Read the Case Study
Project Overview
At the Royal Canadian Mint, conveyor belts and other machinery runs below floor level to conserve space. These require frequent access for monitoring and maintenance. In the search for a safer simpler alternative to previously installed heavy steel panels, they approached Fibrelite.
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Problem
Previously installed heavy diamond plate panels covered under floor conveyor belts and other ancillary equipment within the facility. These were challenging and potentially hazardous for users to remove and replace. Lifting equipment was required, and care had to be taken by users to avoid the large number of pinch points.
Replacement panels were required in load ratings for forklifts (Light Duty – 28,000lbs/B125) and non-forklift areas (Medium Light Duty – 11,200lbs) to fit into existing apertures. Consideration was also given to colors and markings to indicate different facility areas.
Solution
Fibrelite designed and manufactured custom fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite trench covers to fit directly into existing apertures. Due to Fibrelite covers’ unrivalled strength to weight ratio, all trench covers can be safely and quickly removed by two people using the FL7 lifting handle. This ensures safe lifting from waist height (as recommended by Health and Safety Authorities) eliminating pinch points and potential back injuries.
For forklift areas (Light Duty – 28,000lbs/B125) black (FRP) covers were manufactured, while for non-forklift areas (Medium Light Duty – 11,200lbs) (FRP) covers were produced in a custom light gray with a raised no-forklift graphic on top.
Results
The new Fibrelite (FRP) composite covers can be safely and quickly removed without the need for lifting equipment, eliminating risk of injury and increasing efficiency. Fibrelite covers’ anti-slip properties, equivalent to a high grade road surface (test report here) help to ensure safety of operators in the event of spilled oil or lubricates from machinery sitting on the panels.
Following the success of this installation, the Royal Canadian Mint has decided to install Fibrelite covers in further areas of the facility.
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