GB2616588A

GB2616588A - Safety system

Info

Publication number: GB2616588A
Application number: GB2105844.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pickles Jayne; Pickles Mark
Original assignee: G & M Safety Netting Ltd
Current assignee: G & M Safety Netting Ltd
Priority date: 2021-04-23
Filing date: 2021-04-23
Publication date: 2023-09-20
Also published as: GB202105844D0

Abstract

A modular safety system for covering a rectilinear gap within a floor of a building, the system comprising at least one pair of elongate primary support units 100, 300, 500 securable at opposing edges of the gap and separated by an expanse, the units comprising a planar support surface. One or more deck panels 400 are placed on the primary support units to partially cover the expanse, and a safety hatch 600 is placed on the support surface to also cover the expanse. The support surface is recessed within the gap, so the deck panels and hatch form a level surface with the floor, in use. Further disclosed is a method for covering such a gap in a floor of a building.

Description

SAFETY SYSTEM

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention discloses a safety system. More specifically, it discloses a modular safety system for use in the construction industry.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Building operatives face multiple hazards during construction of a building. Multi-story buildings are constructed from the ground-up, one floor at a time. In particular, because stairs are typically one of the final elements added during construction, stairwells are typically open until construction is almost complete. Normally a cover is constructed from spare building materials, with a gap for a ladder left to allow access between floors. However, as the number of floors increase, so do their height, and this poses a major height hazard for the building operatives. The risk of someone falling is increased when they are required to work with pace to finish the work on schedule, as even a slight lapse in concentration can prove to be fatal.

One solution typically deployed in the construction industry is to use a safety feature, such as a net, that is suspended below the working level/floor of the building to prevent the operative from falling. However, one major disadvantage of such a system is that it restricts the freedom of operation. Additionally, there are often further structures (e.g. long roofing structures) that also need to be fitted between the floors of the building, and this may involve removing the nets partially or fully and then re-attaching them again. This process may need to be repeated multiple times during construction, and thus, can be very time consuming. Hence, this could discourage the building operatives from using such safety nets in the first place, greatly comprising their safety.

Another solution is to provide a safety unit in the form of a rigid network or mesh for bridging a gap across a floor during construction. Unlike the safety net described above, such a rigid mesh structure can be easily deployed across, for example, beams of the floor, and can be quickly removed when required. However, the problem remains if an operative requires access to the floor below, or if there are addition structures that need to be transported via the gap which is covered by the mesh structure. In such situations, the structure still needs to be removed, and if required again, re-attached to the building floor. Additionally, such mesh structures are manufactured in a select number of sizes, making them unsuitable in cases where the size of the mesh does not match the gap that need to be covered. Finally, use of such a mesh can create a trip hazard due to their positioning on top of the gap, supported on the floor.

The present invention aims to ameliorate these problems by providing a readily deployable modular safety system suitable for use across gaps of arbitrary sizes, and by providing access for the operative to pass through the system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention defines a system according to claim 1. A second aspect of the present invention defines a method according to claim 25. Optional or preferred features are described in the dependent claims.

In the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular safety system for covering a substantially rectilinear gap within a floor of a building, said safety system comprising: at least one pair of elongate primary support units, each primary support unit configured to be secured at opposing edges of the gap and being separated therebetween by an expanse, said primary support units comprising a planar support surface; one or more deck panels configured to be placed on the planar support surface of the primary support units to partially cover the expanse; and a safety hatch configured to be placed on the planar support surface of two of the primary support units to further cover the expanse; and wherein the planar support surface of the primary support units is recessed within the gap such that the deck panels and the safety hatch form a surface substantially level with the floor.

The system allows for gaps, such as those of stairwells during construction of buildings prior to installation of the staircase, said gaps are typically rectilinear shapes (i.e. having parallel edges). The present system provides a modular flexible system for providing support structure with deck panels and an access or safety hatch that together cover the space and substantially reduce the risk of falling injury.

