Industrial safety specialist Troax UK Limited has installed its modular machine fencing system, Smart Fix, at a newly refurbished warehouse near Gloucester managed by Wincanton on behalf of pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. The safety fencing isolates a series of crane aisles in the high bay warehouse, protecting employees working in this highly automated area.

Troax designed and installed the entire guarding system, creating safety zones around 18 crane aisles where 15 automated stacker cranes are in constant operation in the high bay system, picking pallets of merchandise including over-the-counter medicines and soft drinks from racking. The fencing, which extends in length to around 120m and reaches a height of 2m, has been finished in hi-viz Yellow. Pedestrian access to the guarded zones is provided by large key-operated gates.

The new Smart Fix fencing replaces existing safety fencing at the site, installed originally by Troax a number of years ago. Once again, Troax systems provided an extremely cost-effective solution for the project as Rob Mason at Wincanton explains: “With Troax Smart Fix, we know we’re getting high-quality equipment at an extremely competitive price. We looked at four companies for this project but Troax offered by far the best system and with their expertise, we can be confident that we meet all the required safety standards.”

Troax had to install the safety fencing in challenging, live operation conditions. Continues Rob Mason: “Troax had to work under strict operating criteria, with only one crane aisle out of action at any one time. Despite these constraints, they completed the project within the 3 ½ week timescale, with minimum disruption to the warehouse. Their service is excellent and they’re very accommodating – always, professional, courteous and prompt. The team is extremely efficient - I would definitely recommend them to anyone.”

As well as being simple to install, Smart Fix panels are easily removed and replaced once in position, taking less than two minutes to take a panel from a run of fencing to allow fast access for maintenance staff, reducing downtime caused by stoppages for repairs.

Smart Fix’s design has another advantage in this tightly packed area as it saves space on the warehouse floor; its unique 100mm x 20mm mesh aperture allows it to be placed close to the automated equipment while maintaining safety distance requirements. Its wire mesh panels are constructed from steel tube for maximum strength and have undergone energy absorption tests to ensure the highest safety levels.