SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS FOR SAFELY ENCLOSING HANDRAILS, STAIRWAYS, WALKWAYS AND PLATFORMS

Abstract

Safety barriers such as guardrails, handrails, walkways, and platforms are found in a large variety of industrial commercial, residential and public sites typically consist of an open framework of horizontal, vertical or inclined pipes. However in some cases such open systems do not provide a sufficient barrier to prevent dropped objects such as tools from escaping the confines of the handrail system and creating a hazard. To address this deficiency a system for enclosing a safety barrier has been developed which includes a specially adapted bracket for attachment to posts such as stanchions, hand rails or knee rails and a guard panel which is attached to the bracket and is used to enclose the side walls of the safety barrier to reduce the dropped object hazard. The bracket has an open clipping configuration to allow it to clipped onto the stanchions (or other supports) and left in place. There bracket can then moved into a closed configuration and clamped in place, after which a guard panel can be mounted onto the bracket. The bracket has a number of safety advantages. Firstly as the bracket can be clipped in place the installer can safely work from within the confines of the walkway. Secondly once the bracket is clipped in place, the installer is free to let go of the bracket and can pick up other tools or perform other tasks, and is not required to continue to hold the bracket until it is clamped in place (and risk dropping either the bracket or tools). The system additionally comprises step guards for enclosing the vertical gap (rise) between steps, and floor brackets and flooring sheet for covering grid mesh floors.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2010905499 entitled “SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS FOR SAFELY ENCLOSING HANDRAILS, STAIRWAYS, WALKWAYS AND PLATFORMS” filed on 15 Dec. 2010, and Australian Innovation Patent No 2011100489 entitled SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS FOR SAFELY ENCLOSING HANDRAILS, STAIRWAYS, WALKWAYS AND PLATFORMS filed on 29 Apr. 2011, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to safety barriers. In a particular form the present invention relates systems and components for safely enclosing substantially open barriers such as handrails, stairways walkways, and platforms.

BACKGROUND

Safety barriers such as guardrails, handrails, walkways, and platforms are found in a large variety of industrial commercial, residential and public sites. They are typically located at the edge of walkways, stairs, or platforms where they are used to prevent falls, limit access to potentially unsafe or dangerous areas, and/or to provide support or protection in uneven or potentially slippery ground.

In particular Australian Standard AS1657-1192 relates to the design, construction, and installation of fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders which are intended to provide means of safe access to and safe working at places normally used by operating, inspection, maintenance, and servicing personnel. This standard defines guard railing as any structure to prevent persons from falling off any platform, walkway or landing. Handrails include rails to provide handhold on a platform, walkway, stairway, or step ladder and may form part of a guard railing. A walkway is passageway that is either level or sloping from the surrounding floor or level. It may be a continuous structure or steps with landings and covers inclinations in the range from 0° to 26.5°. A stairway is a sloping stepped structure having not less than three rises and having a slope within the range of 26.5° to 45 degrees inclusive. A platform is an area provided for access or working, which is elevated above the surrounding floor or level, and a landing is a level area used to provide access to a stairway or ladder, or located at an intermediate level in a system of stairways or ladders.

A common type of guardrail or handrail system often found in public and industrial sites uses an open framework of horizontal, vertical or inclined pipes or tubes (which in cross section may be circular, square, rectangular, oval, etc) to support a handrail. However in some cases such open systems do not provide a sufficient barrier to prevent people, or carried objects such as tools or products, from escaping the confines of the handrail system. This can create hazards for both people on the walkways, who can slip out of, or may be forced to lean out over the handrail or through gaps into potentially unsafe areas to retrieve lost objects, as well as to persons below them who may be hit by falling objects potentially causing significant injury or even death depending upon the object dropped and the height it is dropped from. Further, many walkways, stairways and platforms in industrial or commercial sites include floors constructed of open grid mesh or grating, which provide little protection to persons or equipment below the floor from material (solid or liquid) spilled or dropped whilst being carried across the floor.

There is thus a need to provide systems and components to at least partially enclose open barrier systems, or at least provide a useful alternative.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect, there is provided a guarding system for enclosing a substantially open sidewall of a barrier system, the barrier system comprising a plurality of support members each having a predefined profile, comprising:

• • a plurality of brackets for attachment to two or more of the plurality of support members, each of the plurality of brackets comprising:
  • a post engaging portion wherein the post engaging portion has an open configuration to allow the bracket to be removably clipped onto and retained around the post whilst in the open configuration, and a closed configuration to allow clamping of the post engaging portion to the post;
  • a clamping portion comprising:
    • a first clamping portion; and
    • a second clamping portion wherein in the closed configuration the second clamping portion is brought towards the first clamping portion to clamp the bracket to the post and are fastened in the closed configuration by a first set of one or more fasteners passing through apertures in the first and second clamping portions; and
  • a mounting portion comprising a mounting plate to allow mounting of the guard panel to the bracket with a second set of one or more fasteners and a standoff arm for spacing the mounting plate from the post, wherein the standoff arm is orthogonal to the mounting plate; and
  • a plurality of guard panels for attachment to the plurality of brackets, to enclose at least a portion of the vertical space of the open sidewall.

In a further aspect the post engaging portion is located between the mounting portion and the clamping portion and comprises a profile matching at least a portion of the predefined profile of the post to allow clipping of the bracket to the post when in the open configuration and the first and second clamping portions extend from a first end and a second end of the post engaging portion so that movement of the first clamping portion towards the second clamping portion clamps the bracket around the post to form the closed configuration.

In a further aspect the post engaging portion comprises a clip portion having a profile matching at least a portion of the predefined profile of the post to allow clipping of the bracket to the post when in the open configuration; and a moveable portion comprising a slot to allow the moveable portion to be deformed to allow the bracket to be reconfigured from the open configuration to the closed configuration. In one aspect the slot extends over an arc of 90°, and the moveable portion is hand deformable.

In a further aspect the mounting plate further comprises a plurality of apertures to allow a guard panel to be mounted at a range of locations and inclinations with respect to the plate.