Furthermore, the deck panels and hatch sit on a planar support surface that is recessed within the gap and therefore the panels and hatch form a surface that is substantially level with the surrounding floor.

I() The modular safety system is typically for construction operatives such as joiners, decorators, electricians or the like that work on construction sites., The primary support unit may be configured to telescopically expand to span the gap. In embodiments, the primary support unit comprises a hollow outer beam and two inner beams, each inner beam telescopically inserted into an end of the outer beam, and wherein an upper surface of the hollow outer beam forms the planar support surface. Such an arrangement allows a total length of the primary support unit, to be adjusted depending on the requirements, namely the length of the gap to be covered.

The outer beam of the primary support unit may comprise one or more holes located on opposing side walls, wherein each hole is co-located with a corresponding hole located on the opposing side wall, such that a locking pin can be inserted through the outer beam.

The inner beam of the primary support unit may comprises one or more inner wall holes located on opposing side walls, wherein each inner wall hole is co-located with a corresponding inner wall hole located on the opposing side wall and with the holes of the outer beam, such that the locking pin can be inserted through the inner beam and the outer beam to secure the primary support unit at a particular length.

In embodiments the inner beams may comprise an end part configured to be attached to the building floor.

In further examples the planar support surface may comprise a flange protruding from and along one wall of the planar support surface against which the deck panels and/or the safety hatch can abut.

The system can further comprise one or more elongate infill support units configured to be secured across the gap of the building floor and parallel to the primary support units, wherein the infill support units are narrower than the deck panels and substantially flush with the surface to extend the surface. These elongate infill support units may be configured to telescopically expand to span the gap. In other examples the elongate infill support unit may comprise a hollow outer infill beam and two inner infill beams, each inner infill beam telescopically inserted into an end of the outer infill beam.

A plurality of elongate infill support units may be provided, each configured to lie adjacent to each other and/or to a primary support unit, and/or to a wall adjoining the gap. The inner infill beams may comprise an end part configured to be attached to the building floor.

The system may further comprise one or more crosslink support units configured to be placed perpendicular to the pair of primary support units on the planar support surfaces. Typically the crosslink support units may be narrower than the deck panels and substantially flush with the surface to extend the surface. The elongate crosslink support unit may also be configured to telescopically expand to span the gap in a similar manner to described above. The elongate crosslink support unit may also comprises a hollow outer crosslink beam and two inner crosslink beams, each inner crosslink beam telescopically inserted into an end of the outer crosslink beam.

The outer crosslink beam may also comprise one or more extended portions protruding from a side wall for placing the outer crosslink beam on top of the primary support units. The inner crosslink beam can comprise an extended portion at one end for placing the inner crosslink beam on top of the primary support units. Additionally or alternatively the inner crosslink beam may comprise two ribs protruding from two opposing ends of a wall of the inner crosslink beam for supporting and aligning the inner beam inside the outer crosslink beam. The beam may further comprise an inner rib at the front end of the outer crosslink beam that interlocks with the two ribs for preventing incorrect orientation of the inner crosslink beam when the inner crosslink beam is inserted into the outer crosslink beam. This inner rib may interlock with the two ribs of the inner beam of the crosslink infill support unit for preventing incorrect orientation of the inner beam when the inner beam is inserted into the outer beam.

I() In one embodiment, the safety latch may comprise a first section, second and a third section. The first section, second or the third section may comprise a frame and a metallic mesh connected to the frame. This allows a constructive operative to walk safely on the hatch when in use.

In an embodiment, the first or the second sections may be hingly attached to an external frame of the safety hatch. Additionally, the third section may be located within the first section and may be hingly attached to the frame of the first section. This allows the first, second and the third sections to function as doors. When in use (when the doors are closed), the first or the second section may be configured to be securely fastened to the external frame using one or more spring latches located on the frame of the first or the second section. Similarly, the third section may be configured to be securely fastened to the frame of the first section using one or more spring latches located on the frame of the third section.

In one embodiment, the external frame, the frame of the first, second, or third section may be L-shaped. This allows the safety hatch to be position on top of the building floor and deck panels, as well as allows the first, second, or third sections to be fitted together in a desired manner.

