TPA Celebrates ‘World Day for Health and Safety at Work’

09 May

World Day for Health and Safety at Work is observed on the 28^th April each year to promote safe, healthy working conditions across the globe. TPA Temporary Access Solutions are proud to mark this occasion and fully support the objectives of this annual campaign which is exemplified through our Portable Roadways, Pontoons and Rapid Rail Access divisions.

At TPA, our whole ethos is centred on the safety of our staff who are fully compliant in best practice health and safety procedures. All three TPA divisions supply state-of-the-art equipment to safely support people and vehicles crossing land, rail and water.

TPA’s ongoing commitment to safety and the environment has been rewarded by retention of the Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) silver award across all three divisions for the third year running.

TPA Portable Roadways

TPA Portable Roadways provide equipment rental and installation of roadways, walkways and stairways for customers in the transmission, construction, rail and outdoor events markets.

Temporary roadways help to protect land from developing deep furrows caused by heavy vehicles which may prove hazardous for visitors: temporary roadways not only avert such a situation but help to safeguard the environment; providing better working conditions and protection for both staff and the public.

Depending on the application, panels are typically manufactured from high density polyethylene (HDPE) or 6063 T6 Grade aluminium and are fully reusable. Produced from recycled materials, panels can also be recycled at the end of their useful life. The lightweight material means more panels can be transported in one delivery, therefore reducing transport and fuel costs. A feature of the panels includes a reversible tread option, meaning panels can facilitate safe passage for either vehicles or pedestrians.

Installation of temporary roadway panels is made possible using TPA’s dedicated fleet of vehicles fitted with purpose made lifting equipment to enable the safe installation and recovery of panels. A method statement and site specific risk assessment is always undertaken prior to the commencement of any installation.

TPA Pontoons

TPA Pontoons supply a range of applications across an array of industry sectors throughout the UK and Europe including: Construction, Marine, Events and Military. Any activity based around water calls for a high level of safety and TPA Pontoons have taken the initiative to ensure all staff and customers install and use their products in the safest way possible.

As in all three TPA divisions, safety is paramount and this is certainly the case with TPA Pontoons whose staff have undertaken a series of courses which support the HSE’s essential principles for good health and safety performance. Crew personnel hold Health and Safety based qualifications in the following disciplines:

• EUSR - Safety, Health and Environmental Awareness Schemes (SHEA)
• Defra Level 3 water safety
• Confined Space Training
• Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
• Specialist First Aid and Rescue Techniques

All the above courses are designed to equip site staff with a broad knowledge of the latest developments surrounding health and safety at work. As well as Floating Modular Pontoons, TPA supply fully crewed Safety Boats and various buoyancy aids; they also supply winches and outboard motors as well as various types of edge protection to provide the safest possible solution. 

TPA Rapid Rail Access

TPA Rapid Rail Access is firmly established in the rail sector as the principle provider of safe, effective access systems, all designed and approved by Network Rail for dedicated use in the rail sector.

It is important that safe access is provided for short or long term works under possession on the rail infrastructure. Activities may include overnight maintenance of overhead power lines or trackside structures etc. Road Rail Access Points (RRAPs) provide a safe and easy access point for people and plant as well as working to protect the track steelwork.

Rapid Rail Access personnel have ongoing training in areas such as safety monitoring, site survey and risk awareness to ensure that safety is culturally embedded in all personnel engaged with rail based operations. Equipment and products are developed through a continued dialogue between TPA, equipment manufacturers and clients to ensure only the safest possible solution is provided.

As well as RRAPs and other track access products, Rapid Rail Access also provide safe access in the form of Embankment and Platform Access Steps. A range of ancillary safety equipment such as Magnetic Safety Signs and Safety Barriers are purpose designed for trackside delineation. An important safety feature allows for safe installation without the need for operators to enter the four foot zone.

Safety at work is vitally important to TPA as it directly impacts their employees and those of their clients, as can be seen across the products and practices of all 3 divisions. TPA are committed and passionate about the wellbeing of all those who work with or alongside them.