In a further aspect the guard panels are mounted to extend continuously up from the floor to a height below the handrail sufficient to provide hand access to the handrail, so as to substantially enclose side wall of the barrier. In a further aspect the guard panels are formed from a sheet comprising a plurality of apertures. This assists in reducing the additional wind load on the structure.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of installing a guarding system for enclosing a substantially open sidewall of a barrier system comprising a plurality of support members, the method comprising the steps of

• • obtaining a plurality of brackets according to the first aspect for attachment to two or more of the plurality of support members; and
  • obtaining at least one guard panel for attachment to the plurality of brackets, to enclose at least a portion of the vertical space of the open sidewall;
  • clipping at least one of the plurality of brackets to each of two or more of the plurality of support members;
  • for each of the at least one brackets clipped to each of two or more of the plurality of support members:
    • moving one or more portions of the respective bracket to change the configuration of the bracket from the open configuration to the closed configuration; and
    • fastening the bracket in the closed configuration so as to clamp the bracket to the respective support member;
  • fastening one of the at least one guard panel to at least one bracket clamped to two or more of the plurality of support members.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a bracket for use in mounting a guard panel to a post having a predefined profile in an open barrier system so as to reduce the dropped object hazard, comprising:

• • a post engaging portion wherein the post engaging portion has an open configuration to allow the bracket to be removably clipped onto and retained around the post whilst in the open configuration, and a closed configuration to allow clamping of the post engaging portion to the post;
  • a clamping portion comprising:
    • a first clamping portion; and
    • a second clamping portion wherein in the closed configuration the second clamping portion is brought towards the first clamping portion to clamp the bracket to the post and are fastened in the closed configuration by a first set of one or more fasteners passing through apertures in the first and second clamping portions; and
  • a mounting portion comprising a mounting plate to allow mounting of the guard panel to the bracket with a second set of one or more fasteners and a standoff arm for spacing the mounting plate from the post, wherein the standoff arm is orthogonal to the mounting plate.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a flooring bracket for use in mounting a floor sheet to cover a grid mesh floor comprising at two support members having a predefined profile and pitch, comprising:

• • an upper surface comprising:
    • two flange portions for engaging the upper surface of two adjacent support members in a grid mesh floor; and
    • a mounting portion to allow mounting of a sheet to the top surface of the flooring bracket;
  • two resilient arms for engaging adjacent support members, each arm connected to the upper surface and spaced apart by distance matching the gap between the interior side faces of the adjacent support members and each arm having a lower projection for resiliently engaging the lower surface of the respective support member so that in use the flooring bracket is retained by engaging the upper and lower surfaces of adjacent support members.

According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a flooring bracket for use in mounting a floor sheet to cover a grid mesh floor comprising at two support members having a predefined profile and pitch spacing, comprising:

• • an upper surface comprising a mounting portion for mounting a floor sheet, and at least one flange portion with a width less than the predefined pitch spacing;
  • a lower channel portion, comprising a bottom surface and two opposite site walls, wherein the opposite sidewalls comprise alternate cut away portions located at opposite ends of the channel; and
  • a fastener which passes though an aperture in the upper surface and an aperture in the bottom surface of the lower channel portion, and having a shaft portion joining the upper surface, wherein in use, the flooring bracket is inserted between adjacent load bars of the grid mesh floor such that the at least on flange portion is located between adjacent load bars, and the side walls of the lower channel portion are at a position above the bottom edge of a load bar and the lower channel portions are a position below the bottom edge of the load bar, and rotating the fastener causes the channel portion to move upwards and engage with the bottom edge of the load bars to lock the flooring bracket to the grid mesh floor.

According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a step guard for enclosing a vertical space of predefined dimensions between consecutive grid mesh steps, comprising:

• • a first set of tongue and grooves along a first horizontal edge for engagement with a first step;
  • a second set of tongue and grooves along the opposite horizontal edge for engagement with a second step adjacent; and
  • a riser plate joining the first and second set of tongue and grooves,
  • wherein the spacing of the tongues in the first and second set are based on the spacing of crossbars in the grid mesh steps, and the first set of tongue and grooves are offset with respect to the second set of tongue to accommodate a range of distances between the edge of a step and the first cross bar in the step.

According to an seventh aspect, there is provided a step guard for enclosing a vertical space of predefined dimensions between an upper grid mesh step and lower grid mesh step, comprising:

• • a first set of tongue and grooves along a lower horizontal edge for engagement with the lower step;
  • a nosing for engaging with the front and upper edge of the upper step; and
  • a riser plate joining the first set of tongue and grooves and the nosing and which encloses the vertical gap between the upper and lower step,
  • wherein the spacing of the tongues is based on the spacing of crossbars in the grid mesh steps.

According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a step guard for enclosing a vertical space of predefined dimensions between an upper grid mesh step and lower grid mesh step, comprising:

• • a riser plate which encloses the vertical gap between the upper and lower step; and
  • a stair plate, for at least partially covering and reducing the size of the gaps between grid mesh elements in either the upper or lower step and comprising a stair tread for engaging with the front and upper edge of the step.

According to an ninth aspect, there is provided a dropped object prevention system for a guardrail, the guardrail comprising a plurality of support members each having a predefined profile and a floor, comprising:

• • a plurality of brackets for attachment to two or more of the plurality of support members and for mounting a guard panel, each bracket comprising a post engaging portion to allow the bracket to be clipped onto and retained about a support member from above the floor and within the guardrail prior to clamping, and then subsequently clamped around the support member, and a mounting portion comprising a mounting plate to allow mounting of the guard panel to the bracket, and a standoff arm for spacing the mounting plate from the post
  • a plurality of guard panels for attachment to the plurality of brackets to enclose at least a portion of a vertical space of an open sidewall of the guardrail, wherein each guard panel is mounted to the mounting portion of at least one bracket, and in use is mounted from above the floor and within the guard rail.

The system of the first or ninth aspect may further comprise the flooring bracket of the fifth or sixth aspect, and/or the step guard of the sixth, seventh, or eighth aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments will be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures wherein:

FIGS. 1A to 1E illustrate various views of a walkway with a guarding system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a bracket in an open configuration for clipping onto a support post according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of the bracket of FIG. 2A in a closed configuration;

FIG. 2C is a top view of the bracket in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a top view of the bracket in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 2E is a flat pattern for constructing the bracket of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2F is an isometric view of another embodiment bracket in an open configuration for clipping onto a support post;

FIG. 2G is top view of the bracket in FIG. 2F;

FIG. 2H is top view of the bracket in FIG. 2F in the closed configuration;

FIG. 2I is a top view of a washer plate for use with the brackets illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2H;

FIG. 2J is an isometric view of another embodiment of a washer plate for use with the brackets illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2H;

FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a stairway which has been enclosed using an inclined guard panel according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a close up view of the attachment of a bracket to the inclined guard panel illustrated in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a close up view of the attachment of a bracket to the inclined guard panel illustrated in FIG. 3A from the inside illustrating the use of the washer plate shown in FIG. 2I;

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of the bracket of FIG. 2A clipped around a post;

FIGS. 4B and 4C are isometric views of the bracket of FIG. 2A clamped to a post and with a guard panel mounted;

FIG. 4D is an isometric view a corner section of a platform with mesh guard panels and corner joiners according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4E is a close up view of FIG. 4D;

FIG. 5A to 5D illustrates another embodiment of a bracket and a method of installing the bracket;

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of a bracket;

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a bracket;

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a bracket;

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate isometric, and side views of a pair of adjacent grid mesh steps;

FIG. 9C illustrates a top view of one of the steps shown in FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 illustrates the arrangement and spacing of load and cross bars in grid mesh floor;

FIG. 11A is an isometric view of an embodiment of a flooring bracket for mounting a floor sheet to a grid mesh floor;

FIGS. 11B to 11D illustrate orthographic views of the flooring bracket of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a side view of the flooring bracket of FIG. 11A inserted into the grate of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12B is a top view of the flooring bracket of FIG. 11A inserted into the grate of FIG. 10;

