GB2414504A - Safety barrier frameworks - Google Patents

Abstract

A safety barrier framework for releasable mounting on an external wall or framework of a building under construction comprises spaced apart primary barrier elements 2 and at least one secondary element 3 extending generally laterally, and at least one extendible barrier element 4 mounted to be extendible and retractable and capable of connection to another such barrier element. A socket arrangement (Fig 3, not shown) may be attached to the building for receipt of lower end 12 of tube 2 as far as stop 23; strengthening members 9 may be provided as shown, and a right-angle corner connector may be provided for members 4 (Fig 2, not shown), which may be fixed in place by locking bolts passing through threaded apertures in the tubes.

Description

1 2414504

BARRIER FRAMEWORKS

This invention is concerned with barrier frameworks of the type comprising a guard rai I system.

In the construction of' huldings i'rom pre-cast and/or otherwise prefabricated struclures, typically cooperatives need to work at or near the external ecige i.e. the uppermost, outermost edge of the building under construction, which presents a risk 1() of foal] which can lead to serious injury ii' protective nneasures against falling ofl'this ecige are not n1 place.

Typically, in the construction industry, a battier is created adjacent the external edge by conventional scai'i'olding erected from the ground upwards. As more units are installer! lo Increase the height ol' the building, so the height of the scaffolding is increased to keep pace. The metal tubes of scat'folding arrays provide a safety barrier tc, those operatives working at or near the said external edge.

However, scaffolding framework is not ideal for this purpose, and requires significant investment in pans and labour which increase construction costs. An alternative to scaft'oldLlg or supplement to scat'folding, is the use of' harness restraints such that were an operative to slip or fall, the harness would prevent serious injury. However, harnesses can be bulky and interfere with the operative's construction work.

Construction work assigned to construction operatives working at the external edge gives rise lo safety issues which need to be acldressed and constantly monitored.

There appears to be over reliance on safety harnesses and consequent need for health and safely inspections which can impede building progress and increase construction costs.

It is from a consideration of existing building construction techniques, especially erection of multiple pre-cast or similar pre-fibricated units, and safety aspects of operatives working at the external edge that has lead to the development of the present invention.

Accordingly, In a first aspect, the present invention provides a barrier framework capable of releasable mounting upon an external wall or beam of a building unit, the framework including spaced apart primary barrier elements extending generally longitudinally with respect to the framework, to which primary barrier elements at least one.seccnclary barrier element Is affixed extending generally laterally with respect to the framework, at least one extendible barrier element mounted on the framework to be extendible and retractable generally laterally with respect to the framework and capable of releasable attachment to part of another spaced apart such 2() barrier frarnewcrk.

It is pref'eTed for a pair of primary barrier elements to be provided, each Including a lower portion adapted to engage mounting means affixed to a building unit.

Suitably the primary battier elements can be in the form of tubes or posts. It is most convenient for primary barTier elements to lie hollow and Lo have a cross section which Is generally circular. However, other cross sectional shapes such as rectangular may function but nary be less convenient.

Preferably mounting means are provided for the or each extendible barrier element and securely fixed to the primary and/or secondary barrier elements of the framework.

Such mounting means for the or each extendible barrier clement may conveniently comprise a generally hollow tubular sleeve. Such sleeve can be disposed generally parallel to and adjacent one or more secondary barrier elements, and within which sleeve the extendible barrier element is slidable.

A pair of spaced secondary barrier elements within the framework is conveniently interconnected, to improve strength and rigidity, by at Icast one supplementary barker elcmcnt. Further supplementary barrier elements may link the primary barrier elements to at least one secondary barTier element within the framework.

The supplementary barTier elements are preferably hollow with a cross section of circular or possibly rectangular shape. Other cross sectional fonns of supplementary 2() barrier element may be used but may be less convenient.

The mounting means for the or each extendible barrier element may include locking means to enable and prevent their movement relative to the framework. Such locking means preferably comprises a threaded clamp formed in the mounting sleeve and capable of frictional engagement with an external surface of the Said extendible member or members.