In another embodiment, the metallic mesh of the first, second or the third section may comprise one or more stiffener ribs. The stiffener ribs provide additional strength to the mesh.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for covering a substantially rectilinear gap within a floor of a building, said method comprising the steps of: measuring the gap to be rectilinear gap to be covered; providing at least a pair of elongate primary support units, each support unit being telescopically expandable to fit said gap and comprising a planar support surface recessed within said gap; placing the elongate primary support units at a separation distance to form an expanse between the primary support units; determining and placing a number of deck panels between the primary support units to at least partially cover the expanse; placing a safety hatch on the planar support surface to I() cover the remaining expanse; placing one or more elongate infill support units parallel to the primary support units to fill any space between the primary support units and co-parallel edges of the gap; and placing one or more crosslinked support units perpendicular to the primary support units and on said planar support surface and between said deck panels and/or the safety hatch; and wherein said deck panels, safety hatch, elongate infill support units and crosslinked support units form a substantially level surface.

The choice of the number of outer beams of the infill support units and full (both inner and outer beam) infill support units to be used may depend on the gaps that need to be filled, adding an additional degree of freedom to the system.

During construction of the safety system, the desired length of the primary support unit, elongate infill support unit or crosslink infill support unit may be initially set by adjusting the length of the inner beam (length of the primary support unit, elongate infill support unit or crosslink infill support unit) with respect to the outer beam. The outer beam of the primary support unit, elongate infill support unit or crosslink infill support unit may then be secured into that position with respect to the outer beam using a locking pin and an R-clip. For the latter to happen, at least one pair of holes located on opposing side walls of the inner beam must align with at least one pair of holes located on opposing side walls of the outer beam, such that the locking pin may be inserted through the walls of the inner and outer beams of the primary support unit, elongate infill support unit or crosslink infill support unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiment of the invention shall now be described in detail by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 'I c, respectively, show an aluminium primary support unit with an inner beam and an outer beam, inner and outer beam profile, and holes located on a sidewall of the inner beam; Figure 2 shows two primary support units attached to a floor and/or other structures of a building; Figures 3a-3c, respectively, show a steel primary support unit with an inner beam and an outer beam, a close-up of the end part of the steel primary support unit, and a beam profile of the inner and the outer beams of the primary support unit; Figures 4a-4b, respectively, show an aluminium elongate infill support unit with an inner beam and an outer beam, and primary support units and elongate infill support units attached to a building floor; Figures 5a-5b, respectively, show side views of a primary support unit and a elongate infill support unit; Figures 6a-6b show the arrangement of deck panels on primary supports units; Figures 7a-7c, respectively, show a crosslink infill support unit with an inner beam and an outer beam, inner beam of the crosslink infill support unit, and the beam profile of the inner and outer beams; Figures 8a-8b show the arrangement of crosslink infill support units on primary support units; Figure 9 shows a safety hatch.

Figures 10a-10c, respectively, show hinges of a first section and a third section of the safety latch, spring latches of the first section and a second section of the safety latch, and spring latch of the third section of the safety hatch.

Figures 11a-11b, respectively, show a side view of the safety hatch, and the placement of the safety hatch on top of the deck panels and the building floor.

Figure 12 shows a complete safety system arranged on the building floor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figure la shows a primary support unit 100, as part of a modular safety system (see later) for covering a gap within a floor of a building. The primary support unit 100 15 comprises an outer beam 110, and one or more inner beams 120 received within the outer beam 110.

The diameter of the outer beam 110 is bigger than that of inner beams 120 such that the inner beams 120 are inserted into the outer beam 110 in a telescopic arrangement. In this manner, the total length of the primary support unit 100 can adjusted to suit various requirements at the construction site to bridge between a range of gaps in a floor.