FIGS. 13A to 13F illustrate isometric views of the method of installation of floor brackets and mounting of a sheet to a grid mesh floor to cover the grid mesh floor according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are isometric view of another embodiment of a flooring bracket for mounting a floor sheet to a grid mesh floor;

FIGS. 14C to 14E are orthographic views of the upper surface of the flooring bracket of FIGS. 14A and 14B;

FIGS. 14G to 14H are orthographic views of the lower channel portion of the flooring bracket of FIGS. 14A and 14B;

FIGS. 15A to 15C illustrates isometric and side views of installation and locking of the bracket of FIGS. 14A to 14H into a grid mesh floor;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are an isometric view of a step guard, and stairway with a fitted step guard according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 17A and 17B are an isometric view of another embodiment of a step guard, and a stairway fitted with the step guard;

FIGS. 18A and 18B are an isometric view of another embodiment of a step guard, and stairway fitted with the step guard;

FIG. 19A illustrates two wire mesh guard panels joined using splice brackets according to an embodiment;

FIG. 19B illustrates wire mesh guard panels around a stairway joined using splice brackets according to an embodiment;

FIG. 19C illustrates an isometric view of a splice bracket for joining two wide mesh guard panels illustrated in FIG. 19A according to an embodiment;

FIG. 19D illustrates an isometric view of a splice bracket for joining a wide mesh guard panels to a narrow mesh guard panel illustrated in FIG. 19B according to an embodiment;

FIG. 19E illustrates an isometric view of a splice bracket for joining two narrow mesh guard panels illustrated in FIG. 19B according to an embodiment;

FIG. 19G illustrates an isometric view of a splice bracket for joining a narrow mesh to an inclined mesh for a stairway illustrated in FIG. 19B according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 20A to 20C illustrate isometric views of a rear bracket, narrow bracket and wide bracket respectively for the splice bracket shown in FIGS. 19A to 19F;

FIG. 20D illustrates an isometric view of a U shaped end piece for the splice bracket shown in FIGS. 19B and 19F for an inclined mesh guard panel;

FIG. 20E illustrates a side view of the splice bracket shown in FIG. 19A to 19F; and

FIGS. 21A to 21D illustrates several isometric views of the washer plate of FIG. 2J in use to fasten wire mesh guard panels;

In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The system described herein includes three components used to enclose various parts of open safety barrier systems such as handrails, walkway, stairs, platforms, grid mesh flooring etc. Such safety barriers are typically substantially open structures include a coarse grid of support (or structural) members with a variety of large and small gaps between the support members. All three components described herein may be used together, or various combinations of the three, or each components may be used separately or independently of each other depending upon the requirements of the site, and whether full or partial enclosure is required. To assist in understanding the system, illustrative embodiments of the system will be described in relation to enclosing a walkway incorporating an open handrail. Such open handrails comprise vertical supports, referred to as stanchions, and horizontal middle and upper rails at approximately knee and waist heights above a walkway (which may also include a kick plate). The first component is a guard system comprising a bracket and guard panel for enclosing the sides of open barrier systems such as walkways, stairs, or the vertical space below a handrail. The second component is a step guard which provides a stair tread and back plate to fill in the vertical gap (rise) between two stairs and the third component is a flooring system for covering a grid mesh floor comprising a floor bracket which is inserted between the gaps in a grid mesh floor and secured in place, and which includes a mounting platform to allow sheeting to be laid over the grid mesh floor. These components allow for safe and efficient enclosing of handrails, stairways, walkways and elevated platforms.

A walkway enclosed using the above described embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1E. FIG. 1A shows an isometric view 110 of an unenclosed walkway and FIG. 1B shows an isometric view 120 of the walkway enclosed according to an embodiment of the system. FIG. 1C is an end view 130 of the enclosed walkway illustrating the brackets, guard panels, floor brackets and sheeting. FIGS. 1D and 1E are interior and exterior side views 140, 150 of walkway illustrating the attachment of guard panel to the support posts (marked 1D and 1E on FIG. 1C). As shown in FIGS. 1C to 1E, an upper and lower bracket is clamped to each post to secure a guard panel. The guard panels 40 are mounted so that they rest on or near the edge of the kick plate 72 and extend continuously upwards to just below the handrail.

The guard panels 40 may be made of flat sheet without any apertures, perforated sheet having a regular array of apertures (as in FIGS. 1C and 1D), a mesh sheet (ie array of wires) formed from a mesh, or sheet with periodic or irregular apertures. Preferably the size of apertures (or gaps) in the panel are chosen so that they are small enough to prevent, or at least to significantly reduce the risk, of dropped objects falling through the apertures (or at least dropped objects, and in particular tools, above a certain size). Providing apertures or openings in the guard panel reduces the weight and will also assist in minimising the additional wind load on the structure or in reducing the additional wind load compared to a flat sheet with no apertures. This facilitates use in exposed or elevated locations without excessively loading the existing structure. That is any additional load is within allowed limits or design specifications for the structure so that retrofitting the system does not compromise the structural integrity of existing structures. Selection of the guard panels to use at a particular location in can be based upon knowledge of the expected winds at the location to ensure that fitting a panel will not create an excessive wind load on the structure. For example mesh arrangements, or sheets with a high proportion of apertures will be preferred in locations such as northern Australia which are subject to strong wind loads as a result of tropical storms and cyclones so as to minimise the additional wind load. In one embodiment adjacent guard panels have an overlapping portion 160 which extends over a distance of approximately 50 mm to allow the two panels to be fastened together using a plurality of fasteners 162 such as self drilling or TEK screws, or nuts and bolts. In some embodiments, the size of the apertures may be selected so that they can act as pilot holes for fasteners. If the overlap occurs over a post, a single set of fasteners may be used to both fasten overlapping panels and to attach the panels to the mounting portion of the upper and lower brackets. In other embodiments adjacent sheets may be joined at the edge using a splice or joining plate and appropriate fasteners, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 19A to 19F.

An embodiment of a suitable bracket 1 for safely mounting guard panels 40 to posts such as stanchion 50, handrails 60 and knee rails 61 which form a safety barrier is illustrated in FIGS. 2A to 2E. The bracket 1 broadly includes a post engaging portion 10, a clamping portion 20 and a mounting portion 30. The post engaging portion has two configurations. The open or clipping configuration allows the bracket to be conveniently clipped onto the post where it will be retained (and grip the post) so that the installer can release the bracket and attend to other tasks without the bracket falling off the post and representing a hazard to person or equipment below, and a closed or clamping configuration in which the post engaging portion is clamped so that the bracket is tightly fixed or held in place around the post so that it can be used to support or mount a guard panel. Additionally the bracket allows the installer to safely work within the confines of the walkway without having to extend body parts or tools beyond the support post. That is the installer can work from above the floor and within the handrails so the bracket does not become a potential dropped object. The clamping portion may include a first clamping portion and a second clamping portion, wherein the first and second clamping portions are arranged so that when the bracket is in the closed configuration the second clamping portion is brought into proximity with the first clamping portion to allow the bracket to be clamped to the post using fasteners or other means. The mounting portion allows mounting of the guard panel to the bracket. This may be provided in the form of a mounting plate to which a guard panel may be mounted, or an aperture or flange may be provided which is received by a mounting portion on a guard panel.

