GB2624069A - Temporary perimeter containment assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A temporary perimeter containment assembly 10 comprising; a main frame (12, Fig 1) having a central section , the central section (20, Fig 11) comprising central posts (22, Fig 6) which are parallel and spaced apart from each other, each post being adjustable in height to allow the post to extend fully between a floor surface and a ceiling of a building floor, bars (300, Fig 11) or gates 152, extending between the central posts. Each central post in cross-section is rectangular, including opposing first side faces and opposing second side faces, wherein each of the first and second faces comprises a continuous channel (222a, 222b, Fig 11) extending the length of the post between lower and upper ends thereof.

Description

TEMPORARY PERIMETER CONTAINMENT ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to a temporary perimeter containment assembly. The invention is primarily intended for building construction applications but is not limited to this use, and can also be used for other uses such as temporary barriers.

Background of the Invention

[2] In the construction of medium to high rise buildings, there is the danger of workers or equipment falling off unsecured edges, and ground workers or the public being injured from falling material or equipment.

[3] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[4] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[5] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a temporary perimeter containment assembly comprising: a main frame having a central section, the central section comprising central posts which are generally parallel and spaced apart from each other, each post being adjustable in height to allow the post to extend fully between a floor surface and a ceiling of a building floor, bars or gates extending between the central posts, wherein each central post in cross-section is generally rectangular, including opposing first side faces and opposing second side faces, wherein each of the first and second faces comprises a continuous channel extending the length of the post between lower and upper ends thereof [6] In one embodiment, the central posts each comprises a support screw jack at a lower end thereof, and a spring-loaded header plate at an upper end thereof for engaging the ceiling.

[7] In another embodiment, the header plate is mounted via a spring located internally within the post and includes a pivoting tab indicator to show when the plate has sufficiently engaged the ceiling.

[8] Preferably, the first side faces each include two parallel spaced channels.

[9] Preferably, each channel includes tabs extending towards each other at an opening thereof, forming a slot therebetween, the channels with the tabs being for fixing components of the assembly thereto.

[10] Preferably, the assembly includes at least one handrail having a mount bolt and mount tab at both ends thereof, the mount tab being insertable into a channel with the mount bolt extending through the slot of a post.

[11] Preferably, the mount tabs are mounted with internal springs which allows the mount tabs to be movable relative to the handrail to prevent the handrail from becoming jammed to the post while adjusting the level of the handrail relative to the post.

[12] Preferably, each post includes a series of spaced adjustment apertures formed along the first side faces, and each handrail includes a spring-loaded lock bolt disposed near the ends thereof, wherein each lock bolt is spring biased towards the first side face to engage an adjustment aperture.

[13] Preferably, the assembly further includes a mesh panel to extend between a second channel of the first side faces, the mesh panel including spaced connection bolts and tabs at its edges to be inserted into the posts second channels, [14] Preferably, the assembly further includes ropes attached to the top of the mesh panel with the ropes routed through a pulley assembly at an upper end of the posts.

[15] Preferably, the assembly further includes a basket extending between the posts and provided at a lower end of the mesh panel such that the mesh panel can be lowered to be received by the basket for quick storage, and can be deployed from the basket for quick deployment between the posts.

[16] Preferably, the basket can be raised or lowered relative to the floor level.

[17] Preferably, the screw jack includes a base plate having a mount bolt pivotably attached thereto, which allows easy alignment and connection to the post.

[18] Preferably, the assembly further includes an erection machine for the erection of a post, the machine including a tiltable platform which carries a post horizontally to position and can slowly move the post to the vertical orientation via hydraulic or pneumatic actuators to engage the screw jack.

[19] Preferably, the assembly further includes a support section to extend to a live side edge from the central section, the support section comprising vertical end posts and horizontal support beams extending between the end posts and the central posts, and gates or bars extending between the end posts, wherein the horizontal support beams are connected to a channel of the second side face.

