Built between 1880 and 1883, Halton House serves as the main officers mess at the Buckinghamshire base, as well as providing a “real life” film set to many high profile productions. In recent years these have included films such as The World is Not Enough, The Queen, and The King’s Speech, as well as TV series Downton Abbey.
As the prime contractor of construction and maintenance services at nearly 100 Ministry of Defence (MoD) sites across the South East, “PriDE”, a joint venture between Interserve and SSE Contracting, recently called upon the UK’s leading safe access solutions provider, Nationwide Platforms, to assist in the replacing of highly symbolic regimental flags.
To help deliver direction and expertise in selecting the most ideal access solution, a Nationwide Platforms Site Surveyor examined the site and helped identify a Ruthmann T58R truck mount as the suitable platform. Working to the business’ ethos of providing “the right solution, in the right place, in the right place, every time” this platform was provided directly from the nearby St Albans depot, less than 30 miles away from the work site.
With the ability to reach heights of 58 metres and provide 40 metres horizontal outreach, the T58R offered a comfortable means of reaching up and over the house’s roof ledge and safely around the spires, domes and gables which adorn the impressive structure.
The truck mounted platform provided by Nationwide Platforms subsequently helped the client complete the task in a single day, where other means of access, such as scaffolding, may have seen the job take a number of weeks. As well as providing a near instant method of reaching the desired heights, the access platform offered the additional benefit of being driven onto and away from the site once work was completed.
The delivery and operation of the machine was managed by accredited vehicle mount operator Paul Hamilton. Paul controlled the platform with precision to allow the ceremonial flag to be installed and raised by PriDE personnel with convenience and ease.
Speaking after having played his part in the occasion, Paul said: “As an operator it’s a big part of my job to help take pressure away from our customers and allow them to focus solely on their task at height. Having gained IPAF accreditations and other recognised qualifications I’m pleased to use my skills in helping our customers accomplish the challenges they face at every height.
David Close, a PriDE project manager, is tasked with the successful supervision of many MOD sites in the south. Commenting on the Halton House flag replacement project, David said: “The equipment and service provided by Nationwide Platforms helped the PriDE work safely and effectively, something that’s absolutely essential in all of the work we do. Having now accomplished the task, we’re pleased to have worked with Nationwide Platforms to combine our respective skills and reach a highly satisfactory conclusion.”
This year more than 40 brand new truck and van mount units will enter the Nationwide Platforms fleet, helping provide safe, productive and effective working at height solutions across the UK.