APS Safety Solutions has maintained a strong partnership with Amey since 2013, holding the position of the preferred contractor for fall protection, safe access, and lightning protection solutions. With a focus on delivering advanced safety solutions, APS has consistently demonstrated a commitment to ensuring the highest levels of safety and compliance in their projects.

Project Overview:

Amey PLC is a prominent service provider in the United Kingdom, delivering essential utilities such as water, gas, and electricity to homes. They are also responsible for the maintenance of crucial infrastructure including roads, railways, airports, social housing, defense, justice, and educational sectors. Their commitment to ensuring the safety of their employees during maintenance operations is of utmost importance.

Challenges and Objectives:

A significant portion of the schools within Amey’s scope of responsibility were built before 2000. These aging structures required upgraded fall protection systems that aligned with the latest safety standards, particularly BS EN 795:2012 and CEN/TS 16415:2013. Amey sought a solution that not only complied with the standards but also provided a new product warranty, ensuring longevity and reliability in their systems. Furthermore, the client required efficient rooftop access for maintenance tasks, especially in cases were using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) was not feasible.

The Opportunity for Improvement

Amey’s commitment to safety and APS’s expertise presented an opportunity to enhance the system designs to cater to various rooftop maintenance requirements where traditional access methods like MEWPs fell short. This called for a solution that would not only meet regulatory standards but also offer versatility in ensuring safe access for various maintenance tasks.

KeeLine: The Preferred Solution

In the initial phases of the project, APS had originally specified 3M’s DBI Sala RoofSafe horizontal lifeline systems. However, before commencing the works, APS made the decision to change the specification to KeeLine, a decision that was endorsed by Amey due to their unwavering trust in APS’s judgment. The transition to KeeLine was facilitated by APS’s ability to demonstrate that KeeLine products were not only compliant with the current safety standards but also provided the required product warranties.

Implementation and Results

The implementation phase saw the replacement and upgrading of existing horizontal lifeline systems across the designated schools. This transition not only ensured compliance with industry standards but also provided enhanced rooftop access solutions. This was particularly evident in situations where traditional access methods were not feasible. The newly integrated KeeLine systems offered a comprehensive solution for fall protection, safe access, and lightning protection, contributing to a safer and more efficient maintenance environment.

Benefits of Installing KeeLine:

The decision to transition to APS KeeLine systems provided Amey with a range of tangible benefits that not only addressed their immediate safety and compliance needs but also contributed to the efficiency and effectiveness of their maintenance operations. These benefits underscored the value of the partnership between APS Safety Solutions and Amey PLC in ensuring the highest standards of safety and service delivery.

1. Full Compliance with Current Standards:

   APS KeeLine systems are fully designed, engineered, and rigorously tested to comply with the latest safety standards, specifically BS EN 795:2012 and CEN/TS 16415:2013. This ensured that Amey’s fall protection systems were not only up to date but also aligned with industry best practices, mitigating risks and enhancing the safety of their workforce.

2. New System Product Warranty:

   The transition to KeeLine systems came with the added advantage of a new product warranty. This warranty offered Amey peace of mind, knowing that their investment in safety systems was backed by a guarantee of longevity and reliability. This not only reduced maintenance costs but also demonstrated APS’s commitment to delivering high-quality, dependable solutions.

3. Enhanced System Layout Design:

   One of the standout benefits of the KeeLine systems was the innovative system layout design that facilitated end-user access to all rooftop maintenance requirements. Unlike traditional systems, KeeLine’s versatility allowed access to areas that were previously challenging to reach, providing Amey’s maintenance teams with the tools they needed to carry out their tasks safely and efficiently.

4. Efficiency in Multiple School Projects:

   The partnership between APS and Amey extended beyond a single project. APS’s involvement in similar works across multiple schools in Glasgow and Edinburgh showcased the scalability and consistency of their solutions. Amey benefitted from the continuity in safety standards and solutions across different locations, streamlining their operational processes and ensuring a uniform approach to safety.

5. Demonstrated Expertise and Trust:

   The decision to transition from the originally specified DBI Sala RoofSafe system to KeeLine reflected Amey’s trust in APS’s expertise. APS’s ability to not only recommend but also demonstrate the superiority of KeeLine products reinforced their credibility as a safety solutions provider. This trust-based decision-making process further solidified the partnership between the two organizations.

Several post-installation photographs

Conclusion

The collaboration between APS Safety Solutions and Amey PLC underscored the commitment of both parties to prioritize safety, compliance, and efficiency in maintaining critical infrastructure. By transitioning to KeeLine systems and ensuring compliance with the latest safety standards, Amey was able to provide safer working environments for their employees while also enhancing the overall maintenance process. This case study highlights how partnerships built on trust, expertise, and a dedication to safety can lead to innovative solutions that benefit both service providers and their clients.