[20] Preferably, the assembly further includes half-ring brackets mounted to a channel of the second side face, the half-ring brackets having angularly spaced apertures for selectable angular attachment of the horizontal support beam thereto.

[21] Preferably, the assembly further includes an extension section to extend to a work side from the central section, the extension section comprising proximal posts and horizontal support beams extending between the proximal posts and the central posts, and gates or bars extending between the proximal posts.

[22] Preferably, the assembly further includes a hinged pivotable kickplate to extend between the lower portions of the end posts.

[23] Preferably, the kickplate is pivotable downwardly to allow the kickplate to lay flat on the floor surface.

[24] Preferably, the assembly further includes a plant stopper bunt extending between the proximal posts at the floor surface [25] In another embodiment, the central posts each comprise a main member with a construction prop at an upper end thereof, the construction prop being pivotably attached to the main member.

[26] In another embodiment, each main member comprises a base plate and an upper plate, the upper plate including connection tabs for hinged attachment of the construction prop thereto.

[27] In another embodiment, the prop comprises a lower plate with a tube formation for pin connection to the connection tabs.

[28] In another embodiment, a mesh panel extends between the construction props, the props having upper hook mounts and lower pin mounts for mounting of eyelets of the mesh panel thereto.

[29] In another embodiment, the assembly further comprises a support section to extend to a live side edge from the central section, the support section comprising vertical end posts and horizontal support beams extending between the end posts and the central posts, and gates or bars extending between the end posts.

[30] In another embodiment, the assembly further comprises an extension section to extend to a work side from the central section, the extension section comprising proximal posts and horizontal support beams extending between the proximal posts and the central posts, and gates or bars extending between the proximal posts.

[31] In another embodiment, the assembly further comprises a hinged pivotable kickplate to extend between the lower portions of the end posts.

[32] In another embodiment, the kickplate is pivotable downwardly to allow the kickplate to lay flat on the floor surface.

[33] In another embodiment, the assembly further comprises a plant stopper bunt extending between the proximal posts at the floor surface.

[34] In another embodiment, the bunt extends the full width of the assembly.

[35] In another embodiment, the bunt is fixed to the floor via fixings.

[36] In another embodiment, base plates of the proximal posts are attached to the fixings.

[37] The invention in another aspect provides a plurality of temporary perimeter containment assemblies according to any one of the above, the assemblies being for assembly adjacent an edge of a floor of a building during construction to extend from the floor surface to the ceiling of the floor to act as a safety barrier for workers and equipment, the plurality of the containment assemblies being arranged side by side.

[38] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[39] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [40] Figure 1 is a side view of a temporary perimeter containment assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [41] Figure 2 shows example uses of the perimeter containment assembly in building construction; [42] Figure 3 is a side view of the perimeter containment assembly frame with mesh panel; [43] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the perimeter containment assembly frame with mesh panel; [44] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the perimeter containment assembly with mesh panel, with a close up view of the eyelet and bracket fixing means; [45] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a temporary perimeter containment assembly according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; [46] Figure 7 is a close up view of the connection between the posts and the gates; [47] Figure 8 is a close up view of the upper hook mount for the screen; [48] Figure 9 is a close up view of the lower pin mount for the screen; and [49] Figure 10 is a close up view of the pivot hinge connection for a construction prop.

[50] Figure 11 shows a part of a temporary perimeter containment assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[51] Figure 12 shows the locking means of a handrail to the posts.

[52] Figure 13 shows an upper end of the posts with the spring-loaded header plate.

[53] Figure 14 shows a top view of the post and handrail engagement, showing the cross-section shape of the post.

[54] Figure 15 is a front view of the Figure 14 assembly.

[55] Figure 16 shows a mesh panel assembly extending between the posts.

[56] Figure 17 shows a pulley assembly for raising/lowering the mesh panel from/into the basket.

[57] Figure 18 shows a lock cam for the pulley assembly rope and reinforcement brackets attached to the post.

