The £750 million project to build a new satellite pier (T2B) at Heathrow will see Nationwide Platforms providing a comprehensive working at height solution.

The business will initially be supplying more than 150 access platforms for hire and will continue to provide equipment to both Balfour Beatty and their sub-contractors for the two years remaining of the project. This will include a broad range of access equipment capable of enabling work at height between 5m and 45m.

Nationwide Platforms were selected by Balfour Beatty to provide powered access equipment as well as its exclusive range of unique safety innovations. This includes the recently launched SkySiren anti-entrapment solution which will be fitted to the majority of on-site boom lifts.

The powered access leaders will also be supplying their range of CE certified Material Handling Attachments (MHAs). These are designed to promote safe and effective material handling at height by removing manual handling risks and also avoiding materials being rested on the handrails.

PIN activated Key Pads designed to prevent unauthorised users gaining access to the equipment will also be fitted where required.

Nationwide Platforms will also be providing an on-site facility where equipment will be accessible for immediate use, reducing transport costs and improving on-site efficiency. The business will provide an on-site management team, including full time engineers, to ensure that the equipment is used to its potential.   

"Reaching new heights in best practice"

As the country’s largest provider of working at height training courses, Nationwide Platforms will also take responsibility for providing on-site specialist training, including Toolbox Talks dealing with any site specific working at height issues. 

Finally, and as part of the business’ own Corporate Responsibility goals, Nationwide Platforms will be working to reduce the environmental impact of the project, with transport targets designed to help make the work as environmentally friendly as possible.

Balfour Beatty Project Director, Keith Cannin said: “At Balfour Beatty we do all we can to ensure that safe working is the main priority on all of our projects. Nationwide Platforms will help us achieve this by providing a range of innovative answers to our working at height challenges. This includes the SkySiren anti-entrapment solution being fitted to appropriate machines, Material Handling Attachments (MHAs) being made available to ourselves and our sub-contractors, onsite IPAF training delivery for powered access operators and managers, and the unique SkySentry system for preventing unauthorised machine usage.

“Nationwide Platforms are also helping us reach the highest levels in productivity, with on-site management to help manage our powered access requirements, as well as offering 24/7 engineering support. Overall, Nationwide Platforms has taken major steps to help us reach the demands that a project of this stature requires, with a tailored approach to finding the best practice methods for all the work at height taking place on this site.”

Nationwide Platforms Sales Director Simon Beckett said: “Taking into account the prestige and magnitude of this incredible project, we’re very proud to have developed a complete working at height solution for Balfour Beatty and its sub-contractors.

“As a market leading business we’re always striving to meet the challenges our customers are faced with on large work sites. By drawing upon our major project experience, safety innovations and award winning training team, we believe we can offer users of powered access a safe and effective way of working that represents the highest levels of best practice. We look forward to working with Balfour Beatty and their subcontractors to help ensure the on-time completion and success of the project.”