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Ajax is pleased to announce we’re exhibiting at the Hillhead exhibition from the 21^st-23^rd June. The UK’s leading quarrying, construction and recycling exhibition will be taking place at a limestone quarry in Buxton. The three-day event will showcase the latest solutions and technologies in the quarrying and mining industries.

Safety in quarrying & mining industries is of the upmost importance and the Ajax team will be on hand to discuss the safety challenges your sector faces. The Ajax team will doing live demonstrations of our fail-safe solutions for hazardous working environments; including our mobile step units for tanker access, pallet gates and industrial access stairs with gantry.

Mike Godbert, Ajax Technical Manager commented “We’re extremely pleased to be exhibiting at the Hillhead exhibition this year and utilising this platform to showcase our tried and trusted access solutions from our product portfolio. Ajax continuously aims to provide quarrying and mining industries with the very best results in supporting safer working environments”

Visit stand J9 and talk to one of our Ajax technical advisors for more information on our custom-made access solutions and how it can improve your workplace environment.

If you’re interested in attending the Hillhead exhibition please email ajax@canalengineering.co.uk – we look forward to seeing you there!

Mezzanine and other high-level platforms can be used for storage purposes if built and used effectively. These platforms can be of benefit for companies in need of extra capacity within their factories or warehouse facilities without the need to extend or even move location. Health and safety should always be at the forefront of operations and warehouse design/planning, pallet gates can help make businesses more efficient as well as safer.

The HSE states that all companies should ensure their mezzanine floors have protection and safety loading pallet gates to prevent workers from falling.  Employers should refer to the following guidances for safety:

• BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016 Stairs, stepladders, handrails, safety gates and mezzanine gates
• The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all those working at height where there is a risk of fall liable to cause personal injury.

The duty to perform the risk assessment lies with the following individuals:

• An employer of the individual(s) who will be carrying out the work
• A self-employed person carrying out the work
• A person controlling the work of others

For more detailed information the Ajax whitepaper will provide more detailed guidance on the compliance issues regarding working at height.

The following questions should be asked so risk control measures and safety can be effectively managed on mezzanine floors:

1. Does the mezzanine floor need accessing frequently?
2. Why is the mezzanine floor being accessed?
3. What types of items need to be moved to and from the mezzanine or platform? Are they small, large, bulky and heavy?
4. What equipment measures are being used to move items?
5. Are measures being used to access work on the mezzanine or platform regularly inspected?
6. Are there safety barriers in place to stop employees from falling from the edge of the mezzanine?
7. Is the mezzanine structurally sound?
8. Is the floor of the mezzanine or platform appropriate for the work task?

Pallet gates can be used in conjunction with a mezzanine floor by enabling you to safely load items from a height with no need for an employee to stand by an open edge. Pallet gates protect employees at the exposed opening points to provide protection for employees.

There have been some instances where these installations are dangerous to operate or are routinely left open and can be accidents waiting to happen! Safety pallet gates are required to allow for forklift access whilst separating personnel from the mezzanine, platform edge and moving pallets.

The technical team at Ajax Safe Access have developed an extensive range of safe access solutions to improve productivity and support a safer working environment. For more information and to discuss safety access systems please call: 0115 986 6321 or email: ajax@canalengineering.co.uk

Ajax were approached by a leading waste management company to provide a safe access system for their employees. The client needed an access system that enabled tanker access for inspection and loading; the system needed to be easy to operate, durable and addressed working at height safety concerns.

Ajax Solution

Ajax arranged a number of site visits to inspect and survey the location of the step unit and to fully understand the client needs. The Ajax technical advisor suggested a pneumatic step unit was the ideal solution for tanker access. To eliminate the risks of falls a bespoke safety cage was added on top as well as handrails from the top fixed step to the last moving step. The Ajax project management team provided full installation of the unit including access stair and gantry, staff training as well as offering full annual inspection and maintenance. The client was satisfied with the step unit as it enabled employees to gain access to delivery and collecting road tankers both safely and efficiently.

The Ajax project management team provided full installation of the unit including access stair and gantry,  staff training as well as offering full annual inspection and maintenance.