[58] Figure 19 shows a support section for the posts.

[59] Figure 20 shows a top view and a front view of half-ring brackets attached to the posts.

[60] Figure 21 shows the steps in the use of an erection machine for the erection of a post.

Description of Embodiments

[61] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

[62] Figures 1 to 5 show a temporary perimeter containment assembly 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The function of the containment assembly 10 is to be disposed adjacent an edge 102 of a floor 104 of a building 100 during construction, to extend from the floor surface 108 to the ceiling 110 of the floor 104, to act as a safety barrier for workers and equipment and to provide additional functional features for construction. A plurality of the containment assemblies 10 are arranged side by side, and on multiple floors, to cover the exposed side openings 118 between the floors 104 of the building 100 during construction. The containment assemblies 10 provide a barrier between the working side 112 and the live edge side 114 of the building 100. Each containment assembly 10 extends to and contacts the ceiling 110 to provide full coverage from the floor 110 to the ceiling 110.

[63] Each containment assembly 10 comprises a main frame 12 and an optional extension frame 14. The main frame 12 comprises a central section 20 and a support section 30.

[64] The central section 20 comprises vertical first and second posts 22 which are generally parallel and laterally spaced apart from each other. Each post 22 is adapted to be adjustable in height to allow the post 22 to extend fully between the floor surface 108 and the ceiling 110 and be secured thereto. In the embodiment shown, the post 22 comprises a central main member 23 with a support screw jack 24 at a lower end thereof, and a top assembly member 25 at an upper end thereof. The main member 23 is hollow and internally threaded at the upper and lower ends thereof.

[65] The support screw jack 24 has a base plate 26 at its lower end and is threadedly engaged with the main member 23 at its upper end. The threaded engagement therebetween allows for the distance between the main member 23 and the base plate 26 to be varied as needed, which effectively allows the post 22 to be extended or shortened as needed.

[66] The top assembly member 25 comprises a top post 27 and threaded rod 28 at its lower end which is threadedly engaged with the upper end of the main member 23. This similarly allows the distance between the main member 23 and the top post 27 to be varied as needed, which is a second method of effectively extending or shortening the post 22 as needed.

[67] The support screw jack 24 and the top assembly member 25 can thus both be adjusted relative to the main member 23 which modifies the length of the post 22. The post 22 can be made to extend from the base plate 26 engaging the floor 108, to the top post 27 engaging the ceiling 110. The top post 27 can be provided with an upper engaging plate if desired for engaging the ceiling 110. The top post 27 can also be disposed to extend close to the ceiling but not engage same if desired.

[68] In use, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, a mesh panel 60 extends between the posts 22.

The posts 22 are provided with eyelet fixings 62 for mounting of eyelets of the mesh panel 60. Cross bracing 64 can also be provided between the posts 22.

[69] As also shown in Figures 6 and 7, the support section 30 extends to the live side edge 114 from the central section 20. The support section 30 comprises horizontal support beams 40 and vertical end posts 50. The main member 23 includes spaced nodes 29 thereon to which the horizontal support beams 40 are removably connected. The other end of the support beams 40 connect to nodes 51 (see Figure 1) of the vertical end posts 50 which are to be disposed close to the edge 102. The end posts 50 include a telescopic stabilizer leg 53 (see Figure 1) at a lower end thereof to provide adjustability in the engagement of the end posts 50 with the floor 108. Adjustment of the leg 52 can also adjust the vertical orientation of the posts 22. In another embodiment, the stabilizer legs 52 can be omitted and the vertical end posts 50 can be a single body post extending from the floor 108. Horizontal end bars 52 extend between the end posts 50.

