Edging ahead

The 49 stop extension to the Manchester Metro features steps designed to minimise risk of trips and slips by the able, disabled and visually impaired. Each of the 1400 pre-cast concrete steps to the new platforms required a non-slip front nose (front edge).

Design criteria determined that the solution be suitable for heavy use in an external environment.

Compliance with the Building Regulation Part M and the provision of a solution in accordance with BS8300 2009 Annex B Code of Practice, against the finished concrete in both wet and dry conditions, was also required.

Watco's Safety Edge GRP met the specifications, but was initially unavailable in the required specification, size and colour.

"Watco developed an exclusive version of its Safety Edge GRP, in the specified black shade, with a 70mm tread and 55mm riser that fitted on to the rebated precast step to keep the nosing flush," says Adrian Adrian Rowe, MPT engineering manager. "It also had perfect internal angles so it sat snugly on the standard profile of the nose on the precast concrete steps."