In order for the bracket to clip on (or self-clamp) onto the bracket in the open configuration, the bracket must not deform plastically when applied to post. That is in order to maintain clamping force after placement, it must only be flexed over within its elastic zone and the angle of wrap around the post should exceed 180° to ensure it will stay in the initial position is fitted. The characteristics of elasticity and springiness, and the angle of wrap largely determine the capability of the bracket to clip on. Thus varying materials, or thicknesses of materials or cross sectional profiles can be chosen provided these characteristics are retained. The cross sectional profile can be varied to have stiff and flexible zones, provided they are still working via elastic deformation and springiness (ie they spring back) and the contact (or contacts) span greater than 180°.

FIGS. 2 and 5 to 8 illustrate various views of embodiments of brackets for use in mounting a guard panel to post. FIG. 2A illustrates an isometric view 201 of a bracket 1 in an open configuration for clipping the bracket onto such a post, and FIG. 2B illustrates an isometric view 202 of the bracket in a closed or clamping configuration. FIGS. 2C and 2D show respective top views 203, 204 and FIG. 2E illustrates a flat pattern 205 of the bracket indicating required folds, and cut outs and finishing for manufacturing the bracket from a flat strip. As would be understood by the person skilled in the art the dimensions and materials used may be varied according to the requirements of the specific application. The strip could be 316 stainless steel 1.2 mm thick. However the bracket could be constructed of any suitable material such as other steels of the same or different thicknesses, or other aluminium, alloys, plastics (eg PVC, PVCU, uPVC, TPU, and other polymers), etc. The materials may be coated, painted or contain additives to provide desired properties such as resistance to corrosion, chemicals, UV etc. Selection of other materials should be based on ensuring suitable properties such as strength and resiliency to allow the bracket to be removably clipped onto posts and to support guard panels, as well as properties such as corrosion resistance and/or UV resistance etc which make them suitable for use in industrial or outdoor environments. Another embodiment of this bracket is shown in FIGS. 2F, 2G and 2H. FIGS. 2I and 2J illustrate a washer plate that may optionally be used with the bracket.

Whilst in FIG. 1 the bracket shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E is attached to a vertical cylindrical post used to support a handrail (a stanchion). In one embodiment the post is constructed from 250 grade steel having an outer diameter of 48.3 mm or similar. However, it is to be understood that the bracket could be adapted to be fitted to any of the members forming the structure of the safety barrier including posts, pipes, tubing, handrails, knee rails, foot rails etc, having a range of cross sectional profiles and which may be vertical, horizontal, inclined, curved, etc, herein referred to as support members. Further the system provides flexibility in the location at which the bracket is fitted allowing it to be fitted at a range of heights and positions depending upon the requirements of the specific installation. Further multiple brackets may be fitted to different parts of a support structure to increase the strength as required (for example to meet wind load requirements).

The bracket 1 broadly includes a post engaging portion 10, a clamping portion 20 and a mounting portion 30. The bracket shown in FIG. 2A is shown in the open configuration which allows the bracket to be conveniently clipped onto a post where it will be retained. The closed or clamping configuration of the bracket is illustrated in FIG. 2B. In this embodiment the post engaging portion includes a clip portion 12, and a movable portion 14 and the post engaging portion is constructed to have sufficient elasticity to allow the bracket to be removably clipped around the post. That is it does not plastically deform when clipped or snapped onto the post, allowing it to grip onto the post and allowing re-use. The clip portion is manufactured to have a profile matching at least a portion of profile of the post so that it will engage and grip (ie frictionally engage) the post whilst in the open configuration. For example if the post is cylindrical (eg 24.15 mm radius or 48.3 mm diameter), the clip portion may have a constant radius substantially equal to the radius of the post (eg 24.15 mm). As illustrated in FIG. 4, in this embodiment the clip portion spans an angle of 239.9° (90°±149.9°). The angle of wrap (or wrap angle) will however depend upon the post the bracket is to be clipped onto need only be sufficient to allow the bracket to clip on and grip the post so that it will be retained around the post. Suitable wrap angles are in excess of 180° and more preferably in the range of 210° to 300°, and even more preferably in the range of 220° to 260°. The post engaging portion also includes a movable portion to provide an open configuration to allow the bracket to be clipped onto and retained around the post and a closed configuration to allow clamping of the bracket or post engaging portion to the post. In this embodiment the movable portion is a straight section having an extended slot which spans the length of the section and weakens the section to allow it to be deformed by hand from the straight open configuration shown in FIG. 2A to the closed configuration shown in FIG. 2B. In this embodiment the width of the slot is approximately 30% of the width of the bracket. However other variations may be used such as from 70% to 100% of the length and 10% to 60% of the width. In the closed configuration the moveable portion extends over an angle of 120.1° and matches the profile of the portion of the post contacted or engaged by the moveable portion.

In one embodiment the slot extends over an arc of at least 90° to provide a sufficiently large opening so that the post engaging portion of the bracket is not required to significantly bend to receive the post to which the bracket is being clipped (that is to ensure the bracket does not deform when being applied). The length of the slot may be selected based on the strength of the material used to form the bracket. Further in the case that the post varies from the nominal dimensions, the slot enables hand tightening of the bracket to allow the bracket to clip onto and grip the post in the desired position, prior to clamping. In another embodiment the bracket could be formed of two or more members and a hinge provided between the clip portion and the moveable portion. In this embodiment the moveable portion could be shaped to match the profile of the portion of the post will be contacted or engaged when in the close configuration so that no deformation of the shape of the movable portion is required. Various additional stiffening elements may be added to the post engaging portion increase the strength as required to ensure the bracket can support the panel when subjected to wind, impact or other loads.

As shown in FIG. 2C, when in the open configuration the bracket has an opening formed between the start of the clip portion (where it meets the clamping portion) and the moveable portion, and has a width less than the outer diameter of the pole the bracket is to be attached too to provide a snap fit. For example with a 48.3 mm diameter post the width may be 38 mm, and for a 33.7 mm diameter post the width may be 28 mm. Preferably the width is in the range of 60% to 90% of the diameter, and even more preferably the width is in the range 75% to 85%. In this embodiment the bracket is constructed of 1.2 mm thick 316 Stainless Steel which has sufficient elasticity to allow the bracket to be removably clipped around the post, and will exhibit sufficient gripping force to retain the bracket when in the open configuration. That is as the bracket is placed around the post the moveable portion is pushed outwards away from the start of the clip portion, until the moveable portion and/or the post engaging portion can resiliently spring (or snap) back to encompass and retain the bracket around the post. This allows an installer to clip the bracket onto the post and then release the bracket without fear of it falling off. This also frees up the installer to perform other tasks, such as obtain a tool to fasten the bracket in place or to select another bracket to clip onto the same or another post. This is illustrated in FIG. 4A which is an isometric view 401 of the bracket of FIG. 2F clipped around a post. It will further be appreciated that the moveable portion and the clamping portion act as guides (or guide rails) to facilitate clipping of the bracket around the post.