Additionally, the outer beam 110 comprises a plurality of equally spaced holes 130 on two opposing side walls of the outer beam 110. Similarly, the inner beam 120 comprises a plurality of equally spaced holes 140 on two of its opposing side walls of the inner beam 120. A more detailed image of the holes is shown in figure 1b. In one embodiment, the spacing between the holes 130 is larger than between holes 140.

The holes 130 on opposing side walls of the outer beam 110 align, as do holes 140 on the opposing side walls of each of the inner beams 120. During construction of the safety system, the inner beam 120 is adjusted to the desired length, such that at least one pair of holes 130 on opposing walls of the outer beam 110 align with at least one pair of holes 140 on opposing walls of the inner beams 120. Once the pairs of holes 130, 140 are aligned, the inner beams 120 can be secured into the desired length using a pin and a R-clip 150 as shown in figure la.

In an embodiment, the inner beam 120 further comprises an end part 160, which is welded onto an end of the inner beam 120, as shown in figure 1 a. The end part 160 comprises an extended portion 161 with a plurality of holes 162 to secure the end part 160 to a floor 170 of a building during construction using pins and R-clips. This It) acts to secure the unit 100 to the edges of the gap to be covered. Figure 2 shows two such units 100, which are attached to a floor 170 of the building with their longitudinal axis aligned parallel to a plane of a wall 180 of the building.

In another embodiment, the outer beam 110 further comprises a flange 190 protruding from a side wall as shown in figure 1c. The flange 190 is used to securely position a plurality of deck panels (see later). Figure lc also shows that the extrusion profile of the outer beam 110 is hollow and rectangular, although it can be appreciated that other shapes may also be possible. It can also be seen that the inner beam 120 extrusion profile consists of two hollow quasi-rectangular sections welded together to form an overall rectangular profile of the inner beam 120. This improves the strength of the inner beam and therefore the primary support unit 100 In the embodiments shown in figures 1a-1c, the primary support unit 100 is typically constructed from aluminium, and the end part 160 is typically made from steel, although it can be appreciated that alternative materials may be used for both parts.

In the example shown, the aluminium primary support unit 100 is generally suitable for use, for example, to cover smaller stairwells. However, in another embodiment, both primary support unit 200 and the end part 260 can be made from steel, or other high tensile strength material, as shown in figure 3a. In this example the steel primary support unit 200 is suitable for use, for example, with larger stairwells due to the increased structural integrity of the steel primary support units 200.

Like the aluminium primary support unit 100, the steel primary support unit 200 comprises two inner beams 220 and one outer beam 210, with the end part 260 at one end of the beams 220. The end pad 260 comprises two opposing ribs 205 that are welded to a top wall inner beam 220, as shown in figure 3b. Like the outer beam 110 of primary support unit 100, the outer beam 210 of steel primary support unit 200 further comprises a flange 290 protruding from a side wall as shown in figure 3c, which is used for supporting a plurality of deck panels. However, unlike the aluminium version of the primary support unit 100, the outer beam 210 further comprises additional pairs of weight relief holes 230 to reduce weight, in addition to I() the holes 235 for the pin and a R-clip 150. Furthermore, figure 3c shows that whereas the inner beam 220 extrusion profile is hollow and rectangular (with dimensions of 75 mm x 50 mm, and constructed from a sheet of steel with thickness 3 mm), the outer beam 210 is constructed from two separate metal parts 236, 237 (which sheet thickness 2.5 mm) to form an overall rectangular profile.

Figure 4a shows a first telescopic elongate infill support unit 300 made from aluminium. The total length of the unit 300 when extended fully is equal to the total lengths of the units 100, 200. Like for unit 100, an inner infill beam 320 further comprises an end part 360 that is welded onto an end 365 of the inner infill beam 320, as shown in figure 4a. Additionally, the inner infill 310 and outer infill 320 beams have substantially identical extrusion profiles to the inner 120 and outer 110 beams, respectively, of the unit 100. The infill support units 300 are designed to be placed between a primary support unit 100 and the wall 180 of the building, such that any gaps between a primary support unit 100 nearest to the wall 180 and wall 180 itself is filled. Although not shown, the infill support units 300 can also be placed across units 100 (i.e. in a manner perpendicular to the units 100) if required. This arrangement is shown in figure 4b, where three such infill support units 300 are shown to be securely attached to the floor 170 of the building. In an embodiment, the spacing between the two adjacent units 421 (consisting of two units 100 or 300) is 10-20 mm, and the spacing between two units 100 further apart is 510-520 mm, as shown in figure 4b. However, it can be appreciated that these distances can vary depending on requirements.