[70] As shown in Figure 1, extending between the end posts 50 is a fixed panel 66, and a hinged pivotable kickplate 68 extends between the stabilizer legs 52 or the lower portion of the end posts 50. The fixed panel 66 provides additional permanent protection for the worker 120 on the live side edge 114. The kickplate 68 also provides protection but is pivotable upwardly to allow access to the edge 102 as needed, such as for the installation of façade panels 140. In a preferred embodiment, the kickplate 68 is pivotable downwardly, that is with its lower edge hinged to the lower end of the stabilizer legs 52 or the end posts 50. This will allow the kickplate to lay flat on the floor 108 giving the worker easier access. In the embodiment shown, the kickplate 68 is pivotable upwardly, that is with its upper edge hinged to the lower end of the fixed panel 66. This allows the kickplate to be pivoted temporarily for access as required giving the worker easier access, with the kickplate 68 automatically returning to its safety barrier position afterwards via gravity.

[71] The extension frame 14 extends towards the working side 114 from the central section 20. The extension frame 14 similarly comprises horizontal support beams 70 and vertical proximal posts 72. One end of the support beams 70 connect to the spaced nodes 29 of the main member 22. The other end of the support beams 70 connect to nodes of the proximal posts 72. Horizontal proximal bars 74 extend between the proximal posts 72.

[72] Extending between the proximal posts 72 at the floor level is a plant stopper plate 76.

The stopper plate 76 can be fixed to the floor 108 via fixings 77. As shown in Figure 2, the extension frame 14 and the plant stopper plate 76 are adapted to stop the movement of any equipment 150 rolling towards the edge 102.

[73] As also shown in Figure 2, the containment assembly 10 provides a base for a support crane 190 which can be used to support façade panels 140.

[74] Figures 6 to 10 show a temporary perimeter containment assembly 10b according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention which has similar features to the first embodiment. The containment assembly 10b is also for assembly adjacent an edge 102 of a floor 104 of a building 100 during construction, to extend from the floor surface 108 to the ceiling 110 of the floor 104, to act as a safety barrier for workers and equipment. A plurality of the containment assemblies 10 are arranged side by side, and on multiple floors, to cover the exposed side openings 118 between the floors 104 of the building 100 during construction. The containment assemblies 10 provide a barrier between the working side 112 and the live edge side 114 of the building 100.

[75] Each containment assembly 10b also comprises a main frame 12 and an extension frame 14. The main frame 12 comprises a central section 20 and a support section 30.

[76] The central section 20 comprises central posts 22 which are generally parallel and spaced apart from each other. Each post 22 is adapted to be adjustable in height to allow the post 22 to extend fully between the floor surface 108 and the ceiling 110. Gates 152 extend between the central posts 22. The gates 152 are rectangular panel frame structures.

[77] In the embodiment shown, the central posts 22 comprise a main member 123 with a construction prop 124 at an upper end thereof. Each main member 123 comprises a base plate 125 and an upper plate 127. The upper plate 127 includes connection tabs 129 for hinged attachment of the construction prop 124 thereto. The prop 124 for example comprises a lower plate 140 with a tube formation 142 for pin connection to the connection tabs 129. This allows a user to attach the construction prop 124 to the top of the member 123 at ground level, and where the user can extend the construction prop 124 from ground level as well to engage the ceiling 110. This avoids a user having to work at height during assembly. The prop is extended such that the central post 22 engages against the floor surface 108 and ceiling 110.

[78] One or more mesh panels 60 extends between the posts 22, specifically between the construction props 124. The props 124 are provided with upper hook mounts 132 and lower pin mounts 134 for mounting of eyelets 64 of the mesh panel 60 thereto. The embodiment thus allows for the mesh panels 60 to be mounted and stretched taut between the props 124 while the props 124 are pivoted down, before pivoting the props 124 upwardly to extend to the ceiling 110.

[79] The support section 30 extends to the live side edge 114 from the central section 20.

The support section 30 similarly comprises horizontal support beams 40 and vertical end posts 50. The main member 123 includes spaced nodes 29 thereon to which the horizontal support beams 40 are removably connected.