In a prefened embodiment of' the invention there is provided a ti-amework as generally S described above including a pair of spaced apart generally upright primary barrier elements, the base parts of which are adapted releasably to engage mounting means affixed to an external wall or beam of a building unit, a pair of spaced apart secondary barrier elements the remote ends of which are affixed to external surfaces of the primary barrier elements, mounting means being provided for a pair of extendible banier elements included in the framework, said mounting means comprising two pairs of hollow sleeves, each sleeve being rigidly at'l'ixed e.g. by welding lo, a surf:ace of a secondary barrier element, and optionally it'required also to a small surf:ace part of a primary barrier element.

In such a preferred arrangement as aforesaid, a plurality of secondary and supplementary barrier elermenls can be provided, most conveniently all extending within the same general plane of the framework as the primary barrier elements.

The framework in accordance with the invention may be supplied together with a 2() joining piece adapted to house at least part of two extendible barrier elements. In such a combination, the joining piece may conveniently comprise a hollow housing comprising a pair of sleeves extending substantially perpendicularly from a joint therebetween. The sleeves may comprise hollow tubular segments of approximately the same length' welded together at a joint forming an intersection therebetween.

In such a joining piece, each sleeve may conveniently include locking means, for example as described above with reference to the sleeve in whicl1 an extendible barrier element is slidably located.

The framework of the present invention, or the combination of a lacework with such a Coning piece may be supplied together with mounting means permitting mounting of the framework, in the region of an upper edge, to an appropriate external wall or beam of a building or unit such as a precast or otherwise pre-lahricated structural building urlit.

The mounting means may conveniently comprise a hollow tubular portion adapted to receive a lower leg part of the primary banier elements, and a backing plate securely affixed to the tubular portion adapted to be fastened to an external wall or beam of such a building unit.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a framework as described above in combination with a building unit such as a pre- fabricated building section, and to which a barrier framework as described has been fixed.

The invention also includes within its scope a building unit as described above, to which at least a pair of mounting means as also described above have been affixed and wherein lower leg portions of the said primary barrier elements are have been inserted within the tubular portion of the rnountmg means. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention tilere Is also provided a method of constructing a building using pre fabricated building sections wherein during construction of the building a safety framework its deployed in the vicinity of the edge of external walls of said pre- fabrcated sections, and in which said safely framework comprises a framework as defined above in accordance with the first aspect.

In order that the invention may be illustrated, more easily appreciated and readily carried into effect by those skilled in the art, emboclinents thereof Will now be described purely by way oi non-limithg example with reference to the accompanying drawings and wherein: T-igure I is a front elevation of a framework m accordance with the Invention, Figure I a is a side elevation ol' the framework depicted in Figure 1, figure 2 is a plan view ol'a joining piece for connecting extendible barrier elements of the t'ramework at t)0" corners according to the invention, Figure 3 is a cross sectional view oi'a mounting member suitable for attaching the framework of the invention to an external wall of a building unit such as a pre-cast building structure, and Figure 4 is a front elevation of the mounting unit depicted in Figure 3.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figures 1 and la thereof, the present framework 1, la is provided by an array of metal tubes constructed into a substantially rigid framework structure hut having extendible barrier elements as subsequently described which can be extended therefrom and retracted thereinto. The structure of the framework is provided by a pair of generally upstanding primary barrier elements 2, each ol' which comprise a hollow cylindrical tube having a lower portion 6 and a lowermost enct 12, the lower portion (i being of narrower cross section than the upper portion anct terminating at a support 23, which limits the hsertiorl of the framework in to a mounting unit to be described subsequently. The primary barrier elevenths 2 are spaced apart anct extenct at the horizontal end ol' the framework. F,xlendng laterally across the framework are a pair of' spaced apart and generally parallel secondary barTier elements 3, troth of which are rigidly affixed as e.g. by welding to the upstanding primary barrier elements 2. To provide strength to the framework and to assist in the general function of the l'ramework as a barrier and guide rail system, supplementary harrier elements 9 are provided, one of which comprises a generally upstanding tube interconnecting the secondary laterally extending harrier elements 3 whereas a pair of such supplementary barrier elements 9 extend from upstanciing primary barrier elevenths 2 to interconnect with the lower of the two laterally extending secondary barrier elements 3. For convenience the two lower supplementary barrier elements 9 are secured at an approximate angle of'45 ctegrees relative to the primary barrier elements 2. These angled supplementary barrier 2() elements help fill the space within the framework, and provide strength and barrier function without unduly complicating the arrangement or substantially increasing its cost. As can be seen in particular from Figure la, the primary, secondary and supplementary barrier elements extend within the same generally vertical plane which has been for convemence been referenceci 15. Whilst such an arrangement Is convenient and preferred it is not however critical to performance. The framework structure depicted in Figures I and la also includes a mounting means 13 in the form of a hollow sleeve constructed of metal and conveniently of circular cross section, which sleeve is securely fastened by welding at each end to surfaces of the laterally disposed secondary bonier elements 3. The mounting means 13 can convenieolly comprise a hollow sleeve whose diameter slightly exceeds that of the secondary barrier elements 3. This is to enable a further tubular element to be disposed within the mounting means, namely extendible barrier elements 4 in Figure 1 or Figure Ia.

