Customer Success Story: Enhancing River Access Safety with GRP Solutions
Customer Success Story: Enhancing River Access Safety with GRP Solutions
Project Overview
The Ross Rowing Club’s River access steps are vital for safely launching and retrieving boats. Originally built in the 1960s, the concrete steps had undergone several extensions over the decades but had reached the end of their service life. Severe erosion from water flow further compromised the structure, necessitating a full replacement. Following extensive fundraising and planning, the demolition and rebuilding began in Summer 2023, with delays caused by autumn floods. By early Summer 2024, the project resumed, combining innovative materials with thoughtful engineering.
Tim Ball, Treasurer of Ross Rowing Club, shared that their aim was to create a durable and safe riverfront solution. The challenges included uneven riverbed obstructions that affected the alignment of the lowest step and the need for innovative solutions to remake platform steps. After trialling various options, the club selected SafetyBuyer’s TALONGrip Anti-Slip GRP Open Mesh Grating. This material provided a robust, anti-slip surface and allowed the precise alignment needed for the bottom step while also serving as a base for attaching a rubber fender strip. The open mesh also addressed their need for durability and effective water drainage.
The GRP grating was further used to remake the club’s platform steps, designed to keep members dry while launching boats at varying water levels. Tim noted, “GRP Open Mesh ticked all the boxes and has proved to be a success so far.”
How SafetyBuyer Supported the Project
Ross Rowing Club approached SafetyBuyer for a solution that would combine functionality, safety, and aesthetics. To ensure seamless installation, SafetyBuyer supplied all GRP materials pre-cut to size. Tim praised the service, saying, “SafetyBuyer have been great, as you provided all sheets cut to size, delivered to site quickly and safely, saving a lot of onsite cutting and minimising waste. Of the total order, we have less than 0.5m² left over, which we may even find a use for at some point.”
The project utilised a range of SafetyBuyer products, including:
- TALONGrip Anti-Slip GRP Open Grating
- Non-Slip GRP Strips
- Anti-Slip Stair Nosing
- Anti-Slip Stair Tread Covers
By delivering these materials ready to install, SafetyBuyer helped the club save time, reduce noise and dust, and simplify the overall process.
Enhancing Workplace Safety
Collaborating with Ross Rowing Club
Gareth Senior, Senior Account Manager at SafetyBuyer, expressed his admiration for Tim and the club’s efforts:
“It’s always inspiring to see customers and particularly community organisations use our products to create long-term, practical safety solutions. Tim and his colleagues at Ross Rowing Club have done a fantastic job turning their vision into a reality. We’re delighted our GRP products could play a part in improving their facilities.”
About Ross Rowing Club
Ross Rowing Club is a welcoming community organisation committed to fostering a love of rowing for all ages and abilities. Their values include:
- Encouraging good practices and equal opportunities.
- Creating pathways for high-performance rowers.
- Playing an active role in the local community.
- Promoting a culture of safety and valuing volunteers.
The club continues to enhance its facilities and membership while staying true to its principles. For more information, visit their website or why not get involved!
SafetyBuyer: Your Partner in Safety Solutions
This project highlights our ability to tailor solutions to unique customer needs. By combining an extensive product portfolio with years of expertise, we listen, understand, and deliver effective safety solutions for projects of all sizes.
Contact us to learn more about how we can support your next project!