[80] The end posts 50 are similarly constructed as the main members 123. The other end of the support beams 40 connect to nodes 29 of the vertical end posts 50. Gates 152 extend between the end posts 50.

[81] This embodiment will also include the hinged pivotable kickplate 68 to extend between the lower portions of the end posts 50. The kickplate 68 will be pivotable downwardly, that is with its lower edge hinged to the lower end of the stabilizer legs 52 or the end posts 50, to allow the kickplate to lay flat on the floor 108 giving the worker easier access to install the facade.

[82] The extension frame 14 extends towards the working side 114 from the central section 20. The extension frame 14 similarly comprises horizontal support beams 70 and vertical proximal posts 72. The proximal posts 70 are also similarly constructed as the main members 123. One end of the support beams 70 connect to the spaced nodes 29 of the main member 123. The other end of the support beams 70 connect to nodes of the proximal posts 72. Gates 152 also extend between the proximal posts 72.

[83] This embodiment thus provides a modulised system where the common main member 123 can be used as the central post 22, end post 50 or proximal post 72. The gates 152 are also common between the sections.

[84] Extending between the proximal posts 72 at the floor level is a plant stopper bunt 76.

The bunt 176 extends the full width of the assembly 10b. The stopper bunt 76 is fixed to the floor 108 via fixings 77. The proximal posts 72 are preferably attached to the fixings 77, for example via the base plates thereof or directly to the proximal posts 72.

[85] The preferred embodiment thus provides a temporary perimeter containment system with the following features: a. Three layers of barrier fence for personnel safety -the extension frame 14, the central section 20 and the support section 30; b. Fixed stopper bunt 76 on the floor providing a physical plant equipment separation barrier; c. floor to ceiling containment, using fully engineered flame-retardant approved screening materials up to a maximum height of 4.5m d. all erection procedures are performed from the floor. There is no risk of working at heights by using an advanced guardrail application.

e. 3-way safety system: i. Firstly, internally secured bunts and handrails in place as safety barriers to mobile plant and personnel.

ii. secondary safety system removes the risk of objects falling from the building when tradesmen are working on the floor levels and at heights in those area.

iii. thirdly the system provides protection from falls to workers when in the process of installing façade panel systems. The unique application of a 420mm wide compliant toeboard. This is used in a vertical sliding manner that at all times keeps the panel contained within its guiderails or snap lock connecting points.

f. Provides an increased safe work area on multi-story buildings g. Reduces the risk of objects from falling off the side of buildings h. Reduces the risk of falls i. Makes it safer to operate plant and machinery on high rise buildings j. Containment mesh is level 2 flame retardant k. Stability of the system is via an intension application from floor to ceiling I. Does not necessarily require floor bolts for stability m. Has a levelling application for floor level changes n. Has an extendable application allowing small gaps to be closed and unusual floor footprints to be problem free [86] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiment shown.

[87] Figures 11 to 14 show another embodiment of a temporary perimeter containment assembly 10c. The central section 20 in this embodiment comprises vertical posts 22c which are generally rectangular in cross-section. Each post 22c is also adapted to be adjustable in effective height to allow the post 22c to extend fully between the floor surface 108 and the ceiling 110 and be secured therebetween. In the embodiment shown, the post 22c comprises a support screw jack 24 at a lower end thereof, and a spring-loaded header plate 25c at an upper end thereof. The jack 24 raises/lowers the post 22c. The header plate 25c is mounted via a spring 210 located internally within the post 22c, the header plate 25c engaging the ceiling 110 in use. The header plate 25c can include a pivoting tab indicator 428 (visual gauge) to show when the plate 25c has sufficiently engaged the ceiling 110. In the example, the tab indicator 428 for example pivots to a horizontal position or close thereto to indicate sufficient engagement.

