Case Study: Fiberglass Test Platforms Win Worker Approval
TK Valve, a division of Dresser Industries, has learned the value of fiberglass from their machine operators. Fiberglass grating has replaced steel on worker platforms for less fatigue and improved comfort and productivity.
TK Valve, located in Hammond, Louisiana, builds valves for the offshore industry. The valves, which range from 2” to 36” sizes, with internal pressure of 1500 lbs. to 30,000 lbs., must be tested prior to shipping for defects, leaking and overall performance. The test platforms in the assembly and testing facility were previously steel grating which was rough on shoes, knees, ankles and feet. In addition, it was beginning to yield and bend, causing a safety hazard.
| TECHNICAL DATA |
|---|
| Product: Work Platforms |
| Process: Pultrusion & Fabrication |
| Materials: DURADEK® I-6000 1-1/2" fiberglass reinforced vinyl ester grating (currently DURAGRID®) |
| For: T.K. Valve - Division of Dresser Industries |
Now with the introduction of DURADEK® I-6000 1-1/2” (gray) pultruded grating, the safety assembly and testing team, Rodney Larpentor and Mike Hymel, say they are not experiencing the fatigue factors that they had with the steel grating. They like it so well, the company is planning to replace steel grating with DURADEK® in future applications.
The worker approval has convinced Dresser Industries to pass this information along to their other locations so that they may also benefit from this material as well.