Such extendible barrier elements 4 can be slidably mounted within the sleeves l 3 to extend generally parallel with and adjacent to the secondary laterally extending barrier elements 3. Accordingly such extendible elements are slidahly located within the mounting means and one such extendible element can be of approximately the same length as a secondary element 3 hence within the framework structure, the extendible elements can be positioned to reside with their remote ends co-terminus with the corresponding ends of the fixed secondary barrier elements 3. However, the extendible elements can be extended away therefrom as required to couple and connect with a spaced substantially similar even identical framework as is depicted in Figures I and la. The extendible barrier elements 4 can thus be caused to extend beyond the ends shown of the mounting means 13 adjacent the uppermost ends of the primary barrier elements 2 to be inserted within part 5 of the spaced framework corresponding to the hollow housings 14 of the mounting means 13 which are a rigidly affixed part ol the spaced, like framework. Accordingly in such an arrangement with the extendible elements extended towards another framework, an effective, strong and barrier-like continuation between the two like frameworks is formed in a manner corresponding to or otherwise resembling rails or posts extending therebetween which provide the appearance and general function of still further secondary laterally extending barrier elements 3.

Accordingly, in order to join together two spaced apart identical car similar I'rarneworks when mounted upon an external wall or beam of a building structure or unit, an operative merely needs lo extend the extendible elements from the one framework to the other so as to forth at least one, but preferably a minimurr1 of two continuous rails between the two spaced frameworks and which functions as a continuation of secondary laterally extending barrier elements between two such spaced frameworks. plurality of interconnected frameworks I can be continued all around the perimeter edge of a bulcling structure providing a continuous, unbroken rail appearance thereby providing an effective and improved safety barrier for operatives working at or near the perimeter or so called 'external' edge of buildings or pre-l:abricated units under construction.

Although not shown in Figures I and la, the mounting means 13 in the form of sleeves 14, can include locking means in the form of a threaded fastener (not shown) which engages a screw threaded aperture within the mountings l 3 so that the fastener engages upon and locates in locked position the said extendible element. In order to 2() prepare the extendible elements 4 for extension it is a simple matter for an operative to unscrew the said locking means, cause the extendible elements to be inserted within like mounting means 13, 14 on the spaced next framework and cause locking means to be locked on both the framework Prom which the element 4 has been extended and upon the l'r-amework receiving the extended barrier element.

Referring to Figure 2 there is shown one simple form of joining piece which can dock together the ends of extendible elements which project on a building structure at approximately 90 degrees to each other. Such a joining piece 16 as shown can be used to fasten the remote ends ol' extendible elements 4 (not shown) which project beyond the ends of frameworks (not shown) installed upon building units (not shown) at the junction of a cower. The joining piece comprises a pair of hollow tubular sleeves 18 having an internal bore 17 and threaded apertures 21. In the enlarged detail, it can be seen that the threaded aperture 21 provides for a threaded locknut 22, which together comprise the locking means 20 for the said joining piece 16. Thus 1() once the remote end oi'an extendible element 4 has been inserted within the bore 17 of the joining piece 16, the locking means can be operated whereby the locknut 22 frictionally engages the surface of the extendible element 4 then located within the said Joining piece l 6. Similarly the johling piece construction provides for locking of the remote end ol'anot}ler, separate extendible element within the secondary sleeve I X so that a pair of extended elements 4 from two like framework. stnclures can be securely held within the joining piece without a visible break between the elements 4.