It is to be noted that the first telescopic infill support unit 300 can also be constructed from steel (where the inner and outer beams 310, 320, as well as the end part 360 are constructed from steel), which is to be used in conjunction with unit 200. The extrusion profiles inner and outer beams of the steel version of the primary support unit is identical to that of the inner and outer beams, respectively, of the primary support unit 200.

In an embodiment, during construction of the safety system, the flange 390 of the infill support beam 300 is positioned in a direction opposition to the flanges 190 of I() the support beams 100. This arrangement is shown in figure 5a and 5b, respectively, for units 100 and 300, but it can be appreciated that the same arrangement of the flanges can be realised for the steel units. Additionally, the end parts 160, 260 of the primary support units 100, 200 also comprise support ribs 165, 265 (see figures 3b and 5) which assist in supporting and alignment of the deck panels 400, as shown in figure 6a.

As also shown in figure 6b, a plurality of deck panels 400 placed between units 100 to fill in the gaps at least partially between the units 100. The panels 400 are also configured to be connected to each other. In figure 6b, eight such panels 400 are used. It can also be seen that after laying the panels 400, large gaps 410, 420 still remain.

In one embodiment, to cover the gaps 410, 420, a second telescopic crosslink unit 500 is used like the one shown in figure 7a. The crosslink unit 500 is fully constructed from aluminium and is suitable for use both in the steel and the aluminium versions of the system. Like all other previous units, the crosslink unit 500 comprises an outer crosslink beam 510 and an inner crosslink beam 520. However, in this case only a single inner beam 520 is used. In an embodiment, the outer 510 beam has a square profile, and the inner beam 520 has a rectangular profile (see figure 7c). The dimensions of the outer beam are 510 is 70 x 70 mm, and it is constructed from aluminium of sheet thickness of 4 mm. The dimensions of the inner beam are 520 is 60 mm x 40 mm, and it is also constructed from aluminium of sheet thickness 4 mm.

The inner beam 520 comprises a pairs of holes 530 on opposing side walls, which can be aligned with a pair of holes 540 located on opposing side walls of the outer beam 510 to lock the inner beam 520 to the outer beam 510 into a desired length 5 using a pin and an R-clip. The outer beam 510 has an end portion 505 to prevent incorrect assembly with the inner beam 520. The outer beam 510 further comprises two extended portions 550 protruding from the underside of the beam 510. The distance between the extended portions 550 is approximately equal to the distance between two units 100 when attached to the building floor 170, such that the outer 10 beam 510 can be supported by two units 100 in a manner shown in figure 8a.

Figure 7b shows that the inner beam 520 comprises a single extended portion 560 on one end of the inner beam 520, such that the inner beam 520 can be properly placed in top of another unit 100 when extended. The latter arrangement is shown in figure 8a. Figure 8b shows a side view of the extended portion 560 of the inner beam 520 when it is placed and aligned on top of the steel unit 200. Referring to figure 7b, the inner beam 520 further comprises two opposing ribs 570 that extend part away along the length of the beam 520. The ribs 570 assist in supporting the inner beam 520 inside the outer beam a510. The outer beam 510 additionally comprises an inner rib 580 at the front end 590 of the outer beam 510 that interlock with ribs 570 in the manner shown in figure 7c to prevent incorrect orientation of the inner beam 520 during construction of the system, as shown in figure 7c. In an embodiment, the total length of the unit (from end 505 to the extended portion 560), when fully extended, is 1200 mm.

