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Access platform for portable silo
Tarmac > Silomate Croxden, Staffordshire > 01538 724236
Working at height: 29
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Croxden Quarry has improved safe and secure access to its portable silos by introducing a purposedesigned
mobile access platform.
The platform is fitted with four braked wheels that allow positioning over the silo access hatch when the
silo is placed in a horizontal position. A large platform area above the silo entry point provides a large
working area, and a small hinged flap in the “Flow forge” floor gives controlled access into the silo. A rigid
and tested lifting beam above the access point facilitates the use of a recovery winch to allow safe access
and emergency egress from a designated confined space.
The platform can also be used to inspect the interior of the silo whilst the latter is in the upright position.
The platform has been designed so that it is at the correct height to allow opening and inspection through
the side hatch on the silo. The unit is wheeled into position against the silo with a curved section on the
platform matching the curvature of the cylindrical silo.
When in position, the wheels are locked in place and an opening gate in the platform handrail permits
access to the hatch and internal inspection of the silo. However, in this position, the platform is not used
for entry. Another advantage of the platform is safe cleaning of the silo. These are frequently returned
from site in a heavily contaminated condition. With the platform placed over the horizontal silo, the
upper surface can be easily jet washed from the platform, avoiding the use of any other improvised access
arrangements.
Improving access to sand towers
Hanson Aggregates > Whiteball Quarry, Somerset > 01823 672421
Climbing up a sand tower to change the chute position every day is a difficult and potentially
dangerous task. Hanson Aggregates has developed a safe solution at this quarry on the Devon and
Somerset border, working with the plant supplier Linatex to automate the process.
Access to the top of the tower is typically by a ladder from the centre of the tower base. During production,
access to the ladder is often blocked by wet sand, which can be shifted for occasional maintenance, but
presents a hazard for daily access.
The company decided that the best and safest solution would be to automate the process, allowing the
operator to change the chute without leaving the plant. Hanson contacted Linatex and developed an
automatic chute turner which could be retro-fitted to the sand tower, and driven by a valve actuating
motor to move the chute remotely. The cost was around £15,000 for each tower.
See Linatex chute pulley below.
Linatex chute pulley
CEMEX UK Materials > Aylesford Quarry, Kent > 01622 791301
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Aylesford Quarry in Kent produces 150,000 tonnes of fine sand per annum. The sand is discharged from a
15 metre high Linatex tower, which necessitates changing the discharge chute on daily basis.
To reduce the risks of operatives working at height, the company decided to develop a method of changing
the discharge from ground level using a pulley system and a cleat for securing the chute in place.
See Improving access to sand towers above.