This maintains the capacity to provide a continuous rail structure around the periphery of a building undergoing construction stages. Although this joining piece 16 is shown with an included angle of 9() degrees between the respective sleeves 18, other forms of joining piece may be provided, with different angles between the arms to be determined by the external shape and configuration of the building or pre-fabricated building unit requiring protection for operatives by arrays of the present Frameworks.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings, a mounting means 7 is provided adapted for attachment to an external wall or beam of a pre-fabricated 1] building unit such as a pre-cast rectangular hollow concrete structure (not shown).

This mounting means comprises a hollow tubular component 8 securely welded to a backing plate 24 including apertures 26, 27 through which mounting bolts may be passed to rigidly but releasably affix the mounting means 7 directly to an external wall or beam surface of a building unit or structure. 1lernoval of the mounting means alter use is possible with unskilled labour. The hollow tubular member X is used to receive lower portions 6 of prrnary barrier elements of the framework depicted in Figures 1 and la. In particular the remote ends 12 ol' such primary barrier elements can be inserted into the hollow tubular components 8 of the mounting means 7 so far as the to abutment colhar 23 on the primary barrier elenenis 2 abut the upper edge ol' the hollow tubular components 8. Utilizing such an arrangement, the framework can be securely held to an external wall or beam of a structural building unit to provide an effective barrier means as a safety measure for operatives required to work al or close to the external edge ol'buildng structures under construction. 1.S

A nurnber- of other advantages and benel'its pertain to the present frarnework m combination with a building unit. External hand rails on building works are traditionally fixed progressively as floors are laid using A-frame scaffolding or lilting eye bolts where floors are not hollow core. There are concerns about the use of conventional such A- frame scaffolding as they may be poorly erected and usually provide only one handrail but no toe board. Use of such conventional A-frame scat'f- 'lding generally requires operatives to wear safety harnesses and it is desirable to avoid such use.

The present framework with extendible barrier elements can be fitted before placing floors so as to eliminate the use of harnesses. The frameworks incorporating extendible barrier elements can be t'itted so that the next tier of floors can be placed whilst it remahls in place. The t'rameworks incorporating extendible barTier elements are adjustable in length to maintain continuous handrail and guard rail protection.

Most conveniently, the present frameworks with extendible barrier elernenl.s can be fitted to the building structure before the wall is lifted, that is in the factory or whilst on the delivery vehicle. The present frameworks can be supplied and delivered by racked vehicles info a temporary off-loading bay to provide sate slinging, ot'f:loading and handrail installation without the need for walkway platforms.

Following the placing of'floors, walls to the next level can be installed with the initial multiple framework installation still in position. Once the next level Is erected, the mitial handrail installation usually becomes redundant and can be simply hfted out of the mounting means and stored for re-use or returned to the factory. The present framework system can he unobtrusive h1 every day working with operatives acting as "erectors" and not "scaf'folders" without wearing a restrictive and uncomfortable harness. There are additional cost benefits in reduced monitoring by main contractors and less need for health and safety reminders.

Other noticeable improvements associated with use of the present barrier framework include the absence of leading edges to protect, the protection can be installed before construction starts, safely aspects can be perceived as integral to the construction process as distinct from a subsequent "bolt on", improved el'ficiencres In management time overseeing the building process, elimination of safety harness use, elimination of poor scaffolding erection, and a substantial reduction in ladder use.