It can be seen from figure 8a that using one or more of whole units 500 (i.e. both the inner beam 520 and outer beam 510), in addition to one or more of the outer beams 510 (i.e. without the inner beam 520), the gap 410 is substantially covered and the gap 420 is partially covered. However, a large gap (part of the original gap 420) remains.

To cover the remaining gap 420, a safety hatch is used. Figure 9 shows one embodiment of the safety hatch 600. The hatch 600 is comprised of two sections: a first 610 and a second 620 section. In an embodiment, the first section 610 is larger than the section 620. Both sections 610, 620 are shown to be rectangular. Section 610 comprises a rectangular external frame 611, and section 620 comprises a rectangular external frame 621. It can be appreciated that frames 610a, 620a of other shapes may also be used (e.g. square frames). A metallic mesh structure fills the gap between the frames as shown. The mesh of the first section 610 additionally comprises three stiffener ribs 615, and the mesh of the second section 610 additionally comprises two stiffener ribs 625. The ribs 615, 625 provide additional strength to the mesh structure.

Section 610 further accommodates a third section 650 with a rectangular external frame 651. Like before, section 650 also comprises three stiffener ribs 655 for additional strength. The first 610 and the second 620 sections are hingly attached to an external frame 630 by means of hinges 640. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the external frame 630 are from 50 mm x 25 mm x 3 mm. The third section 650 is also hingly attached to the frame 611 of the first section 610 using an identical hinge 640, as shown in figure 10a. Such an arrangement allows the constructive operative to operate sections 610, 620 and 650 independently of one another, allowing access to the through the hatch by opening any of the section 610, 620 and 650. Therefore, it clear that the sections 610, 620 and 650 function as doors.

In an embodiment, the sections 610, 620 are securely attached using spring latches 660. For example, figure 10a shows that section 610, 620 are securely fastened to the external frame 630 using latches 660, which allows the constructive operative to walk and work on the system safely. In some embodiments, the spring latches 660 are located on one or more positions along the frames 611, 621, as seen clearly from figure 9. Similarly, the third section 650 can be securely attached to the first section 610 by using identical spring latches 660 located one or more positions along the frame 651 of the section 650, in a manner shown in figure 10c.

Figure 11 a shows a side view of a part of the external frame 630 and part of frames 611, 621 and 651. The external frame 630 is folded to form an L-shape as shown, with frames 611, 621 and 651 folded in a similar manner. The L-shape of the frames 611, 621 of the first 610 and the second 620 sections, respectively, allow the sections 610, 620 to be placed on top of the external frame 630 in a manner shown in figure 11a. In a similar manner, the L-shaped frame 651 allows the third section to be placed on top of the frame 611 of the first section 610. Figure 11b shows a side view of when external frame 630 of the hatch 600 is placed on top of the deck panel 400 and the floor 170. In this case, steel units 200 and sections 610 and 650 are shown.

Figure 12 shows the complete system 700 affixed to the building floor 170, including the safety hatch 600, deck panels 400, and units 100, 300 and 500 (inner 510 and/or outer 520 beams). Although figure 12 displays an aluminium version of the system 700, it can be appreciated that the steel version of the system (not shown) would have a similar configuration, but comprise a different number of deck panels 400, deck panels 400, and units 100, 300 and 500.

By placing the hatch 600 as shown, the remaining gap 420 (as shown in figure 8a) is now filled. The constructive operative can then safety walk and work on the system 700. The inclusion of the sections 610, 620 and 650 within the hatch 600 allows the operative to gain easy access to the floors/space below the floor 170, without the need to remove any parts of the system 700.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of receivers and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein.

Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom. For the sake of completeness it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, a single unit may fulfil the functions of several means recited in the claims and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A modular safety system for covering a substantially rectilinear gap within a floor of a building, said safety system comprising: at least one pair of elongate primary support units, each primary support unit configured to be secured at opposing edges of the gap and being separated therebetween by an expanse, said primary support units comprising a planar support surface; one or more deck panels configured to be placed on the planar support surface of the primary support units to partially cover the expanse; and a safety hatch configured to be placed on the planar support surface of two of the primary support units to further cover the expanse; wherein the planar support surface of the primary support units is recessed within the gap such that the deck panels and the safety hatch form a surface substantially level with the floor.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the primary support unit is configured to telescopically expand to span the gap.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the primary support unit comprises a hollow outer beam and two inner beams, each inner beam telescopically inserted into an end of the outer beam, and wherein an upper surface of the hollow outer beam forms the planar support surface.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the outer beam of the primary support unit, comprises one or more holes located on opposing side walls, wherein each hole is co-located with a corresponding hole located on the opposing side wall, such that a locking pin can be inserted through the outer beam.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the inner beam of the primary support unit, comprises one or more inner wall holes located on opposing side walls, wherein each inner wall hole is co-located with a corresponding inner wall hole located on the opposing side wall and with the holes of the outer beam, such that the locking pin can be inserted through the inner beam and the outer beam to secure the primary support unit at a particular length.
6. The system of any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the inner beams comprise an end part configured to be attached to the building floor.
7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the planar support surface comprises a flange protruding from and along one wall of the planar support surface against which the deck panels and/or the safety hatch can abut.
8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises one or more elongate infill support units configured to be secured across the gap of the building floor and parallel to the primary support units, wherein the infill support units are narrower than the deck panels and substantially flush with the surface to extend the surface.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the elongate infill support unit is configured to telescopically expand to span the gap.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the elongate infill support unit comprises a hollow outer infill beam and two inner infill beams, each inner infill beam telescopically inserted into an end of the outer infill beam.
11. The system of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein a plurality of elongate infill support units are provided, each configured to lie adjacent to each other and/or to a primary support unit, and/or to a wall adjoining the gap.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the inner infill beams comprise an end part configured to be attached to the building floor.
13. The modular safety system of any preceding claim, wherein the system further comprises one or more crosslink support units configured to be placed perpendicular to the pair of primary support units on the planar support surfaces, wherein the crosslink support units are narrower than the deck panels and substantially flush with the surface to extend the surface.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the elongate crosslink support unit is configured to telescopically expand to span the gap.
15. The system of claim 14, wherein the elongate crosslink support unit comprises a hollow outer crosslink beam and two inner crosslink beams, each inner crosslink beam telescopically inserted into an end of the outer crosslink beam.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the outer crosslink beam comprises one or more extended portions protruding from a side wall for placing the outer crosslink beam on top of the primary support units.
17. The system of claims 15 or 16, wherein the inner crosslink beam comprises an extended portion at one end for placing the inner crosslink beam on top of the primary support units.
18. The system of claims 16 or 17, wherein the inner crosslink beam comprises two ribs protruding from two opposing ends of a wall of the inner crosslink beam for supporting and aligning the inner beam inside the outer crosslink beam.
19. The system of claims 18, wherein the outer crosslink beam further comprises an inner rib at the front end of the outer crosslink beam that interlocks with the two ribs for preventing incorrect orientation of the inner crosslink beam when the inner crosslink beam is inserted into the outer crosslink beam.
20. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the safety hatch comprises a first section, a second section, and a third section, and wherein one or more of the sections are hingedly attached to allow access for a safety operative through the hatch.
21. A method for covering a substantially rectilinear gap within a floor of a building, said method comprising the steps of: measuring the gap to be rectilinear gap to be covered; providing at least a pair of elongate primary support units, each support unit being telescopically expandable to fit said gap and comprising a planar support surface recessed within said gap; placing the elongate primary support units at a separation distance to form an expanse between the primary support units; determining and placing a number of deck panels between the primary support units to at least partially cover the expanse; placing a safety hatch on the planar support surface to cover the remaining expanse; placing one or more elongate infill support units parallel to the primary support units to fill any space between the primary support units and co-parallel edges of the gap; and placing one or more crosslinked support units perpendicular to the primary support units and on said planar support surface and between said deck panels and/or the safety hatch; and wherein said deck panels, safety hatch, elongate infill support units and crosslinked support units form a substantially level surface.