Project Snapshot:
Location: Newbury,
Building type: Data centre
Service delivered: Roof hatch removal and replacement, including new automated mechanisms, handrails, wiring, control panels and burglar alarm sensors
Access method: IRATA rope access, MEWPs and crane lifting operations
Project type: Planned safety and access upgrade, out-of-hours delivery
The Brief:
Nationwide required the removal and replacement of manually operated roof hatches throughout their data centre facility in Newbury. The existing hatches, positioned at the peak of tall cat ladders, had become difficult and unsafe for staff to operate, creating an ongoing safety concern. Dynamic Access was entrusted to design, fabricate and install new replacement units that would resolve the operational and safety issues presented by the original hatches.
The Challenge:
The project required more than a straightforward like-for-like replacement. The shortcomings of the existing manual hatches meant the new units needed to be fully redesigned to address both the safety and usability issues identified, whilst also integrating new wiring, control systems and security measures. As with all works at Nationwide’s occupied buildings, the entire programme had to be delivered outside of normal business hours to ensure no disruption to the data centre’s operations.
Our Solution:
Dynamic Access took full responsibility for the concept, fabrication and installation of the new roof hatches. The replacement units are fully automated, with opening and closing controlled by electrical mechanisms, removing the physical demands and safety risks associated with the original manually operated hatches. Each new hatch was fitted with handrails to provide an additional level of fall protection for staff accessing the roof via the cat ladders below.
A completely new wiring system and control panels were installed as part of the works, and burglar alarm sensors were integrated to enhance the security of each roof access point. All works were carried out using a combination of IRATA rope access, MEWPs and crane lifting operations, and were meticulously planned and delivered outside of regular business hours throughout to ensure the data centre’s operations continued without interruption.
The Outcome:
All roof hatches were successfully removed and replaced with new automated units across the facility, significantly improving both the safety and usability of roof access for Nationwide’s staff. The integration of new wiring, control panels and security sensors delivered a fully upgraded roof access solution, and the out-of-hours programme ensured no disruption to the data centre at any stage. The project is a further example of the long-standing trust Nationwide places in Dynamic Access to deliver complex, safety-critical works across their estate.
If you need specialist support with roof hatch replacement, automated roof access upgrades or out-of-hours building works at your commercial or data centre facility in Newbury or across the UK, Dynamic Access can design, fabricate and install the right solution safely and with minimal disruption.
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