The Tuff Tread Footway Board has been on the market for the past couple of months and already we have received keen interest on its performance. After having the support and guidance from Lloyds British, the UK’s leading provider of lifting and equipment inspection services, we decided we would take it one step further and have it independently tested by the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering at the University of Sheffield to the requirements of the HAUC Advice Note No. 2018/01.
The full report is available for immediate download at the Tuff Tread product page found on the Melba Swintex website, along with the original report from Lloyds British, and the Benefits & Features that the Tuff Tread has to offer.
All samples were simply supported over a clear span of 700mm, with no securing, and had the load applied by a servo-hydraulic actuator through a 250mm diameter circular pad.
The deflection of each board was monitored through a Linear Variable Differential Transducer (LVDT) positioned on the underside of the board, and directly under the centre of the circular pad.
After all the loading to the HAUC Advice Note was complete, one final sample was then tested to determine its yield strength – the point of no return.
Well What D’Ya Know.
Once all of the testing had been performed, recorded, and reviewed, it was found that:
All of the tested specimens complied with the HAUC specifications, with a maximum measured displacement under a sustained load of 400kg equal to approximately 29mm (<35mm).
All of the specimens were able to carry a maximum imposed load of 800kg without any sign of failure.
The maximum load capacity was approximately 1,500kg.
Not only does the Tuff Tread conform to current legislation, it is also 100% completely recyclable.
Introducing the New RightRamp from Melba Swintex. Designed in conjunction with the University of East Anglia, led by Dr Katherine Deane BSc PhD – Senior Lecturer in Research, and her team. The RightRamp has been specially designed and developed by focusing on people of varying abilities to overcome the issues that all current wheelchair ramps have.
Existing Styles
Current Wheelchair Ramps force the user to approach the ramp straight on due to its high-rise walls either side. This can cause major issues when there is insufficient clearance for a wheelchair user to approach the ramp, as well as posing as a potentially serious trip hazard.
New Style
The RightRamp has been designed to sit up against the kerb, rather than over it, which allows the form of the ramp to blend from the road surface up onto the footway. The organic curvature of the ramp allows multiple angle access when approaching the ramp from both the road works, and the footway.
An even distribution of Anti-Slip Conical Technology over the entire upper surface of the ramp prevents any slips in dry and wet conditions. When tested to BS 7976 results show no significant slip hazard.
4 completely recycled weights are fixed on the underside of the ramp that not only help anchor the ramp down, but also prevent the ramp from sliding by implementing Anti-Slip Conical Technology, and dramatically increases the ramps compression strength.
After extensive testing at the University of East Anglia, it was concluded that a 9mm tapping rail guided the visually impaired with ease, without creating a potential trip hazard for pedestrians, or issues for wheelchair users.
Kerb Heights
A series of trials were conducted at the University of East Anglia to determine the precise form that allows the smoothest transition onto and off the ramp for varying kerb heights. Working with manual & electric wheelchairs that consisted of both pneumatic and SRT tyres, the new design allows a wheelchair user to transition seamlessly onto and off the ramp at various heights.
The RightRamp boasts a variety of Benefits & Features, which are too many to contain within one email. Head over to the dedicated product page for the RightRamp to discover the story of the ramp, and what makes it stand out from the rest.
Introducing the all new environmentally friendly Tuff Tread. A completely recyclable trench cover that conforms to the latest HAUC regulations. Manufactured from HDPE with a PVC skirting, this single-man lift cover is perfect for use as a Footway Board in utility & general street works.
Tested in accordance to the latest HAUC regulations under the full guidance of Lloyds British, an accredited testing house with over 200 years experience in this field. The Tuff Tread can withstand a full working load of 400 kgs with minimal deflection, & 800 kgs with no sign of failure, over a trench span of 700mm. See the video above to find out more.
The materials used in the manufacturing of the Tuff Tread are 100% recyclable which dramatically reduces the products ending up in landfill by using our closed loop recycling opportunity. Each Tuff Tread when recycled, can be used to manufacture: new products, cone bases, or even a new skirt for another Tuff Tread.
Current covers are manufactured from GRP, which is composed of fine strands of glass fibre that are a severe irritant for skin. When the material breaks, there is a potential risk the glass fibres can become airborne, which poses a serious risk to existing respiratory problems.
