Edging ahead

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

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

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

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

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