“I’m very happy with the project; it has increased our safety profile in area neglected in the design of the plant” Steward Buckingham – Operations Manager, FCC Environment

“The Ajax team delivered a successful installation that has improved safety at Lincoln EFW greatly but also operated safely themselves. They reacted well to the challenges that sprang up during the install and should be commended for that” Blair Ward – Graduate Management Trainee, FCC Environment

Those who work in environments that require safe access products are those who are most likely to have an accident in the workplace. Safe access products minimise this risk as much as possible; however, it is still possible for incidents to occur. This is why it’s extremely important businesses understand what products they need and undergo risk assessments with experienced companies such as Ajax.

Some of the most common injuries in these environments are caused by;

• Poor manual handling or carrying
• Being hit by a vehicle
• Falling objects
• Fall from heights

All these injuries can be avoided by using the correct equipment and ensuring safe are informed about how to avoid these incidents.

Poor manual handling or carrying

In physical labour environments, one of the biggest causes of back problems and injuries is poor manual handling. Although not usually classed as high-risk it does present a risk and it is important all workers who carry out any manual handling consider 4 main factors before doing so. The weight of the objects, the environment it is being carried in, the distance it is required to be carried and the worker’s capability to carry the object. Ajax offers a range of loading products to minimise the risk to workers when unloading or loading goods.

Being hit by a vehicle

Injuries from moving vehicles equal around 25% of injuries in a warehouse environment. As a general rule, these are normally more serious injuries in the workplace.

To minimise the risk of this it is highly important all worksites have traffic routes designed for the safety of their workers.

When gaining access to tankers and heavy good vehicles for tasks such as refuelling it is important to use mobile access steps.

Falling objects

Falling objects can cause a lot of issues in the workplace, alongside the threat of the objects they can also lead to falls and further injuries and threats. All fittings and fixtures should be checked and ensure they never exceeded their maximum load weight. When collecting objects from heights it is important to use the correct style of ladders and step units.

Falls from heights

Falls from heights is the cause for the most serious injuries at the workplace this is why it’s extremely important you take the correct precautions to minimise the risk of this. It is important your site undergoes an on-site risk assessment where an expert can advise you to what products are best suited for your situation. At Ajax, we offer bespoke solutions to your problems to ensure the maximum safety of your workers.

Working at heights can be done extremely safely when the correct procedures and equipment are used. Despite this, there are still many injuries each year as a direct result from working at height. The most likely causes of injuries come from; using ladders incorrectly, overstretching while using stepped equipment and using the incorrect equipment such as benches or chairs to assist while working at heights.

One of the key ways you can minimise the risk of injury is by correctly planning and using the correct equipment that is required for the job. Ajax can assist with this as our trained staff will do an on-site visit in order to give the best advice on what equipment would be the best for your situation. Allowing your workers to complete the job safely.

As ladders and stepladders are one of the main causes of injuries when working at heights, Ajax has manufactured a range of mobile and fixed step units that require minimum effort to operate and manoeuvre. These can be manufactured to suit your needs to ensure the common risk of people overstretching when using steps is eliminated.

Falls are one of the most common causes of injuries and can lead to the worst types of injuries, using the correct equipment to minimise the risk of falls is crucial for any business where their employees work at heights. Ajax has a range of pallet gates and bespoke access platforms designed to the risk of falls and creates a safe working environment.

Ajax manufactures a range of bespoke safety products designed with safety at the forefront to ensure the minimal risk while working at heights. Contact us today to find out how we can offer bespoke solutions to your companies needs.

Bespoke access platforms are the ideal solution to meet your companies safety needs. The main benefit of using Ajax as your access platform fabricator is the flexibility we can offer in design. We offer a wide range of access platform products that can be used in a number of industries and sectors.

Safety remains the main priority for all bespoke access platforms. To ensure the safety of using our products we send a team of experienced staff to survey the site location and any current systems you use. We also use this to plan and design the installation process to ensure as minimal disruption as possible during the fitting stage.

We have experience in fabricating bespoke access platforms for industries across a range of sectors and for businesses of all sizes. Ajax provides the full service; site survey, design, manufacturing and installation this eliminates the need for extra suppliers. This will be very time effective for your company, many of our customers have opted for the full service from Ajax.

We understand all industries require different products this is the main reason we offer bespoke products away from our standard designs. We design these products to be long-lasting in your industry. We do this by using materials that have excellent strength and that are most likely to avoid corrosion.

The bespoke access platforms we design allow you to safely access otherwise difficult to reach areas. We fabricate products that can be used as; Tanker access platforms, Warehouse platforms, aircraft and train fueling platforms and products to serve many more scenarios. We are experienced in fabricating products that can provide safe access over plant equipment, level changes and pipework. Our experienced team will be able to provide you with an overview of the best products available to match your requirements.

