TURNER Access Contract Scaffolding is to invest £1 million in its recently opened contracting depot in Edinburgh. The firm said the base is ideally placed to service social housing projects in and around the city as well as developments on the waterfront. The intention is to invest in staff, vehicles and stock, supported by its Glasgow site.
Managing Director Knud Højland Pedersen said, “We are delighted that the Turner Group continues to show faith in our business plan and allow us to expand our area of operations and work towards our long term goals.”
Turner Access told Project Scotland the business is currently enjoying a period of growth, winning new contracts with high-profile clients and establishing long-lasting relationships with existing customers.
The company has contributed its success to the quality of products on offer and the service it provides.
One such product is the Turner OCTO System Scaffolding, described as a fully modular scaffold system designed with safety and productivity in mind. Safety features are built into key components. Turner explained that joint connections provide a flush working platform, eliminating trip hazards that can occur with scaffold boards if used incorrectly.
An added safety feature in the design of the joint connection is the ability to conduct a visual safety inspection, while components are manufactured to be easily handled.
Turner added that the OCTO Scaffolding offers “speed and versatility”, supported by the company’s scaffolding design service. One particular project that needed the benefits of the product and the design back up was the decommissioning works at Dounreay. As part of decommissioning activity, the concrete liner of the DFR (Dounreay Fast Reactor) Pond was being removed. The DFR Pond was used for storing fuel irradiated inside the reactor. Due to the ionising radiation hazards of the Pond’s environment, it was a requirement that removal of the concrete lining was done to keep workers’ radiation dose as low as reasonably practicable.
A bespoke design was completed for the scaffold structure and the process to which it would be assembled in the Pond. Special components were also required to aid in the installation. The request was fulfilled and delivered within timescale.
A composite deck option has now been introduced to the Turner contracting stock, said to be extremely strong, tested in accordance with EN 12811-1 and boasting a load capacity of class 6, but designed to be lightweight with a deck weight of only 12kg. It features an anti-slip surface and is fire, water, acid and alkali resistant. It is also fully recyclable.
The composite deck has been used in a number of recent projects. For the fourth year running, the Edinburgh International Festival approached Turner Access to supply a scaffold structure for its opening event. The composite deck was used in a viewing platform for the Five Telegrams digital performance, celebrating Scotland’s Year of Young People and reflecting on the centenary of the end of the Great War. The anti-slip surface helped allow the audience to stand safely on the platform.
The composite deck has also been used in a number of new-build housing projects. Turner Access said the ergonomic benefits allow scaffolding structures to be erected “quickly and efficiently in a demanding sector where meeting client deadlines are critical”.
The company is now providing contract scaffolding services across numerous industry sectors, including commercial and residential developments, social housing projects, educational facilities, industrial applications and aviation markets.
Turner Access has recently achieved ISO 9001:2015 accreditation, which covers the full scope of its operation; design, manufacture, access equipment hire, scaffold contracting and work at height training. This replaces the company’s previous ISO 9001:2008 status as well as adding to its current OHSAS 18001:2007 certification.
