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Regional Airport, Bedfordshire, UK

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Fibrelite supply retrofit lightweight F900 trench covers for off apron lighting pits: 2 minute max time allowed for safe manual removal/replacement

Project overview

This regional UK airport was looking for an upgrade for their access covers over the off-apron runway lighting pits. Fibrelite were singled out as an ideal supplier for this retrofit project due to the bespoke FRP GRP access covers they can offer as well as their industry leading strength to weight ratio.

Problem

Ease of access to the runway lighting pits off apron was of paramount importance as onsite staff have a window of approximately two minutes to effect maintenance and/or repair works between take offs and landings, including removing and replacing the access cover.

Key requirements for the new installation and issues with previous:

  • Replacement must be F900 (90-ton) (90-tonne) load rated, as per end user mandate.
  • The previously installed cast iron trench access covers were extremely heavy, making them difficult to maneuver. manoeuvre.
  • The high levels of physical exertion required (pictured) for the two-person manual removal/replacement of these cast iron covers put operatives at significant risk of manual handling injury/s.
  • The new covers needed to be yellow in color colour to assist the maintenance team with identification of services beneath.
Ease of access to the runway lighting pits off apron was of paramount importance
Ease of access to the runway lighting pits off apron was of paramount importance
The previously installed cast iron trench access covers were extremely heavy, making them difficult to manoeuvre

Solution

The Fibrelite technical team presented a bespoke, lightweight proposal comprised of yellow composite FRP GRP trench access covers retrofitted directly into the existing frames minimizing minimising upheaval to site and avoiding breaking concrete.

Key features of the Fibrelite solution:

  • F900 load rated, as per end user mandate.
  • Fibrelite lightweight FRP GRP access covers eliminate health and safety risks surrounding manual handling: Fibrelite covers can be easily and safely removed and replaced manually by two people (even with F900 load rating) using Fibrelite’s ergonomically designed FL7 lifting handles.
  • Fast and safe removal/replacement allowing maximum time for maintenance work (2-minute window).
  • Fibrelite access covers were manufactured using yellow color colour pigment in order to assist maintenance team with identification of services beneath. As the pigment is added into the resin during manufacture, there are no issues with color colour scratching or fading over time.
‘Made to measure’ Fibrelite trench covers fit directly within existing frame/rebate (black covers supplied for fitness check, actual covers purchased were yellow)
‘Made to measure’ Fibrelite trench covers fit directly within existing frame/rebate (black covers supplied for fitness check, actual covers purchased were yellow)
Fibrelite’s lightweight F900 load rated trench covers (black covers supplied for fitness check, actual covers purchased were yellow)
Fibrelite’s lightweight F900 load rated trench covers (black covers supplied for fitness check, actual covers purchased were yellow)

Results

The easy access solution provided by Fibrelite eliminates the need for any specialist personnel or machinery during maintenance or operation.

Key Fibrelite benefits at a glance:

  • Easy fast access to trench services using the ergonomically designed Fibrelite FL7 lifting handles.
  • Best strength to weight ratio available in the market today.
  • Corrosion resistant.
Port of Felixstowe, UK, after installing composite trench covers
Fibrelite’s lightweight F900 trench covers can be safely and quickly removed by 2 people (image used for illustration purposes and shows a different installation)

Author:

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David Holmes

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