The clamping portion 22 includes a first clamping portion 22 connected to one end of the clip portion 22 of the post engaging portion 20 and a second clamping portion 20 connected to one end of the movable portion 24 of the post engaging portion 20. The second clamping portion is arranged so that when the movable portion is in the closed configuration, the second clamping portion is brought towards or in close proximity with the first clamping portion (for example a 1-2 mm gap). This then allows the post engaging portion and thus the bracket to be clamped to the post and so provide a structurally rigid connection both before and after panel installation. A range of fasteners may be used. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B the first and second clamping portion each include matching apertures 2325. A bolt may then be placed through both apertures, and fastened in place using a nut. In another embodiment the apertures could be threaded and a screw fastener used to bring the portions together. Alternatively no apertures could be provided and the two clamping sections could screwed together using self drilling or TEK screws, be externally clamped, or even welded together if the bracket was installed at a site where such hot work would not give rise to safety concerns. In the embodiments provided in FIGS. 2F to 2H, two apertures 23a, 23b, 25a, 25b are provided in each of the first clamping portion 22 and the second clamping portion 24. These are provided at opposite ends (ie near the post engaging portion end and the mounting portion end).

A mounting portion 30 is attached to the clamping portion 20 to allow mounting of the guard panel to the bracket at a panel offset distance 26 from the centre of the post or a stand off distance 27 from the surface of the post. In this embodiment the mounting portion includes a flat plate which is attached to the other end of the first clamping portion. Typically the guard panel is orientated in a plane parallel to a plane tangential to the cross section of the post, with the clamping portion acting as a standoff arm to space the post away from the guard panel. That is the radially directed standoff arm is orthogonal (90°) to the mounting plate which is parallel to the guard panel. As shown in FIG. 1, the posts are often connected to the outer sides of the walkway (and kick plate). Thus by providing a standoff gap the guard panel can be mounted against the edge of the walkway, or from within the walkway so that the outwardly extending flanged portion engages the top of the floor or kickplate to prevent a gap between the edge of the panel and the walkway. In other embodiments inclined arrangements are possible provided the panel will still be mounted in a plane parallel to a tangential plane. Further, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ends of the mounting portion 30 and clamping portion 20 may include stiffening flanges. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2F to 2H, the mounting plate is formed from two overlapping plate sections 3536 which are formed at the ends of the two clamping portions 2224 to provide additional strength.

In the embodiment show in FIGS. 2A to 2E the mounting portion includes a plate which includes a plurality of apertures 32a to 32i which act as pilot holes for the fasteners. A similar arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 2F to 2H. These apertures are arranged to allow the guard panel to be mounted to perforated plate in a range of locations and inclinations. An aperture free section 34 is also provided in front of the region the clamping fastener(s) will be located so that the fastener(s) used to clamp the bracket together (the first set of fasteners), and the fastener(s) used to mount the panel to the bracket (the second set of fasteners) do not interfere with each other. This clearance is further illustrated in FIG. 4B which is an isometric view 402 of the bracket of FIG. 2F clamped to a post and with a guard panel mounted. In this figure the TEK screws are clear of each other. FIG. 4C is the reverse view 403.

Providing a plurality of apertures provides flexibility in mounting the panel to the bracket. For example if the apertures in the panel are large diameter, then the plurality of apertures in the mounting portion increase the likelihood that at least one of the apertures in the mounting plate will be aligned over an aperture free section of the perforated guard panel. Alternatively the apertures in the guard panel may be selected to be a size to act as pilot holes for the screw fasteners to be used, and thus providing a plurality of apertures in the mounting plate increase the likelihood that at least one aperture in the guard panel will align with one of the apertures in the mounting portion of the bracket. Providing a plurality of apertures in the mounting plate also allows the guard panel to be mounted to level ground (platform or walkway), inclined ground, or to stairs. This is further illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C. FIG. 3A illustrates a side view 300 of a stairway which has been enclosed using an inclined perforated guard panel 40. FIG. 3B shows a close up view 301 of the attachment of a bracket to the inclined guard panel illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B shows the close up view from within the walkway. The apertures 32d and 32h are located over flat sections between apertures 42 in the inclined guard panel, and fasteners 84, 85 such as a self drilling TEK screw have been inserted to fasten the bracket and guard panel together.

To assist in fastening the panel to a bracket, or to fasten adjacent panels together, a washer plate (or button) as shown in FIG. 2I may optionally used on the inner side of the panel between the fastener and the panel to assist with fastening of a panel to a bracket using two fasteners. In this embodiment the a washer plate 80 comprises two spaced apertures 81, 82 with spacing distance 83 each for receiving a fastener such as a TEK screw. The spacing of the apertures in the washer plate 83 could be set to a predefined spacing distance to match the spacing between at least two apertures in the plurality of apertures on the mounting plate of a bracket. FIG. 3C illustrates the use of a washer plate 80 for fastening an inclined guard panel to a bracket. Further the arrangement or the distribution of apertures in the mounting plate may be arranged into two or more pairs which are arranged to allow mounting of guard panels in two or more predefined orientations such as horizontal and a standard inclination used for stairways. For example the apertures 32d to 32i may be used for a horizontal panel, and apertures 32e to 32i used for a standard stairway (and the distance 32d to 32i equal to the distance 32e to 32i which is equal to the spacing distance 83 of apertures in the washer plate) This enables the installer to quickly determine the correct location for the first and second fastener depending upon the orientation. Another embodiment of a washer plate 90 is shown in FIG. 2J which is designed for use with wire mesh panels. This washer plate has two rectangular apertures 91 and 92 which allow a range of fastener spacings from a minimum spacing 93 to a maximum spacing 94 to provide flexibility. The washer plate further comprises flat rectangular section 95 (containing the apertures 91 and 92), and two flanged edges 9697, in this case along the long edge of the rectangular section 95.

In one embodiment the bracket shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E is for use with a 48.3 mm diameter post and has a width of 32 mm, a clipping portion of length 101.5 mm, a moveable portion of length 50.25 mm (so the post engaging portion has a radius matching the diameter) with a slot 49 mm long by 10 mm wide, a 16 mm wide clamping portion, a 32 mm wide mounting portion, and is manufactured from 1.2 mm thick 316 Stainless Steel. In another embodiment the bracket shown in FIGS. 2F to 2H is for use with a 48.3 mm diameter post and has a width of 42 mm, a clipping portion of length 101.5 mm, a moveable portion of length 50.25 mm (so the post engaging portion has a radius matching the diameter) with a slot is 49 mm long by 16 mm wide, a 35 mm wide clamping portion, a 24 mm wide mounting portion and is manufactured from 1.2 mm thick 316 Stainless Steel. In another embodiment the bracket shown in FIGS. 2F to 2H is for use with a 33.7 mm diameter post and has a width of 42 mm, a clipping portion of length 70.3 mm, a moveable portion of length 45.5 mm (so the post engaging portion has a radius matching the diameter) with a slot is 45.5 mm long by 20 mm wide, a 43 mm wide clamping portion, a 22 mm wide mounting portion and is manufactured from 1.2 mm thick 316 Stainless Steel.