Existing GRP Trench Covers can break and fracture easily, so therefore must be replaced regularly. It is extremely difficult to recycle GRP, and due to this, most GRP products end up in landfill at their end of life.
The Tuff Tread uses materials that have a high strength-to-density ratio. They are proven to last longer than GRP products. The material does not splinter, nor pose an irritant threat when exposed to contact with the skin. Maintenance of them is easy, and they can be wiped or washed clean if and when required.
Closed Loop Recycling
Melba Swintex has a 100% commitment to the environment and due to this, offers a closed loop recycling opportunity on the new Tuff Tread and all of our existing products. For more details on this, and how you can improve your carbon footprint, get in touch using the link below:
Melba Swintex is the only manufacturer that currently offers a Traffic Cone range that is accredited to display the Kitemark™ by the British Standards Institution. Each Cone family has undergone, and continues to undergo, rough and rigorous testing to the technical specifications set out by the British Standards Institution. Below is the full range of Traffic Cones approved to fly the Kitemark™.
Bigfoot
The Bigfoot Cone is long established as the industry leader for Road Cones. It was the first two piece cone to be manufactured, and is the benchmark for Traffic Cones all over the world. The cone base is manufactured from recycled material, and can be coloured on request.
One of the most practical two piece cones on the market. The Mastercone has been dominant on the roads for many years. Incorporating the Melba Swintex high performance prismatic Starlux™ sleeve, the Mastercone is highly visible to all motorists.
The Starlite cone is a two piece cone, with it’s centre manufactured from virgin HDPE, and base from recycled PVC. The cone is 100% recyclable and is fitted with the Melba Swintex high performance prismatic Starlux™ sleeve.
Melba Swintex wishes to notify that the MPL Cone, a cost-effective one-piece Traffic Cone is no longer accredited with the Kitemark certification from the British Standards Institution, as of April 2018, and will therefore not bear any markings on the physical product. This affects both the MPL 750 and MPL 500.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of those who were able to make it to the Intertraffic exhibition in Amsterdam this March. It was a pleasure to meet face to face with some old, as well as new friends who help support Melba Swintex.
It is your input from shows such as Intertraffic which Melba Swintex deem invaluable within the Traffic Management industry.
Marathon Des Sables
This April, Gregg (Managing Director of Melba Swintex) & Louis Dawson (his son) will be taking part in the Marathon Des Sables. Touted as the ‘Toughest Footrace on Earth’, they will face a 6 day run of 250km (156 miles) across the Sahara desert.
The reason for taking on one of the world’s most enduring races is to raise money for research into the cure for Motor Neurone Disease. A devastating condition that has been in their family for over 10 years to which at this stage has no cure.
Come and see our range of new & exciting products!
You are invited to attend the most authoritative traffic technology exhibition in the world: Intertraffic Amsterdam 2018! Taking place Tuesday 20th March – Friday 23rd March.
Here we will be showcasing our innovating range of Temporary Traffic Management products. Come and chat with the team to learn of new developments and possible solutions for your business.
Registration is free, so what are you waiting for? Find us at stand 01.304 and we look forward to seeing you.
Yet another year has flown by, and in what has felt like such a short space of time, Melba Swintex has pushed out innovative new products, increased ever demanding lead times, and pushed the boundaries in the plastic manufacturing world. Sometimes it’s worthwhile to step back and review the work of the past 6 months, so here it is.
Buddha
After a long time in development, the Buddha was first put into production in September. Continuing to receive critical acclaim, the Buddha barrier is the first completely anti-trip Water Filled Separator, which provides up to a weight of 27 kg when filled.
DoubleTop
With both the WonderWall™ and Buddha systems having the capability for a top-tier barrier system, it only made sense to design and produce a barrier to suit this. October saw the answer to this with the DoubleTop. A blow moulded, lightweight barrier that is compatible with both the WonderWall™ & Buddha, as well as other existing systems.
Thor
Ever increasing growth within the exports market identified the opportunity to release the highly robust Thor Barrier in July. Over engineered to produce great strength and stability, the Thor is hitting the roads globally, and is already well established within the Traffic Management world.