Visit our bespoke access platforms page to see examples of our past work. If you are unsure how to solve your safety issue or unsure about which products are right for you feel free to contact us. A technical expert will discuss your needs in details and give you a solution to your problem.

One of the most popular and durable metals used and adopted in modern society, stainless steel has been adopted in over 90% of commercial businesses. From hospital surgical wards to fine dining, this unique material can be fabricated and shaped into a significant number of tools, structures and machines – making it our most versatile metal yet.

But what makes stainless steel so popular, and why have so many industries chosen to invest in it?

Typically seen as an everyday metal, stainless steel is surprisingly resistant to any number of conditions and environments. High numbers of nickel alloy in its composition allow it to be protected against damage, such as scaling or corrosion, helping it to maintain its seamless properties.

The compounds of stainless steel make for a truly beneficial combination. With low graded alloys helping to defend the metal against corrosion from dangerous temperature extremes, and high graded alloys protecting it from most acids and alkalis, there’s very little that can distress stainless steel.

From an industrial perspective – stainless steel is a great investment. Its durable properties make it a long-life material, one that can installed at the very start of a project and last until the very end. From construction to stationary, it’s a metal that is designed to last, and stay in perfect condition over time, so one that many businesses can rely upon.

Stainless steel is also the most hygienic metal, making it great for food preparation and medical purposes. Solid and sealed, it lacks the natural pores of other metals, which can pick up bacteria and germs and cause them to spread. This means that utensils can be used, easily cleaned and reused without the worry of infection.

What about in the home?

Even in domestic settings, stainless steel is a popular choice for kitchens, with many appliances, such as microwaves, kettles and ovens, being coated in the metal.
The non-reactive elements within the steel also prevent corrosion over time, allowing acidic foods and liquids to make contact without any damage to the appliance.

3 out 4 homeowners also prefer stainless steel due to its strength – it doesn’t rust, bend or snap, even after years of use. A stainless steel cutlery set, for example, could last through multiple family generations without ever losing its shine.

Even nicknamed as the ‘worry-free’ metal, stainless steel is a great choice all round, and one of our most popular everyday materials. Durable, versatile and hygienic, there is very little it cannot do.

For years, warehouses and storage facilities have been evolving and adapting to the various needs of their suppliers. Implementing new changes, floors, platforms and heights has meant that increased storage levels now also come with increased levels of worker injury and the potential for falls and slips.

With the risk of damage to both human life and product quality interrupting workflows, pallet gates were installed to help prevent these incidents. Available in a variety of styles, designs, fits and even colours, they have been a popular choice for industrial warehouses across the country.

Designed to neatly fit in against a mezzanine platform, the gates prevent gaps in existing structure, blocking off potential danger spaces whilst still being usable for transporting goods.

So what are the features of a Pallet Gate?

• Secure steel structure for lightweight installation and use
• Cycle testing for durability
• Easy and fast on-site installation
• Can be used in entrances, platforms, mezzanine floors and loading bays
• For food and drink industries, stainless steel is a popular option for hygienic cleaning
• Secure locking mechanism to prevent spring-back injuries

The pallet gates are tested in a number of environments, from damp, sea-faring conditions to intense cold and frost. Their durability and continued protection in these elements in one of their most popular features. Generally used for the protection of workers, pallet gates can also provide safety for visitors, inspects and other ‘non-warehouse’ employees, no matter what the weather.

What are the benefits of a Pallet Gate?

• Easy to maintain
• Increased employee protection without disrupting the structure of your warehouse
• Versatility depending on the available space and design of platform
• Incredibly reliable and durable without huge expense
• Can be designed to compliment work space and diverse workflows
• Galvanised paint to cope with harsh working conditions

There are so many benefits to working with pallet gates, from their adaptability to their security functions.

When working at a great height, there are many hazards and potential dangers to be aware of. Whilst most hazards seem obvious and preventable, 28% of all fatalities from construction in 2017 were caused by heights, meaning there are still dangers to be recognised.

From wobbly footing to unstable platforms, injuries sustained from heights can be life-impacting, even deadly in some circumstances. It’s important to be aware of all possible hazards from the ground up before beginning your project in the sky.

