Client: Pendrich Height Services (a PTSG Group company), working on behalf of Blackpool Council.

The Project

Blackpool Tower, a Grade 1 listed building, was erected and opened to the public in 1894, making it the tallest man-made structure in the British Empire at that time. Standing 518 feet (158 meters) tall, it is the 125th tallest freestanding tower in the world.

Project Brief

A survey by Pendrich and Structural Engineers ARuP found that the existing ladders were no longer suitable. Safety Fabrications was tasked with designing replacement ladders to provide safe access between the roof of the tower buildings and the Sky Deck (Tower Eye) at 380 feet (120 meters).

Project Challenges

The Tower's unique design, inclined in two planes, prevented the ladder between platforms from being vertical. Each fixing bracket had to be secured to the intricate lattice work of steel members, which moves and flexes in high winds. The ladder design had to align with the existing landing platforms to maintain the aesthetic integrity of the Grade 1 structure.

Project Solution

After design approval, the ladders were manufactured at Safety Fabrications' Sheffield facility, then galvanized and specially painted to protect against the harsh conditions of the Irish Sea. Initially, aluminum fixing brackets were used for temporary installation by Pendrich’s specialist steeplejacks and abseilers. These brackets were later removed and served as templates for the permanent mild steel brackets.