Claims (27)

1. A barrier framework capable of releasable mounting upon an external wall or beam of a building unit, the framework including spaced apart primary barrier elements extending generally longitudinally with respect lo the framework, to which primary barrier elements at least one secondary barrier element is al'fixed extending generally laterally with respect to the t'rainework, at least one extendible barrier element mounted on the framework to be extendible and retractable generally laterally with respect lo the framework and capable of releasable attachment to part oi'anolller spaced apart SUCH barrier framework. 1()

2. A framework as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the primary barrier elements include a lower portion adapted to releasably engage mounting means affixed to a building unit.

3. A framework as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the primary barrier elements are in the form of tubes or posts.

4. A framework as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the primary barrier elements are hollow and have a rectangular or circular cross section.

5. A framework as claimed in any preceding claim, in which mounting means for the or each extendible banier element is securely affixed to the secondary and/or primary barrier elements of the framework.

6. A framework as claimed in any preceding claim in which mounting means for the or each extendible barrier element comprises a generally hollow sleeve.

7. A framework as claimed in claim 5 or 6 in which the mounting means is disposed generally parallel to and adjacent one or more secondary barrier elements.

S. A framework as claimed in any preceding claim including a pair ol spaced such secondary barrier elements optionally interconnected by a supplementary battier element.

9. A framework as claimed in any preceding claim in which supplementary barrier elements extend from and are securely affixed to the primary bander elements and at least one secondary barrier element.

1(). A framework as claimed in claim 8 or 9 wherein said supplementary barrier elements are hollow and have a rectangular or circular cross section.

11. A Iramework as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 1() in which the rncuntmg means for the or each extendible barrier element include locking means to enable and prevent movement of said extendible barrier element or elements relative to the framework.

12. A framework as claimed in claim 11 in which the locking means cormprses a threaded fastener capable of Fictional engagement with an external surface of the said extendible member or members.

13. A framework as claimed in any preceding claim including a pair of spaced apart primary barrier elements the base parts of which are adapted releasably to engage mounting means affixed to an external wall or beam ol a building unit, a pair of spaced apart secondary harrier elements the remote ends of which are affixed to external surfaces of the said primary barrier elements, mounting means being provided for a pair of extendible barrier elements included in the trarnework, said mounting means comprising at least one pair of generally co-linear spaced hollow sleeves, each sleeve being rigidly affixed to one of the secondary barrier elements and optionally to a surface part of a primary barrier element. 1()

14. A framework as claimed in claim 13 including a plurality of spaced elongate supplementary harrier elements all extending within the same general plane as the primary and secondary barrier elements.

15. A framework as claimed in any preceding claim, in combination with a joining piece adapted to house remote end parts of two extendible barrier elements.

16. A framework and joining piece combination as claimed in claim 15, wherein the joining piece comprises a generally hollow housing in which a pair of sleeves extend substantially perpendicular from a joint or coupling therebetween.

17. A framework and joining piece combination as claimed in claim 16, wherein each sleeve includes locking means as defined in claim 12.

18. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, or a framework combination as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, together with a mounting means permitting mounting of the framework to an external wall or beam of a building unit.

19. A framework or combination as claimed in claim 18, wheren the mounting means comprise a hollow tubular portion adapted to receive part of said primary barrier elements, and a backing plate securely affixed to said tubular portion which is adapted to be fastened to an external wall or beam of a building unit.

2(). A building unit such as a pre-fabricated building section Lo which a barrier t'ramework as claimed in any one of claims I to 14 has been affixed.

21. A building unit as claimed in claim 2(), to which at least a pair of mounting means as defined in claim 19 has been al'l'ixed and wherein the lowermost portions ol' the said primary barrier elements are located within the said tubular portion.

22. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 substantially as herein described.

23. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 substantially as herein illustrated in any figure of the accompanying drawings.

24. A framework combination as claimed in any one of claims 15 lo 19 substantially as herein described.

25. A framework combination as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19 substantially as herein illustrated in any figure of the accompanying drawings.

26. A building unit as claimed in claim 2() or 21 substantially as herein described

27. A method of constructing a building using pre-lahricaled building sections wherein during construction of the building a safely framework is deployed at or near the edge of external walls of said pre-fabricated secl.ions, and in which said framework comprises a framework as claimed in any one of claims I to 14 or 22 or 1 () 23.