Falling Workers

Over 60% of all deaths at height include falls from ladders, platforms, access spaces and scaffolding, making it the most common problem facing the safety of construction workers. A fall from a height can lead to broken bones, brain damage, paralysis and death, as well as endangering other workers on the ground below.

But there are ways to lower the possibility of this happening. Extra safety measures, such as harnesses, reinforced access platforms, secured ladders and cleared ground areas can help to prevent falls from happening at dangerous heights.

Falling Objects

A significant number of construction injuries can be contributed to falling objects from great heights during building. Workers can be injured, initially from dropping the object itself, or from being caught underneath it when it falls. Even small objects can be fatal when dropped from a height, especially if they injure the workers head or neck.

The easiest way to prevent this from happening is to secure the area below a site of open construction and to encourage all heights workers to use sacks or bags to carry equipment with them. Increased communication between workers is also crucial to alert those on all levels of falling or loose objects and to warn lower workers when work is beginning.

Poor Weather Conditions

Uncontrollable, yet dangerous; poor weather conditions when working at heights can increase the likelihood of injury or death to construction workers. Heavy winds, rain and snow can make surfaces wobbly, slippery or unsafe to stand on, making it harder for workers to keep their balance and hold onto scaffolding effectively.

Although bad weather isn’t always predictable, it’s never worth taking a chance on someone’s life. Check the forecast before sending any workers up, and ensure that you have a clear emergency rescue plan to secure them again should the weather turn dangerous.

Isolated Injuries

One of the most difficult tasks facing workers at height is the circumstances of an injury sustained, with no feasible way down to the ground. When cuts, loss of consciousness, broken bones or illnesses occur, the worker is then on a time limit to reach the ground as efficiently and safely as possible, without sustaining further injury or risking the lives of other workers.

Creating emergency plans to be put in place for even the most unlikely of situations, whether it be a direct line to the emergency services or rescue from above, could end up saving precious lives. Make sure that all workers, both on the ground and working up high, are aware and able to carry out this procedure before beginning their work.

Whilst it’s impossible to secure against every hazard, there are so many ways to protect both yourself and your workers when building at heights. By using only trusted and tested safety and security equipment, carrying out regular safety surveys and being aware of these hazards, your crew can remain as safe as possible working up high.

Although all loading docks share the same basic function, their uses in specialised environments do vary. From product loading to construction support, different types of loading docks can be beneficial to different types of environments.

Flush Dock

The most common loading dock used in transport or heavy lifting, a flush dock allows for the back of the loading truck to be flush against the entryway of a space. With a secure buffer to avoid damaging the wall, the dock is parallel to the building, maintaining easy and straightforward delivery of the items and materials to be loaded. Flush docks are typically used as a space saving measure, as they fit snugly inside the chosen warehouse or building, making them ideal for smaller businesses to utilise. Generally, this type of dock is used to benefit the manufacturing industries and those with commercial outputs to deliver.

Open Dock

Although rare, and unpopular with those in the trade, Open Docks are still used today. Consisting of an open platform with very little protection against natural elements – beyond a canopy – they do not create a secure enclosure for items, making them prone to theft and damage. These docks, therefore, are rarely used for the transportation of of people or easily damaged goods. The benefit, however, of open docks is the ease of access for loaders, meaning they can save time unloading and loading through the dock.

Saw Tooth Dock

A saw tooth dock is one of the most innovative when it comes to maneuvering small outdoor spaces surrounding the designated warehouse. Uniquely shaped at an angle, they can fit easily into narrow or difficult spaces, however they can be bulky to operate within the warehouse itself – wasting valuable storage space. The industry best adapted to the Saw Tooth Dock is usually those in large scale manufacturing, with enough warehouse room to accommodate their unusual size.

Enclosed Dock

An enclosed dock is one of the most uncommon appliances used in deliveries. Allowing trucks to park indoors, aka inside a storage space or warehouse, gives loaders quick and easy to access to the supplies, however creates many problems after the delivery has been made. Vital but costly ventilation systems must be implemented to prevent the levels of exhaust fumes and pollution from impacting both the workers and the goods. These docks also take up a significant amount of room in warehouses, reducing the already limited space down, making it harder for workers to access equipment and supplies. Yet, they do have their advantages, as their enclosed form helps to protect valuable goods from environmental or structural damage.

These diverse docks all carry their own benefits and disadvantages, however can be put to effective use in different circumstances.