The Client
Surfability is the UK’s first fully inclusive surf school set up by Ben Clifford in 2013. The organisation’s goal is to teach people with disabilities and learning difficulties how to surf. Surfability has received funding since 2015 from the BBC Children in Need charity. Recently, Heightsafe Systems were contacted by the BBC to provide industry-leading Safety Line and Fall Prevention Systems for a special Children in Need project being filmed for DIY SOS: The Big Build. The project has helped to create an exciting new chapter for Surfability.
The Brief
The DIY SOS team asked Heightsafe to assist them with the renovation of the building that is owned by Surfability. The project involved the construction of an innovative structure over the space Surfability previously was using, which was a run-down, unused bus shelter. The space frequently flooded and did not have electricity, running water or ventilation. The new building aims to revolutionise how its owner, Ben, offers life-changing surfing experiences to its visitors. The new building includes a dry unit that is specifically designed for wetsuit and surfboard storage. There are also plans to build a ‘Surf Centre’, which will provide space for support and surfing opportunities for the disabled.
The Solution
Due to the need for Working at Height on top of the building, Heightsafe were tasked with providing a Safety Line System for the roof. The solution consisted of a Horizontal Fall Restraint System and a Vertical Fall Arrest System. The systems were installed when the exterior of the structure had been completed, meaning Heightsafe’s involvement was part of the finishing touches of this exciting project.
The fall arrest equipment installed was an XSLinked Safety Line system. This was fitted to the roof with M12 Toggle Anchors, meaning there were extra assurances that the system cannot be pulled out of the concrete.
The Outcome
The new systems guarantee height safety when work is carried out on the roof for many years ahead, ensuring Surfability now are 100% confident their Working at Height systems are secure for any personnel that need to use them.
Heightsafe have worked on many different projects for a variety of clients, but we were particularly excited by this one given the fantastic cause. It goes without saying, Heightsafe were more than happy to provide this service free of charge to assist Surfability with this exciting new chapter in their journey. Heightsafe continues to go the extra mile to provide leading Working at Height systems across the UK.
Technical Details