It is to be understood that the above described bracket represent embodiments of the system and may be varied and still provide the same functionality of a clipable bracket for retrofitting of guard panels to open barrier systems. FIGS. 5 to 8 illustrate various alternative embodiments of the bracket. FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a bracket and a method of installing the bracket 500. The bracket includes a post engaging portion 10, a clamping portion 20 and a mounting portion 30 for mounting a guard panel 40 and is formed of a suitably resilient material such as plastic or steel. The bracket comprises two half sections 512 and 514 are joined along a section 16 leading to the mounting portion.

This join could be formed through welding during construction of the bracket, or performed in the field using appropriate fasteners such as self drilling TEK screws or a nut and bolt arrangement. Each of the half sections has a profile which at least partially matches a post 50 (eg stanchion) to which the bracket is to be clipped around. The two ends 522 and 524 of the half sections are flanged outward to leave an opening for receiving the post.

The installation method includes a first step 502 of clipping a bracket onto a post 50 by pushing the opening of the bracket towards the post. At step 504 the outward flanges are (resiliently) pushed outward by engagement with the post, and once the flanges have passed the halfway point (ie diameter) the elasticity or resiliency of the bracket will force the flange sections towards each other and thus act to clip the bracket around the post into a clipping configuration. As described above, slots could be provided in the flange sections and/or the post engaging portions to weaken a section of the bracket to facilitate clipping of the bracket over or around the post. A clamping step 506 is performed in which the two flange portions (acting as first and second clamping portions) are moved, deformed or otherwise brought together and then fastened into a clamping configuration through the use of fastener such as a nut 528 and bolt 526. The clamping portions need not meet, or engage with each other provided the fastener acts to clamp the bracket around the post (eg the fastener may span the gap and act to pull the two clamping portions towards each other). The use of slots in the flanged sections facilitates the movement of the sections into the clamped configuration. Finally in a panel mounting step 508 a guard panel 40 is mounted onto the mounting portion 30 of the bracket in the clamped configuration. This may involve resting the flanged portion at the bottom of the guard panel on or overlapping the edge of the kick plate to ensure there is no gap formed between the guard panel and the kickplate. Then the guard panel is fastened to the brackets using fasteners such as one or more TEK screws, optionally using a washer plate.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of bracket 600, shown in the open configuration 602 and the closed configuration 604. In this embodiment the bracket is formed from a single piece of suitably elastic resilient material such as plastic or steel. In the open configuration 602, the overall shape of the post engaging portion matches the profile or shape of the post 50 to which the bracket is to be clipped. The two ends of the bracket (the clamping portions) are outwardly flanged to provide an opening in the bracket to receive the post. These also act as guide rails to facilitate clipping the bracket to the post. The bracket is clipped in place by pushing the bracket around the post, so that the post temporarily deflects the two flange sections (and adjacent sections of the post engaging portions) outwards. Once the bracket is pushed over the halfway point the resiliency (springiness) of the material will pull the bracket around the post (ie snap back to the open configuration) and engage (ie grip) the post to clip the bracket in place. Additionally in this embodiment an (optional) compressive liner 660 is placed between the post and the bracket and lines at least a substantial portion of the inside surface of the post engaging portion (eg the clip portion of FIG. 2A). This liner is made of a suitable compressive material such as of rubber to allow for expansion and contraction of the post and/or bracket, or differences between the relative expansion/contraction rates if not formed of the same material, or to account for any irregularities (eg bumps, projections, etc) in the profile of the post and/or bracket. The liner reduces the inner diameter of the bracket to a diameter less than the (expected) diameter of the post. Thus when clipped on the liner will compress to the actual diameter and thus grip onto the post (and will be further compressed once clamping is performed).

In this embodiment matching apertures are provided in the outwardly flanged clamping portions so that the clamping portions also act as a mounting portion. The guard panel 640 includes an orthogonal mounting projection 644 including one or more apertures. Clamping and mounting of the panel is performed as a single operation. The mounting projection of the panel is placed between the two outwardly flanged portions, which are then moved towards each other so that they are either side of the mounting projection. The apertures in the clamping portions and the mounting portion are aligned and a bolt 626 is passed through the apertures and then fastened in place using a nut 628. In an alternative embodiment apertures need not be provided and a self drilling TEK screw could be used as a fastener. In another alternative embodiment a T shaped mount is used comprising a mounting plate (2342) and an orthogonal mounting projection (2344) which is placed between clamping arms 2326, 2328, which are then clamped to secure the mount. A panel 40 is then mounted onto the mounting plate 2342.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a bracket 700, shown in the open configuration 702 and the closed configuration 704. This bracket is another variant of the bracket shown in FIG. 6. In this case the bracket is formed, or manufactured with a right angled mounting portion 730 which is located at an angle with respect to the clamping portions, such as of 90°, when in the clamped configuration. This configuration allows the installer to perform the clamping operation to one side of the post and then the panel mounting operation in front of the post. This allows easier installation as compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 which may require the fastening to be performed behind the post. This embodiment also illustrates another embodiment in which the post engaging portion further comprises a compressive liner 760. The compressive liner includes a plurality of projections or feet 762 which engage with the post, and can thus compensate for variations in expansion or irregularities in the shape of the post.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a bracket 800 in the open configuration 802 and the closed configuration 804. In this embodiment the post engaging portion is provided in two parts 812, 814 joined by a hinge 813. The two post engaging portions have a shape or profile designed to match the shape of the post 50 to which the brackets is clipped around. The first post engaging portion 812 spans at least 180° so that it may be clipped onto the post. The second post engaging portion is then moved towards the first post engaging portion to place the bracket in the clamping configuration. In this embodiment the clamping portion includes a first clamping portion 822 joined to the first post engaging portion 812, and a second clamping portion 824 joined to the second post engaging portion 814. The mounting portion 830 is located at the end of the second clamping portion 824 (which acts as a stand off arm) and is orientated at 90° (ie orthogonal). In this embodiment the first clamping portion 822 includes an aperture 826 and the second post engaging portion 844 includes a projection 828 which is designed to pass through the aperture 826 when the second post engaging portion is moved into the clamping position. To clamp the bracket in place, an aperture is provided in the projection 828 through which a pin 829 is passed to retain the bracket in the clamping position.

