RAPTOR rigid rails from Sayfa Group were installed for a mixed use commercial space in Melbourne to meet the brief for a rope access system that minimised the visual impact while ensuring safety for maintenance workers.

Located at 750 Collins Street, Docklands, the building comprises 10 floors of mixed office and business space and has impressive views over the Docklands. The building brings in an abundance of natural light to interior areas through large expanses of glass, which cover the exterior facade and interior atrium.

A system for regular maintenance of the glass areas was required for rope access operators. Unobtrusive but robust products with a focus on ease of use and safety, the systems would be frequently accessed so durability was an additional factor to be considered.

Permits for drop zones and the use of EWPs (Elevated Work Platforms) to place the systems in difficult-to-reach areas high above the atrium were some of the challenges that the installation had to overcome.

Australian made RAPTOR rigid rails for safe and easy maintenance

The developers Multiplex, during their initial discussions, had specified that an Australian manufactured product would be their first choice for the solution.

Having installed and used RAPTOR rigid rails in the past, and aware that these rail systems are produced on-site at Sayfa’s facilities in Melbourne, the installer, API Rope Access recommended RAPTOR as the perfect solution.

Additionally, the RAPTOR rope access rigid rail system was an ideal selection due to its low impact design, rope access functionality and user mobility.

The installation of RAPTOR's curved rail sections would also provide smooth and complete access around entire areas without the operator having to disconnect and reconnect their rope lines. This can be a huge advantage in both cost and time saving efficiencies.

Multiplex, on behalf of their client, also stipulated that the systems supplied must offer back-up documentation to enable all operators to receive the necessary training to ensure safety in the workplace as well as maintain their Duty of Care. RAPTOR's comprehensive operation manual gives workers detailed step-by-step instruction in its use, as well as providing:

  • Maintenance checklists
  • Technical requirements
  • Material data and information
  • Compliance and testing details

Detailed layout plans were drawn up by Sayfa’s in-house design team for a flawless installation, with the RAPTOR system impressing Multiplex with its versatility.

As for the team from API Rope Access, who are always eager to work at height, they grabbed the chance to demonstrate the great manoeuvrability of RAPTOR rigid rails in action.

"This is the beauty of the RAPTOR system, its ability to enable the operator to perform their work at height safely and with very little restriction of movement," Murray Voss, SAYFA's technical manager said.