Safety Taken During Canopy Construction and Use

The safety standards for a canopy construction need to be stringent as the canopy is going to be used regularly when installed. So the first and most important guiding factor needs to be safety. Not only when the construction takes place that safety needs to be adhered to, but also for the entire guaranteed lifetime of the structure. The canopies need to offer total and safe protection for those using it from the elements and any physical dangers from the canopy itself.

The materials used in the construction need to be strong and conform to high safety standards. The materials for the supports need to be waterproof and rust proof, as well as padding being provided where needed. The roof of the structure also needs to be completely waterproof and have the ability to easily and efficiently drain the water from the rooftop. The roof also needs to provide protection from the harmful UV rays of the sun and resist higher winds without anything falling or flapping and injuring those near the canopy.

How can an outside Hospital Canopy improve visitor experience?

An outside hospital canopy can truly improve visitor experience in a number of ways. First of all, by effectively utilising the outdoor area surrounding the hospital by making some of it a covered area, thus effectively extending the building and giving the whole hospital a much bigger feel. Outdoor areas can effectively be used as the lobby space and social rooms for patients and visitors, providing a comfortable, informal setting for visitors when they visit paatients.

Moreover, some visitors feel uncomfortable in a regular hospital environment. The regular enclosed spaces and the sterility of the surroundings can make them feel uncomfortable. For such people, an outdoor hospital would be an excellent way to visit a hospital and yet be in touch with the outdoors. Patients can also use these areas for socialising woth other patients or take a regular walk under the shade even during the hot summer months of the year or when it is raining.

What specific steps do you take regarding child safety during school canopy use?

During school canopy use the following steps are taken regarding child safety:

a) Little or no moving parts
b) Post protectors (optional)
c)Meets BS standard for snow and wind loading
d) Integral gutter so that water doesn't cascade off sides of canopy
e) Foundations mean that base plates and bolt heads are below ground to stop potential tripping hazard
f) Fire retardant

What specific steps do you take regarding child safety during school canopy construction?

During canopy construction the following steps are taken regarding child safety:

a) Area where construction is taking place is cordoned/fenced off
b) Ground is made good on foundations around the legs/supports
c) After installation a 20 point safety check is carried out
d) Site left clean and tidy
e) Correct PPE worn by site staff to make sure they are visible

What is CHAS and why are I20 members?

CHAS stands for the Construction Health and Safety Scheme - we are members because it shows that when we are installing canopies the necessary precautions are taken. This starts with the necessary risk assessments, method statements and correct site work. By becoming members it has allowed us to be put on approved suppliers list by councils (such as Bucks County Council).

Inside2Outside in line with EYFS with the Kwikshade 4x4 and Qube29 Canopies for Schools

As the UK’s leading supplier of canopies for schools, Inside2Outside has been approached by so many nurseries and pre-schools asking for advice on creating outdoor covered areas in line with the statutory framework for the EYFS set out by the Department for Education and Skills. They offer nurseries and primary schools an innovative solution and opportunity to help them to expand and create much-needed additional space recognising that outdoor learning complements indoor learning and is equally important.

The first option, the Kwikshade is a fantastic school sail shade-only alternative to traditional canopies. The fabric mesh “sail” provides up to 95% UV block and creates 97% shade, with high levels of UVA and UVB protection. Ideal for use over sand pits and other outdoor play equipment to protect children from the sun’s harmful rays.

The second option, Qube 29, which is the established POCCA Qube outdoor classrom shelter, but at a new standard 29 sq metre size is designed specifically for the EYFS curriculum, offering all year round weather protection and 100% block from UVA and UVB rays. They have a built in gutter system and when combined with a white coloured roof to reflect the heat of the sun, will provide a cool, dry, safe environment. Hundreds of schools are already enjoying the benefits of the POCCA Qube to help them meet their outdoor development goals and much more! The combination of long-lasting, modular, strong aluminium frames and tensioned structural fabric membrane canopies produces robust, attractive, flexible structures which enhance your school for years to come.

Child safety for school canopies is paramount which is why all the products in our POCCA range are strong, fire-retardant and long- lasting – what’s more, they’re now available for lease purchase.

If you would like more information about our canopies please contact Inside2Outside Ltd:

Tel: 01480 498297
Email: info@pocca.co.uk
Web: www.inside2outside.co.uk
Pictured 1-2: Kwikshade canopies
Pictured 3: Qube 29 canopy