Enhancing depot safety with our GRP railway platforms

The Office of Rail and Road reported no workforce fatalities on the UK rail network between 2023-2024 for the first time in eight years. This encouraging milestone shows that continued investment in safer infrastructure, such as GRP railway platforms, is having a positive impact when it comes to protecting rail workers.

At Ezi Klamp, we supply safe access solutions that are specifically designed to withstand tough railway environments. Here’s how our GRP access solutions tick all the boxes when it comes to enhancing railway safety.

Why choose GRP for depot access and platforms?

Glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) has quickly become the material of choice for rail engineers and contracts alike. It provides the safety, strength, and durability needed to meet the Railway Safety Regulations 1999 and minimise risks across all railway sites – including depots, viaducts, and lineside areas.

But what’s so special about GRP? Here’s why GRP is the perfect solution for your next railway project:

Non-conductive – GRP is a safe option in live rail environments with electrical hazards, including electrified lines and signalling infrastructure
Corrosion-resistant – GRP can withstand a variety of harsh outdoor rail conditions, such as coastal depots and exposed sidings
Slip-resistant – the built-in gritted finish provides excellent underfoot grip, even in wet or oily conditions, which reduces the risk of slips and falls for workers
Modular and customisable – GRP railway platforms can be easily tailored to different heights and layouts, making it the ideal solution for a variety of rail applications
Fast installation – GRP station platforms are quick and easy to install with minimal manual handling or lifting required, reducing disruption to your rail operations
No hot works required – there’s no need for welding when installing GRP platforms, helping to eliminate fire risks on active rail sites
Reduced maintenance costs – GRP is resistant to rot, rust, and UV damage, which eliminates the need for frequently, costly replacements

Discover our GRP access solutions for rail

We offer a comprehensive range of GRP access platforms and related structures that have been specifically designed with railway applications in mind.

Our GRP access solutions for rail include:

GRP maintenance hop-ups for routine inspections and light maintenance tasks
GRP end of platform steps to provide safe egress and access at the end of platforms
GRP access platforms for plant access, driver step-ups, and raised working areas
GRP driver walkways to keep drivers safe when moving around the depot or to and from trains
GRP signal platforms for signal maintenance teams
GRP embankment stairs to provide safe movement on sloped or uneven ground beside railway tracks

We also supply a full range of GRP handrail systems, GRP grating, GRP catch pit lids, and GRP palisade fencing to complete your installation.

Every system we supply is manufactured to Network Rail standards and can be fully adapted to suit your requirements. If you’re looking for something a little more bespoke, we can also draw on our expert in-house design capabilities to build custom access solutions, which have become extremely popular for rail applications.

Download our rail brochure for more information on our GRP railway access solutions.

See our GRP railway platforms in action

We’ve delivered dependable GRP access solutions to some of the biggest names in the industry, including Network Rail and its sub-contractors. Here are a few standout examples that show how our systems are actively improving safety and accessibility across the UK rail network.

Penzance GWR Driver Yard

We supplied Network Rail and Great Western Railway with a full suite of GRP access and safety systems for their new driver yard in Penzance. The project was completed in multiple phases, and our team was on hand to support the scheme from day one – from early-stage pricing and technical drawings, to the delivery of our pre-assembled GRP platforms and access ramps. Every element was specifically tailored to the site’s layout, and every stage of the build was completed on time and to budget.

Our work with Adler & Allan

Adler & Allan recently tasked us with improving access to their collision control separator tanks at one of their depots. The site posed various logistical challenges, so we carried out a full technical survey before designing a set of custom GRP gantries with integrated access platforms, handrails, and safety gates. We quickly delivered our products to site, allowing their team to gain safe access to the separator tanks with minimal disruption to day-to-day depot operations.

Ready to improve safety at your depot?

At Ezi Klamp, we’re dedicated to helping contractors and facility managers to improve safety and access around critical railway infrastructure. Our expert team is here to guide you all the way from concept to completion, designing and delivering industry-leading GRP access solutions that help keep your project on track.

Get in touch to discuss your upcoming project requirements.