The above examples illustrate various alternative embodiments of the bracket. These may be constructed from flat strips of suitable materials such as 1.2 mm thick 316 Stainless Steel. The bracket is designed to clip and grip onto posts of nominal (or standard) diameters. However due to manufacturing variations the inner diameter or profile of the bracket, may not always match the diameter or profile of the post. If the inner diameter of the bracket is too large compared to the diameter of the post then their may be insufficient frictional contact to ensure the bracket remains in place after it is placed around the pole (ie it may slip down). In this case the installer may simply have to squeeze the bracket once fitted (ie adjust the open configuration) to ensure that the bracket clips onto and is retained around the post. This facilitates clamping the bracket as the installer does not need to hold the bracket at the desired height, and can instead concentrate on installing the fastener to clamp the bracket, reducing the risk of dropping the fastener or tools when clamping the bracket. In a further embodiment, the bracket is designed to have an initial snap on configuration with a diameter larger than the nominal diameter, but with a portion that spans at least 180° and in which the opening is less than the nominal diameter so that the bracket will enclose the pipe, but not necessarily grip the pipe. This will allow the bracket to be snapped on to the post but also prevent the bracket from falling off the support. The bracket can then be adjusted such as by hand deformation to reduce the radius from the initial configuration to the open clipping configuration so that it will then grip the pipe in the desired position. The bracket can then be clamped onto the post. In this case installation would comprise snapping on the bracket, deforming the bracket to the open configuration to grip the post in the desired position, and then clamping the bracket in place.

To ensure there are no gaps between the walkway/kickboard and panel, and to facilitate stacking of panels and overlapping of panels, the upper and lower edges of the guard panels may be bent to an angle under 90° to form upper flange section 42 and lower flange section 44. As shown in FIG. 1C, the panel may be mounted so that the bent portions of the panel points towards the posts. The panel may be mounted so that the side wall of a handrail or walkway is substantially enclosed, such that the side wall extends continuously from the floor plate to a point just below the handrail sufficient to provide clearance to provide hand access to the handrail. This is further illustrated in FIG. 1C, in which the lower flange portion 42 rests upon the top edge of a kick plate 72 which extends towards the floor 70. Further these flanges also act to stiffen the panels.

In another embodiment the sheet may be a flat sheet with holes or apertures limited to a specific region of the sheet. For example if the brackets and guard sheets are to be used on a level walkway and it is desired to mount the guard sheet at a specific height, the brackets could all be mounted at the specific height on the poles, and holes could be provided in a strip on the sheet only at the appropriate height to ensure the guard panel is to be mounted at the desired height. In another alternative embodiment the guard panel could be provided as a flat sheet with no holes, and holes drilled as required. Alternatively the mounting portion need not include apertures and these could be drilled as required or self drilling TEK screws used to fasten the guard panel to the mount.

Preferably the size of apertures (or gaps) in the panel are chosen so that they are small enough to prevent, or at least to significantly reduce the risk, of dropped objects falling through the apertures (or at least dropped objects, and in particular tools, above a certain size). Suitable perforated sheets for use as guard panels may be source from the Locker group which manufacture sheets with a range of apertures sizes (1.6 mm to 9.5 mm), patterns (circles, squares, diamonds, clubs, etc), % open area (23 to 62%), and materials (steel alloys, Aluminium, etc). For example stock sheet R07962 comes in a standard size of 2440×140 mm with holes of diameter 7.94 mm, a pitch (hole spacing) of 9.55 mm and an open area 62%. Alternatively P081116 from the Graham group may be used. Mesh sheets formed from a regular array of rods, wires or pipes characterised in having very high open area percentages but small gap sizes (eg sides with lengths from 5 mm up to around 200 mm or areas up to 40000 mm²) can be used for sites subject to high wind loads (eg cyclonic). For example the mesh shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B is formed from wires with apertures of dimensions 25 mm×50 mm or 25 mmx 25 mm. Sheets manufactured from lightweight materials such as fine meshes, plastics, including UV stabilised and corrosion resistant plastics (eg PVC, PVCU, uPVC, TPU, and other polymers), wood, or other materials could also be used. These should have sufficient strength to resist impacts due to a dropped or kicked object. As shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E, adjacent guard panels may be overlapped by a short distance, such as 50 mm, and can be fastened using self drilling or TEK screws. Other fastening arrangements could be used, including means that take advantage of any overlapping holes between the panels. Alternatively adjacent panels can be joined at the edge using a splice or joining plate and appropriate fasteners, such as those illustrated in FIGS. 19A to 19F and 20A to 20D.

A method for installing a guarding system to a handrail will now be outlined with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Firstly a plurality of brackets are obtained and at least one bracket in the open configuration 200 is clipped onto and retained around two or more support posts 50 and or handrails 60. Then, for each bracket clipped to a support post, moving one or more portions of the respective bracket to change the configuration of the bracket from the open configuration to the closed configuration, and then fastening the bracket in the closed configuration so as to clamp the bracket to the respective support member. This may be performed using a nut and bolt fastening arrangement or self drilling TEK screw. Once at least one bracket has been clamped to two support members, a guard panel may be fastened to the brackets. Adjacent guard panels can then be fastened together. FIG. 1C shows a side view illustrating a guard panel 40 attached to a bracket via mounting plate. In this embodiment the guard panel is mounted so that the lower flange 42 and upper flange 44 are directed towards the support post 50.

When installing the guarding system, the installer can add as many or as few brackets as required based upon the length of the section to be enclosed, weight of materials and strength of the brackets. In one embodiment the adjacent guard panels are each joined to each other, effectively forming a continuous panel. In this case a single bracket may only be required every third stanchion (post) to support the panels. For lighter panels this could be extended, and for heavier panels a bracket could be clipped and clamped to each post. Also the installer can choose the height at which to place the bracket. These could be alternated between high and low positions, or two (or more) brackets could be fitted to each post at high and low positions. Additionally rather than use a single panel which extends from the floor to the handrail, multiple independent panel strips could be mounted so as to partially enclose the handrail.

FIG. 1 shows a handrail in which a horizontal support pole is located at approximately mid height. In this case panel strips could be mounted in the gaps above and below this support pole. Additionally corner joiners may also be provided to allow plates meeting at a corner of a platform to be joined. FIG. 4D is an isometric view 403 of a corner section of a platform with mesh guard panels 41 and corner joiners 410, and FIG. 4E shows a close up view 402 of a corner joiner 410. The corners are joined using a right angled bracket 412 which is located behind the mesh panels and extends along the vertical edge (it need not extend the full height). clamping brackets 1220 are placed on the left and right mesh panels so they each enclose one of the wires forming the left and right mesh panels, and are then fastened (or clamped) in place using fasteners 414 and 415.

Walkways, stairways, and platforms in many sites use grid mesh flooring. Grid mesh is characterised by closely spaced parallel load bars and more sparsely spaced intersecting cross bars. Typically the gaps between adjacent load bars and cross bars can be quite large allowing tools, equipment and other material (solid or liquids) to fall between the gaps. Additionally grid mesh stairs often have large vertical gaps between adjacent or successive stairs (or a stair and platform). Such gaps can thus be a hazard for persons or equipment below.

