Troax fencing creates safety zones to protect personnel at News International’s new printing complex

Industrial safety specialist Troax UK Limited has used its Caelum wire mesh fencing to construct a series of safety zones, securing printing machinery at News International’s new state-of-the-art printing complex in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire. The fencing prevents unauthorised access to highly automated printing lines, ensuring a safe environment for staff working in the area.

Part of a major investment at three UK sites (Broxbourne, Liverpool and Glasgow) to update News International’s printing facilities with the latest colour technology, the new 1.1m sq ft plant houses 12 new printing presses.

Troax were brought in by main building contractor Carillion plc to construct a series of three ceiling height dividing walls which separate each of the lines of printing equipment, preventing unauthorised personnel from coming into contact with the potentially hazardous automated equipment. The safety fencing ensures that News International complies with all relevant Health and Safety legislation.

Each 80 metre long run of fencing was built using Troax’s Caelum wire mesh partitioning and measures between three and six metres in height, according to the height of the ceiling. To meet site requirements Troax also extended the fence posts so that they could be attached to the steel structure of the building to provide extra stability.

Doors are incorporated into each run of fencing to provide access for authorised staff. There is also a series of two metre square apertures, fitted with heavy hanging chains, which allow large rolls of paper to pass through to the protected zone.

Extremely versatile, Caelum panels were used not only to construct the safety fencing, but also to create two large maintenance stores – secure wire mesh enclosures where spare parts can be stored conveniently, close to the machinery, making it easily accessible by maintenance staff when needed.

Caelum’s 50m x 50m mesh aperture is extremely sturdy; its panels are constructed from steel mesh welded to a tubular frame to give optimum strength between wire and tube. The panels incorporate specially designed horizontal tubes that give the panel additional strength while reinforcing and straightening the mesh, making the walls exceptionally strong and sturdy.

In addition, Caelum mesh panels give a high level of security to the maintenance stores; the mesh apertures are too small for a hand to reach through, making it an extremely secure storage solution for high value maintenance equipment.

Commenting on the News International project, Dean Cocksedge at Carillion plc said: “We’re very pleased with the work that Troax has carried out for us at News International’s new print works. They’ve been very efficient and responsive throughout the project and we have the confidence of knowing that the fencing they’ve designed for the site meets all Health and Safety legislation.”

Troax UK Limited
Tel: 01793 542000
Email: info@troax.co.uk