[88] As shown in Figure 14, the post 22c in cross-section is generally rectangular, typically made from aluminium extrusion. The post 22c includes opposing first side faces 220 and opposing second side faces 230. The first side faces 220 are wider than the second side faces 230. The first side faces 220 each include two channels 222a and the second side faces 230 each include a single channel 222b. Each channel 222 is continuous and extends the length of the post 22 between the lower and upper ends thereof, the channels 222 being parallel and spaced from each other. Each channel 222 includes tabs 224 extending towards each other at the opening thereof, forming a slot 226 therebetween. The channels 222 with the tabs 224 are used for fixing/locking other components of the assembly thereto as described below. The channels 222 provide for multiple locking points along their length.

[89] The assembly 10c includes a handrail 300 having a mount bolt 302 and mount tab 304 at both ends thereof. The mount tab 304 can be inserted into a channel 222a with the mount bolt 302 extending through the slot 226 of a post 22c. The mount tab 304 can engage the tabs 224. This retains the handrail 300 to the post 22c and allows the handrail 300 to be vertically movable along the channel 222 of the post 22c. The handrails 300 extend between the posts 22c. The mount tabs 304 are mounted with internal springs 305 which allows the mount tabs 304 to be movable relative to the handrail 300. This prevents the handrail 300 from becoming jammed to the post 22c if the handrail 300 is not horizontal while adjusting the level thereof relative to the post 22c.

[90] Each post 22c includes a series of spaced adjustment apertures 228 formed along the first side faces 220, the apertures 228 being provided in pairs. Each handrail 300 includes a spring-loaded U-shaped lock bolt 232 disposed near the ends thereof. Each lock bolt 232 is spring biased 233 towards the first side face 220 to engage a pair of the adjustment apertures 228. In this manner, the lock bolt 232 can be retracted from engagement with a pair of the adjustment apertures 228, the handrail 300 moved vertically upwardly or downwardly along the post 22c, and the lock bolt 232 released to engage a new pair of the adjustment apertures 228 to lock the handrail 300 at its new vertical position along the post 22c. The lock bolt 232 at both ends of the handrail 300 are disengaged at the same time to perform the vertical adjustment. This can be done by two workers, or the lock bolts can be connected to each other for simultaneous actuation by a single worker.

[91] As shown in Figure 11, each post 22c can include a plurality of handrails 300 mounted thereto at different vertical levels. Additional handrails 300 can be mounted to the opposite first side face 220, with each post 22c thus having handrails 300 extending from each side thereof.

[92] As shown in Figures 16 to 18, the second channel 222a of the first side faces 220 can receive therein side edges of a mesh panel 400. The mesh panel 400 includes spaced connection bolts and tabs at its edges similar to the mount bolt 302 and mount tab 304. In this manner, the mount tabs of the mesh panel 400 can be inserted into the posts 22c (typically via the open lower end thereof), such that the side edges of the mesh panel 400 are retained to the respective posts 22c. The mesh panel 400 thus can extend fully between two posts 22c. Another mesh panel 400 can thus also be installed to the other first side face 220 for the next modular section of the assembly.

[93] Figure 17 shows a pulley assembly 420 is provided adjacent the header plate 25c.

Ropes 425 are attached to the top of the safety net mesh panel 400, with the ropes 425 routed through the pulley assembly 420, to allow the workers to raise or lower the mesh panel 400 between the posts 22c. Figure 18 shows a cam lock 430 provided to the post 22c for locking the rope 425 in the required position of the mesh panel 400. Figure 16 shows a basket 440 extending between the posts 22c and provided at a lower end of the mesh panel 400. The mesh panel 400 can be lowered to be received by the basket 440 for quick storage, and can be deployed from the basket 440 for quick deployment between the posts 22c. The basket 440 in the example comprises two stiff panels 445 held in a V configuration to a handrail 300h. The basket 440 can be held at close to floor level, or can be raised from the floor level at which lower portions of the mesh panel 400 are received therein. This allows worker access under the mesh panel 400 whilst maintaining handrails 300 in place as desired. The mesh panel 400 is thus integrated with the assembly, covering the full width between the posts 22c and from lower slab (floor level) up to about 150mm below the upper slab (ceiling).

