Air Operations Unit - Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Zarges: supporting safety on the ground and in the air.
1. The Customer
In 2006 the Air Operations Unit for Cambridgeshire Constabulary took delivery of a new MD902 Explorer Helicopter. This asset is used to provide air support in response to calls for a missing person or fleeing criminal.
In 2006 the aircraft was used in 1,758 incidents, assisting in 181 arrests and used to locate 16 missing persons, according to the Cambridge Constabulary Annual Report 2007.
2. The Task
Daily requirements from detailed engineering work to general maintenance and the weekly wash are carried out in order to make sure the Helicopter is in the correct condition in order to perform at a high level of serviceability. This is essential for a large investment like the Explorer Helicopter.
So that all personnel, from engineers to observers, can perform these tasks in a safe working environment a stable work platform for accessing the side of the Helicopter was required. It was essential that the work platform provided the right level of stability, size of platform, protection from a fall, as well as be easy to manoeuvre to and from the Helicopter.
Making sure these tasks can be carried out in the right environment was considered of the utmost importance. As Deputy Unit Executive Officer, Gordon Murray says: “Human factors are specific to aviation engineering; they are used to reduce accidents and incidents in aviation. By providing the right equipment and training this will assist in reducing accidents.”
3. The Solution
After considering a number of options, the ZARGES sales engineers decided a mobile Bridging Step would be the ideal product. As part of the standard industrial equipment range, the Step already included the key components that were required. As a result this important problem was solved quickly and easily.The Bridging Steps were produced to the exact platform height required, as well as making sure there was the right amount of room underneath the rotor blades. The platforms were large and roomy allowing for a comfortable and safe working environment. A single guardrail on the outside of the platform protected against falls, whilst allowing the personnel to work on the Helicopter without obstruction. Large 45 degree stairs were provided at both ends to allow for forward ascent and descent from the platform. The Bridging Steps are very light and easy to move being made from aluminium and supplied with a large stable chassis fitted with foot-locking swivel castors.
“As the person responsible for the management of the Air Operations Unit I need to balance the need for an effective solution with cost efficiency. I am satisfied that we are giving a safe environment to staff when operating on the ground both inside and outside the hanger.”
Deputy Unit Executive Officer, Gordon Murray.