Innovative rail system enables safe working at height

Safety is an essential part of any construction project. And this is especially true for an iconic building, such as the new library of the University of Amsterdam (UvA). In the middle of the busy city center, where the logistical challenges are great, Eurosafe played a crucial role in creating a safe working environment. From fall protection to designing an innovative rail system for maintaining the glass facades, Eurosafe was there, from initial design to final installation.

With 25 years of experience and branches in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and England, Eurosafe is a leading player in the design and installation of safety solutions for working at height and in confined spaces. "Our goal is always to make work safer, both at height and in hard-to-reach places," says Business Development Director Jan Kwanten. The company once started in England, but now has impressive projects to its name worldwide, from bridges in Norway to airports in Oman.

What makes Eurosafe unique is its integrated approach to safety. With its in-house developed Safety Circle, the company offers a completeness of services: from a risk scan and advice to installation and annual inspections. "We are a one-stop shop," Kwanten explains. "We take the complete care out of the client's hands and ensure that everything runs seamlessly. This ensures fewer errors and higher productivity on the construction site."

Balancing safety and aesthetics

Eurosafe was involved early on in the construction of the UvA's new University Library. The project was a logistical challenge: an existing building was being expanded with new construction in the middle of the city center. Contractor BINX Smartility already knew Eurosafe from previous projects and asked it to help think about the safety solutions. "We were asked to come up with integral solutions that would allow everyone to work safely," says Kwanten. One of the most striking elements of the project is the glass facade. The blind facade with large letters created a unique challenge: how do you ensure that window washers can reach the glass safely? Eurosafe designed a special rail system with movable wash ladders that exactly fit the shape of the facade and could be mounted without disturbing the aesthetics of the building. In addition, Eurosafe installed a SecuRail rail system for keeping the glass canopy above the atrium clean; an element Kwanten and his team are proud of. "That glass canopy is really unique. It required perfect cooperation with the other parties."

All noses in the same direction

Installing fall protection on the flat roof and the rail system for the glass facade were only part of the project. What makes this work special is the close collaboration with various partners and stakeholders. "The beauty of a project like this is that you really have to work on a custom basis," Kwanten said. "You have to deal with architects, contractors and structural engineers, and everyone has to be on the same page." At Eurosafe, the customer is the focus, and that is reflected in its involvement in the design process. "We are increasingly being asked to think along at an early stage. This not only makes things safer, but also makes the building look nicer because the safety solutions are perfectly integrated into the design."

Expertise and experience

Eurosafe has built a strong reputation for its integrated approach and customer-oriented way of working. "We were the first in the Netherlands to introduce fall protection on flat roofs. And by now everyone is aware of its importance," says Kwanten. The combination of expertise and experience makes Eurosafe the ideal partner for complex projects such as the UvA library. Its focus on long-term safety, including training and annual inspections, keeps it involved in building safety even after construction is complete. "We always strive for long-term relationships with our clients," Kwanten concludes. "We don't just deliver the project, but continue to ensure safe working conditions over the long term. That's what makes our work so valuable."