Factory Extension
August saw the completion of the large extension to the right-hand side of the factory. This extension has deemed pivotal within the production of Melba Swintex products, providing the space for yet another brand-new Blow Moulding machine, and our 8th intrusion moulding machine.
Fence Base & Thor
Due to the ever-growing global success of the Thor Barrier, an abundance of requests and questions flowed in to see if the Fence Base MKII was compatible. This need from our customers was acted upon without hesitancy, and the Fence Base MKII is now compatible with the Thor Barrier.
Another Machine
Production in the factory runs 24 hours a day all year round and still we are ever expanding to keep up with demand for our high-in-quality products. December saw the completion of our 8th intrusion moulding machine, providing up to 16 more stations to increase our production rate.
A uniquely designed, completely anti-trip Water Filled Separator. – 800 mm in height – reflective on both sides – only 5 kg when empty – over 27 kg when filled to the indicated line – designed to make more working space for the contractor – easy stack, easy fill, easy empty
The Buddha Barrier is easily filled with water at the top, it can then easily be emptied by laying the barrier flat.
The Buddha Barrier is the only Water Filled Separator that can rotate over 270° whilst remaining connected to the other barrier.
The Buddha Barrier can be positioned face to face, creating a closed and secure area.
A maximum level line is indicated on the back of the barrier, and with an overfill hole for visual indication.
The Buddha Barrier has the capability to take a top metal fence panel. This adds an extra level of security.
Stacking The unique shape of the Buddha allows easy and safe stacking that results in less room being occupied during transport and storage when back at the contractor’s yard.
Further Information
The above is just a quick insight to the many features & benefits that the Buddha has to offer. For the full low down, head to the Buddha web page to discover more, as well as a fully interactive 3D model providing detailed views and more.
God like strength combined with Lightning fast production.
The NEW Thor Barrier is a highly robust and protective Barrier that can be deployed to guide vehicles and pedestrians on to the correct path when required. Over engineered to produce great strength, you’d need the HULK to knock it over when used with the 28 kg Footplate.
So why call it the Thor Barrier?
THOR V THOR
Thor – Norse God and member of the Avengers is renowned for his incredible strength.
As strong as any Norse God. Reinforced with metal interior tubes and attached to two 28 kg feet, this has to be the strongest Barrier there is.
Thor is also renowned for summoning lightning bolts with the help of his mighty hammer, Mjolnir.
No need for a magic hammer, Melba Swintex has invested heavily in high-tech machinery so that we can offer LIGHTNING FAST production & lead times.
As mighty as Thor is, and he is mighty, he is even MIGHTIER when he works with his friends the Avengers.
Just like Thor, this barrier values his friends and it connects together using the high strength Thor Hook.
Thor brings the power of the storm.
When the storm hits, this barrier is not moving!
Find out more about the Thor Barrier by heading over to its very own Product Page where you can access all of the required information:
This new socialite on the scene has wowed the public with her style and grace, and now she comes with a few useful accessories such as the D-Hook.
Perfectly Matched for Her Handbag. Or His Tool Bag.
The Utility Barrier does not compare when it comes to strength, and with this strength comes great capabilities of customisation.
You Can Leave Your Hat on. Or Hang it.
The Utility Barrier is amazingly adaptable. It comes in 1m or 750mm wide with as many gates as you want, and at a height of 1m. With the ability for multiple D-Hooks, which can be used for extra ballast, hats, or to lie cables on whilst performing repairs.
Even Fashion Models Have to Eat Darling.
But where to put your lunch box full of open faced smoked salmon sandwiches and crudites? Our D-Hook keeps those delicacies away from the dirty floor.
Accessorise, Accessorise, Accessorise.
This fantastic, robust clip can be positioned almost anywhere on the Utility Barrier Back Face, providing a variety of options and possibilities.
Now For Something a Little European .
Dressed to impress in standard Red, this lovely colour is enhanced by the 250mm tall reflective material that sparkles in the headlights. This surely is something that will impress from Paris to Berlin.
In a Snazzy Yellow & Black Number.
The Utility Barrier can provide for every occasion, whether it be a slippery floor, a red carpet, or a problem with the lift in the lobby. The amazing attention to detail of the warning triangle means it can suit for all situations.
Find out more about the Utility Barrier by heading over to its very own Product Page where you can access all of the required information.
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