they are easy to clean too.  Medium acquisition and low life-cycle costs are also significant. Should
substantial damage ever occur to any components, modular construction allows for quick, easy & low cost repairs.

Background

The use of composite materials for infrastructure renewals and improvements on the UK's railway system has
gathered pace in recent years. GRP systems have benefits which show clear advantages over alternative proposals
(steel,concrete & timber), with a combination of desirable characteristics:

• Corrosion resistance
• High strength
• Light weight
• Maintenance free
• Low life cycle costs
• Rapid fit times
• Insulating properties (electrically non-conductive)
  

Benefits of GRP Access Platforms and Ramps include:

• Rapid installation - reduced labour costs
• Custom made to size
• Realistic lead times
• Highly durable surfaces
• Weather resistant
• No welding or hazardous assembly techniques
• No painting required
• Little or no maintenance/repair costs
• Low life cycle costs
• Good chemical resistance
• Integral safety guard rails

Applications for GRP Access Platforms and Ramps include:

• Train cleaning & maintenance facilities requiring raised platforms for safe access & egress
• Ramped access to existing station platforms

Full modular composite construction incorporating:

• Substructure made from pultruded GRP profiles
• Load bearing composite panels for access steps & walkways
• Black or grey anti-slip surface with refined aluminium oxide, offering an extremely hard wearing surface
• Hazard line markings - white & yellow highlighted edges as required
• Stainless steel fasteners throughout

Dimensions:

All platforms are bespoke made to specifications as requested by the client.

Additional Options:

Gated access to trackside platform edges
Steps, guard rails and lockable gates to reach the platform surface
Rear/end guard rails or fences as required