[94] Figures 11 and 18 show brackets 460 which can be mounted to the channels 222b of the second faces 230 for attaching additional bracing 470. The bracing 470 can include footings 471 which are temporarily bolted to the floor.

[95] Figures 19 and 20 show the addition of a support section 30c via half-ring brackets 520 be mounted to the channels 222b of the second faces 230. The half-ring brackets 520 provide adjustability in relation to their position along the channels 22b, as well as having a number of angularly spaced apertures 525 (along the horizontal plane) which allows for adjustment of the attachment angle of horizontal ledgers 530/horizontal support beams 530 (also along the horizontal plane). The other end of the ledgers 530 are mounted to standards 540 via half-ring brackets 520 with the height of the standards 540 being adjustable via a base jack 545. This provides additional flexibility with the post 22c and the standard 540 being able to adapt to varying floor levels if needed. Half-ring brackets 520 can also be mounted to the channels 222b of the opposite second faces 230 for attaching a similar support section 30c to the other side of the posts 22c. As above, stopper plate 76, fixed panel 66, and pivotable kickplate 68 can be fixed to the support sections 30c as required. The horizontal ledgers 530/horizontal support beams 530 can alternatively be connected directly to the channel 222b of the second faces 230 without the half-ring brackets 520, by the support beams 530 having a similar mount bracket as the handrails 300.

[96] Figure 21 shows the steps in the use of an erection machine 600 for the erection of a post 22c. The machine 600 includes a tiltable platform 620 which carries a post 22c to position and can slowly move the post 22c to the vertical orientation, via mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. This allows the post 22c to be positioned over the screw jack 24 for the post 22c to receive a bolt 426 of the screw jack 24. The screw jack 24 includes a base plate 425 having the bolt 426 pivotably attached thereto, which allows easier alignment and connection to the post 22c. The base plate 425 is typically anchored in place (temporarily) to form an anchored base of the post 22c. The erection machine 600 saves on labour and provides safety to worker in assembly as it delivers the post 22c to location, assists with aligning with the bolt 426, tilts the post 22c to its upright orientation, and carries the weight of the post 22c until the screw jack 24 is adjusted as needed.

[97] The invention thus provides a lightweight modular all-encompassing containment system. The embodiment provides an alloy vertical post featuring the following attribute: [98] a) Multiple continuous fixing channels -allows for each post to have handrails and mesh panels extending from either side thereof, and support sections extending from front and rear sides thereof.

[99] b) Multiple locking points [100] c) Extendable [101] d) Allows for multiple and adjustable handrails [102] The base plate provides a single pivotable pin connection to the post.

[103] The head plate provides a compression post effect using Bellville springs, negating the need for an anchor fixing. The post also includes a visual gauge used to indicate suitable compression loading of the head plate.

[104] The adjustable handrail posts are a spring loaded locking device, and a second spring loaded within the tube for the mount tab prevents the handrail becoming jammed if not horizontal while adjusting the level to the post.

[105] The adjustable net containment basket allows the basket to be fixed at the base level or a higher level thereby lifting the net screen when lower access is required through the screen, while the handrail posts remain in place.

[106] The integrated net containment system covers the full width between the posts and from lower slab to 150mm below the upper slab.

[107] The assembly system is designed to be fully assembled and operated from ground level without the use of scaffolding, trestles or ladders.

[108] The system is designed to incorporate such accessories such as: [109] a) Rear diagonal supports [110] b) Brackets to secure to infill panels (makeup panels) [111] c) A structural impact barrier on the internal area before the posts [112] d) A structural secondary handrail barrier on the external area in front of the posts [113] The system is designed to be transportable within a passenger hoist, large elevator or by crane with maximum single dimensions of 3.0m in length in the preferred embodiment.

