Customer Overview
Scunthorpe Hospital is a valued contract customer of Hickman Engineering, with whom we have a long-standing relationship. The hospital prioritises the safety of its patients and visitors and frequently relies on us to provide high-quality solutions for their infrastructure needs.
Project Scope
We were tasked with installing a large handrail along a sloping path near the hospital’s mortuary. This area required a secure handrail to improve walking stability and ensure safety for all who use the path. While the hospital has multiple handrails installed across its site, this specific installation was considered particularly important to enhance accessibility and prevent accidents.
The job, though routine in nature, presented some unique challenges due to the transition of the path from a flat surface to a decline. Our team needed to ensure the handrail met all safety and durability standards while adapting to the specific site conditions.
Project Execution
The work was carried out by our skilled team, led by Fabrication and Welding Team Leader Kai Morris, along with Apprentice Welder Toby Overy and Engineer Max Burton. The installation required the use of specialised tools, including an SDS drill, hex keys, die grinder, chop saw, and impact driver, to ensure precise and secure placement of the handrail.
The project was completed in just seven hours. Despite being straightforward overall, the team encountered challenges such as adjusting an extension bracket on the slope to prevent deforming the steel. Additionally, cold weather slowed the setting time of the anchor system, briefly delaying progress. However, our team’s expertise allowed us to overcome these obstacles efficiently, delivering a sturdy and reliable handrail that met the client’s requirements.
Insights from the Team
We have significant experience in fabricating and installing handrails, including previous projects at Scunthorpe Hospital, which gave the team confidence in approaching this task. While the job had some challenges, such as working on the sloping section of the path and contending with adverse weather, these were managed effectively by our skilled team. We were highly satisfied with the outcome, knowing the handrail now serves its purpose of providing essential support and stability for the hospital’s patients and visitors.
Customer Feedback
The hospital chose Hickman Engineering based on our proven track record for quality, efficiency, and cost savings. Our history of successful projects at their site reassured them that this installation would be carried out to the highest standard.
The customer emphasised the importance of entrusting this work to specialists, as the handrail needed to be secure and robust to meet the demands of daily use. They expressed “extreme satisfaction” with the result, praising our excellent service, clear communication, and seamless delivery from start to finish. They have since confirmed they would readily recommend Hickman Engineering to others.
This project highlights our ability to deliver quality infrastructure solutions under varying conditions. It reinforces our commitment to ensuring safety and satisfaction for clients while maintaining the precision and professionalism that Hickman Engineering is known for.
