Working safely at height

The University Library of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) will move from the Singel and the PC Hoofthuis to the University Quarter in 2024. On the UvA's native soil, several monumental clinics of the former Binnengasthuis hospital will be restored, transformed and connected to a new building section by an ingenious glass atrium roof. This will create a library and atrium of international stature, where the academic community can meet, research, study and work. The stunning design of the university library was created by MVSA Architects and Architectenbureau J. van Stigt. BINX Smartility is in charge of construction, while safety architect Eurosafe Solutions is advising and implementing an integral (fall) safety package for safe working at height, based on its Safety Circle^® principle.

Eurosafe Solutions has been the specialist in safe working at heights and confined spaces for 23 years. "To guarantee the best solutions for each project, we like to work together integrally in construction teams and with established partners," says Jan Kwanten, Manager of Sales at Eurosafe Solutions. "By working through our Safety Circle^® principle, risks, liabilities and Total Cost of Ownership are minimized, while efficiency, safety and image are raised to the highest level. UvA's new University Library is a great calling card for this."

Integrated safety approach

Eurosafe Solutions was involved at an early stage by BINX Smartility to develop an integrated safety approach for the new University Library. "We started with a comprehensive risk inventory and evaluation including bottleneck analysis," says Kwanten. "Based on this, we created a Plan of Action in which all hazards and risks were clearly defined. In addition, we drew up specification texts detailing what we felt needed to be done to ensure safe working at height during the operation phase. On our recommendation, the atrium roof is fitted with a Securail Pro fall protection rail from Fallprotec, so that window cleaners can safely clean the atrium glazing. In addition, inspection and maintenance of the technical systems and window rubbers can be safely performed. On the roofs, a horizontal Fallprotec fall protection rail with lightweight fall protection anchors and a steel cable will be installed for roof and greenery maintenance and lightning conductor inspection, while a special Fallprotec wash ladder will be mounted against the facade. We presented all of our findings and recommendations to MVSA Architects and BINX Smartility for approval, based on which we jointly arrived at a technically and aesthetically conclusive design." 

All (fall) safety devices are installed with care by Eurosafe Solutions' own installation team. "In addition, we have provided extensive user training for working safely at height. After all, (fall) safety stands or falls with the correct use of all (fall) safety devices," said Kwanten. Over the next few years, Eurosafe Solutions will be responsible for periodic testing and inspections in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, standards and requirements. "In doing so, we make the Safety Circle^® around."

A solution for every challenge

It was important that the safety features in, on and about the new University Library not disrupt the unique character of the atrium roof, for example. "This is why we installed the fall protection almost invisibly and in line with the steel structure," says Kwanten. "For both the atrium and the facade, we chose an aluminum rail that sets to the shape of the building. The system is very user-friendly, thanks to a small and easily movable anchoring point (runner)." Challenging was also the accessibility of part of the facade, he says. "We solved this with a wash ladder, which aesthetically blends into the facade design. In this way, we sought an optimum of safety, accessibility, appearance and use in every area."