[114] The system is designed to be installed using either manpower or with a bespoke robot designed to place the post vertically into position from a horizontal or diagonal loading position.

Claims (9)

1. Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows: 1 A temporary perimeter containment assembly comprising: a main frame having a central section, the central section comprising central posts which are generally parallel and spaced apart from each other, each post being adjustable in height to allow the post to extend fully between a floor surface and a ceiling of a building floor, bars or gates extending between the central posts, wherein each central post in cross-section is generally rectangular, including opposing first side faces and opposing second side faces, wherein each of the first and second faces comprises a continuous channel extending the length of the post between lower and upper ends thereof.
2. 2 The assembly of claim 1 wherein the central posts each comprises a support screw jack at a lower end thereof, and a spring-loaded header plate at an upper end thereof for engaging the ceiling.
3. 3 The assembly of claim 2 wherein the header plate is mounted via a spring located internally within the post and includes a pivoting tab indicator to show when the plate has sufficiently engaged the ceiling.
4. 4 The assembly of claim 1 wherein the first side faces each include two parallel spaced channels.
5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein each channel includes tabs extending towards each other at an opening thereof, forming a slot therebetween, the channels with the tabs being for fixing components of the assembly thereto.
6. 6 The assembly of claim 5 wherein the assembly includes at least one handrail having a mount bolt and mount tab at both ends thereof, the mount tab being insertable into a channel with the mount bolt extending through the slot of a post.
7. 7 The assembly of claim 6 wherein the mount tabs are mounted with internal springs which allows the mount tabs to be movable relative to the handrail to prevent the handrail from becoming jammed to the post while adjusting the level of the handrail relative to the post.
8. 8 The assembly of claim 6 wherein each post includes a series of spaced adjustment apertures formed along the first side faces, and each handrail includes a spring-loaded lock bolt disposed near the ends thereof, wherein each lock bolt is spring biased towards the first side face to engage an adjustment aperture.
9. 9. The assembly of claim 4 further including a mesh panel to extend between a second channel of the first side faces, the mesh panel including spaced connection bolts and tabs at its edges to be inserted into the posts second channels, The assembly of claim 9 including ropes attached to the top of the mesh panel with the ropes routed through a pulley assembly at an upper end of the posts.11 The assembly of claim 9 further including a basket extending between the posts and provided at a lower end of the mesh panel such that the mesh panel can be lowered to be received by the basket for quick storage, and can be deployed from the basket for quick deployment between the posts.12 The assembly of claim 11 wherein the basket can be raised or lowered relative to the floor level.13 The assembly of claim 2 wherein the screw jack includes a base plate having a mount bolt pivotably attached thereto, which allows easy alignment and connection to the post.14 The assembly of claim 13 further including an erection machine for the erection of a post, the machine including a tiltable platform which carries a post horizontally to position and can slowly move the post to the vertical orientation via hydraulic or pneumatic actuators to engage the screw jack.The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a support section to extend to a live side edge from the central section, the support section comprising vertical end posts and horizontal support beams extending between the end posts and the central posts, and gates or bars extending between the end posts, wherein the horizontal support beams are connected to a channel of the second side face.16 The assembly of claim 15 further comprising half-ring brackets mounted to a channel of the second side face, the half-ring brackets having angularly spaced apertures for selectable angular attachment of the horizontal support beam thereto.17 The assembly of claim 1 further comprising an extension section to extend to a work side from the central section, the extension section comprising proximal posts and horizontal support beams extending between the proximal posts and the central posts, and gates or bars extending between the proximal posts.18. The assembly of claim 15 further including a hinged pivotable kickplate to extend between the lower portions of the end posts.19 The assembly of claim 18 wherein the kickplate is pivotable downwardly to allow the kickplate to lay flat on the floor surface.The assembly of claim 17 further comprising a plant stopper bunt extending between the proximal posts at the floor surface.