Automated warehouse uses Troax Safe-Fix fencing

Walkers' Snack Foods is protecting staff at its new automated warehouse in Leicester by means of machine guarding systems supplied by industrial safety and partitioning specialist Troax UK.

Walkers' Snack Foods, which is claimed to be the UK's largest crisp and snack manufacturer, is protecting staff at its new automated warehouse in Leicester by means of machine guarding systems supplied by industrial safety and partitioning specialist Troax UK.

The machine fencing is being used to secure automated materials handling equipment in a newly built extension to Walkers' production facility.

This project presented a number of design challenges to Troax, which used its Safe-Fix machine fencing system to enclose the extremely complex layout of automated conveyors, cranes and other materials handling equipment on the site.

In addition, the warehouse has an unusual stepped construction which closely follows the site's irregularly shaped perimeter, and Troax had to incorporate the building's many intricate corners and profiles into the design of the machine fencing system.

The Safe-Fix fencing prevents unauthorised personnel from coming into contact with this potentially hazardous equipment and therefore ensures the highest safety standards for staff working in the area.

Troax carried out the project for Swisslog, which designed and installed the new clad-rack highbay warehouse, complete with extensive warehouse automation systems.

Swisslog specified the Safe-Fix system to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

In particular, Safe-Fix fencing is designed to meet safety distance requirements.

Its modular wire mesh panels are constructed from steel tube for rigidity and strength and have undergone energy absorption tests to ensure that they meet minimum safety distance requirements.

This was especially important at Walkers' warehouse, as much of the fencing is positioned close to the hazardous machinery.

Only authorised personnel can gain access to the guarded areas via side-hung Troax gates fitted with interlocks.

Troax also designed a number of bespoke elements to the fencing system, including special openings which were cut into the panels to allow the mounting of control panels.

Paul Barley, Swisslog's project manager, says: "We almost always specify Troax for this type of safety project, particularly when personnel safety is the key issue - the quality and appearance of the Safe-Fix fencing is excellent and the work was completed to a very high standard.

"Troax solved the design problems on this project extremely well and the installation was completed rapidly, helping us to ensure that the overall project was completed on schedule".

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