Blue Buoy stairway, Porthleven

Safe Stairway for Blue Buoy public beach in Porthleven.

Blue Buoy now has a safe stairway for access to a public beach on the South West Coast of Britain.

Cornwall Council Serrated Mesh Treads With O5 Nosing Staircase 04
WUM
Partner
Insteel
Established
1991
Location
South West of England
Project
Cornwall County Council

Safe Stairway for Blue Buoy public beach in Porthleven

Project background

Cornwall County Council was responsible for upgrading and renovating an existing stairway to Blue Buoy Beach at Porthleven. A specification and sample were given to the Council, who approached three different fabricators/installers, all of whom came to PcP for an engineered safety solution on treads/landings.

Insteel Industries is one of the largest architectural fabricators in the county of Cornwall. Insteel successfully won the contract to supply and install, In looking for the right partner who could offer loading criteria and technical information that complied with the relevant standards.

Project criteria

The Blue Buoy stairway project specification initially requested stainless steel and open-mesh with an alternative for a “Heel-proof version with a 20mm gap and a durbar plate for a slip-resistant surface.

The Solution

PcP proposed a galvanised alternative instead of stainless steel but 140 microns and anti-slip nosing for a slip-resistant surface. The proposed solution was cost-effective, safe, durable and matching budget criteria.

  • PcP proposed the 05m nosing as it has a much better slip-resistant on the front edge. In addition, PcP suggested a 33/8 mm pattern would be more suitable for heels than a 20mm gap.
  • Insteel Industry forwarded a drawing/specification sheet to Cornwall Council, who then accepted the 33/8 mm pattern. However, there were concerns that we couldn’t offer 140 microns with our 2/3mm bars.
  • PcP provided a sample that was Shotblast before galvanising with six localised readings of coating thicknesses. Insteel Industries presented the product sample to the council architect for final approval.

The result

The stairways are suitable for access with all types of footwear and pets also to access the beach. The 05m nosing on the treads comply with the slip-resistance recommendations of Bs7976 which are a superior alternative to the durbar plate initially specified. Shotblasting offered an increase in the thickness of galvanizing treatment and enhanced corrosion resistance, providing a more durable product. Perforated rear riser allows water to pass through when storms and high waves hit the staircase.

Cornwall Council Serrated Mesh Treads With O5 Nosing Staircase 02 Cornwall Council Serrated Mesh Treads With O5 Nosing Staircase 03 Cornwall Council Serrated Mesh Treads With O5 Nosing Staircase 01

Benefits

  • Bespoke solution

    05m nosing for a better slip-resistant on the front edge. In addition, a 33/8 mm pattern,

  • Competitive soulution

    The solution was cost-effective, safe, durable and matching budget criteria

  • Slip Resistant

    05m nosing on the treads comply with the slip-resistance recommendations of Bs7976

  • Corrosion resistance

    Shotblasting offered an increase in the thickness of galvanizing treatment and enhanced corrosion resistance

  • Efficient drainage

    Perforated rear riser allows water to pass through when storms and high waves hit the staircase.