|
HoldFast Anti-Trespass Guards are fast replacing the more traditional old timber guards, used to prevent and deter animals and pedestrians from stepping onto the railway either side of level crossings.
Since the launch of these rubber guards two and a half years ago, more than a thousand units have been installed across the country. Demand is continuing to increase as rail networks look for a more modern, environmental and safe alternative to wood.
Made of 100% recycled rubber for an indefinite life span and vandal-proof durability, the panels are easy to install, remove and replace for tamping and come complete with simple fixings. The fact that they are made from rubber means that they wont break up and furthermore, create no threat of a track circuitry failure. The rubber itself is weather resistant, and will not crack or warp in extreme temperatures.
Design
The anti-trespass panel is designed to sit in the 4’ area between the rails, irrespective of sleeper type. It has the capacity to be cut and trimmed where necessary in the cess and 6’ areas. Held together in a matrix, by means of recycled plastic ‘planks’ measuring 145mm x 38mm x 200mm, this is now the safe deterrent of choice.
Technical Specifications
The polyurethane binder used in the manufacture of these panels has been designed to have excellent compatibility with the particular rubber used, and to give characteristics such as the high bond strength required in the finished panels. As the whole of a panel is made from this rubber, its combination with the polyurethane binder means there are no interfaces within the structure, so there is no possibility of de-lamination.
Compatibility
Holdfast’s Anti-Trespass Guards are designed to be utilised with any existing level crossing system (polymer, concrete, rubber or timber) and are not solely to be used with existing Holdfast crossings. The panels butt up to the crossing material at both ends of the crossing to aid in the prevention of pedestrians trespassing onto the permanent way. This must cover a radius of at least 2.6m from all ends of the crossing where possible.
Installation
The Anti-Trespass Guards are supplied with recycled plastic planks and cadmium plated, rust resistant self tapping screws.
The planks are inserted perpendicular and underneath the rail at each end of the panel; the panel is then screwed to the plank with the self tapping screws. With the other half of the plank now sitting on the other side of the rail, the adjoining panel is then screwed to this. The panels that butt up to the panels that have been laid, will attach to the remaining half of the exposed plank that is perpendicular to the track.
Where it is necessary to trim individual panels in the 6’ area or indeed the 10’ area, a reciprocating saw is adequate to cut the panels to fit into the area. These are then connected using the plastic planks and self tapping screws as before.
Cost
HoldFast Anti-Trespass Guards are also cost-effective as Andy Wilcox of McGinley Support Services explains: “Although timber is an initially cheap purchase, the after-care costs are colossal. HoldFast rubber panels will save you money in the long term, as they require just one installation and never need to be replaced through damage or disintegration. Wooden panels depend upon frequent removal and replacement, which in turn requires at least one lookout, a coss, a labourer PTS, not to mention multiple timber panels and nails. By contrast, to install a HoldFast panel it is a simple 4-man job.”
Safety
Another factor for the increase in demand for these rubber guards is safety. HoldFast Director, Mark Coates-Smith says, “One of the main reasons these guards were designed was that they would offer a safer alternative to wood whilst retaining the environmental benefits of recycled rubber that Holdfast is synonymous with. And, to be frank, there is really no way that pedestrians can get trapped.”
For more information, please visit www.holdfastsolutions.com or contact Mark Coates-Smith on 07970 656143.
|