FIGS. 9 a to 9c illustrate two successive grid mesh steps in side view 900 and isometric view 950, and a top view of a single stair 940. The first or lower stair 910 includes an stair tread or nosing 912 which if the rounded or angled edge of the tread projecting over the riser and which is fastened onto the edge of the stair using vertical fasteners. The second or upper stair 930 similarly includes a nosing 932. The two steps are separated by a rise 920 which is the vertical height from the top of one tread to the top of the next. An overhang 94 is provided between the front edge of the upper stair and the rear edge of the lower stair (typically about 15 mm). Each stair is comprised of a grid mesh comprising load bars 914 running parallel with the front edge of the step, and transverse cross bars 916 running front to back. The load bars are typically closely spaced, such as with a 30 mm separation (pitch) and the cross bars are more widely spaced, typically with about a 100 mm separation (pitch). The offset 918 between the edge of the stair and the first cross bar may be fixed distance, or may vary from step to step, or from stairway to stairway, or from site to site.

FIG. 10 shows a top view 1000 of an embodiment of a grid mesh floor used in walkways and platforms. The grid mesh is a steel grating which includes load bars 1010 and cross bars 1020. A close up view 1030 further illustrates the spacing arrangement in more detail. A first load bar 1012 has a spacing 1016 of 30 mm from second load bar 1014, and both load bars run between a first crossbar 104 and a second crossbar 1024 which have a spacing 1026 of 100 mm. Side view 1040 illustrates the two load bars 1012 and 1014. Each load bar has a depth 1042 of 32 mm between upper surface 1044 and lower surface 1046. Each load bar has a width of 5 mm wide, thus defining an internal spacing 1018 between outer edges of the load bars of 25 mm based on a pitch of 30 mm. It is to be understood that such measurements are indicative only, and that other embodiments may use other dimensions.

As discussed in some environments it may be desirable to enclose or reduce the gaps in grid mesh flooring and/or the vertical rise between successive steps in stairways to provide full protection against a dropped (or kicked) object falling from the walkway, stairs or platform. Referring now to FIGS. 11A to 11D there are shown various views of a first flooring bracket for use in mounting a sheet above a grid mesh floor or grating according to embodiments of the system. FIGS. 14A to 14HD illustrate an alternative embodiment of a flooring bracket. In both embodiments the flooring bracket is inserted into gaps in the grid mesh flooring, and is secured in place. Flooring may then be laid by attaching the flooring to mounting platforms on the upper surface of the inserted and secured floor brackets. FIGS. 16 to 18 illustrate various guard panels that may be used to cover the vertical (riser) gap between the stairs, and both the vertical gap and top surface of a stair according to embodiments of the system. These components of the system prevent or limit tools and materials from falling through gaps in such floors or stairs, and can safely be fitted whilst on the floor or stairway.

FIG. 11A shows an isometric view 1101 of a flooring bracket 1100 for use in mounting a floor sheet to cover a grid mesh floor. FIGS. 11B to 11D show orthographic projections of the flooring bracket including top view 1102, side view 1103 and end view 1104. FIG. 12A shows a side view 1210 of the bracket in use (ie inserted into the floor) with a floor panel 1220 fastened using fasteners 1232. FIG. 12B is a top view 1220 of a floor panel which is mounted using 4 (hidden) flooring brackets In this embodiment the flooring bracket is constructed from 316 stainless steel 1.2 mm thick although other materials (eg other metal alloys or plastics) and thicknesses may be used depending upon the operational requirements (eg required strength, corrosion resistance, etc). The flooring bracket (or clip) includes an upper surface 1110 which includes two flange portions 1112, 1114 which are for engaging the upper surface of two adjacent load bars (support members). These may be resilient to take up variations in the height of the cross bars. The upper surface also has a mounting portion 1116 to receive a fastener to allow mounting of a sheet to the top surface of the flooring bracket. Two resilient arms 1141132 for engaging adjacent support members extend down from the upper surface 1110. The two arms are spaced apart 1140 by a distance approximately matching the gap 1018 between the interior side faces of the adjacent support members. Each arm has a lower projection 11241134 for resiliently engaging the lower surface 1046 of the respective support member so that in use the flooring bracket is retained by engaging the upper 1044 and lower 1046 surfaces of adjacent support members. The resiliency of the arms allows the bracket to take up variation in distances between load bars.

To provide resiliency, the mounting portion includes a first aperture 1113 in the form of a slot, and a second aperture 1115 in the form of a slot. As can be seen in FIG. 11B, these slots are located in each flange portion and are located above the space between adjacent support members. The length of the slot may be varied to control the amount of flex or resiliency in the flange portions 11121114. As shown in FIG. 12A, the apertures are angled down so as to provide a take up space 1152 between the top of the bracket and the flooring plate. The mounting portion 1116 in the upper surface is a Vee shaped groove centred on the centreline of the flooring bracket. This facilitates insertion of the bracket into the space between load bars by acting as a hinge or pivot to allow the arms to move towards each other as they are inserted, before resiliently springing back when the lower projections extend past the lower surface of the load bars. The groove also separates and spaces apart the two flange portions 11121114, and also acts as a stiffening rib.

The lower projection on each arm is an inclined plate section which outwardly projects from the arm towards the lower face of the respective support member. As can be seen in FIG. 12, wherein the two lower projection of each arm subtend an angle of 30°. That is they are inclined at an angle of 15° with respect to the arm. The outermost edge of the projections 11261136 is aligned with the outer edge of the respective flange portion.

Side view 1210 of a flooring bracket inserted into grate is shown in FIG. 12A. The inserted bracket 1100 is retained by adjacent load bars 10121014. The spacing 1140 of arms 1114 and 1132 matches the internal spacing 1018 between inner edges of the load bars, whilst the spacing 1142 of the ends of the projections 11261136, and flanges 1112, 1114 matches the pitch spacing 1016 of the load bars. A flooring sheet 1220 is fastened to the mounting portion using screw fastener 1232 through the V. A top view 1240 shows the sheet 1220 the top of fasteners 1232 which fasten the sheet to the bracket.

The flooring bracket can thus be used as part of a guarding system for mounting a floor sheet to cover a grid mesh floor. FIGS. 13A to 13F illustrate isometric views 1310, 1320, 1330, 1340, 1350 and 1360 of the installation of floor brackets and mounting of a sheet to a grid mesh floor 1000 according to an embodiment. This system can be installed by first obtaining a plurality of flooring brackets and sheets. The sheets may be made of any suitable material such as steel mesh, flat or patterned sheet, wood, plastic etc. It may further include tread or an anti-slip pattern or treatment on one side. A floor bracket 1100 is inserted into the gap between two adjacent support members until the flooring bracket is retained by the two adjacent support members as shown in views 1310 and 1320 of FIGS. 13A and 13B. The resiliency of the bracket and the flange portions and lower projections allow the bracket to be inserted, and to self-lock in place. Multiple flooring brackets are inserted and a sheet 1220 is placed over the top of them as illustrated in views 1330 and 1340 of FIGS. 13C and 13D. Then for each of the flooring brackets inserted into the gap between two adjacent support members a sheet is fastened to the top surface of the inserted flooring bracket via the mounting portion. This may be performed using various fasteners such as self drilling TEK screws 1232 as shown in views 1350 and 1360 of FIGS. 13E and 13F. Finally adjacent sheets may be fastened together using fasteners such as self drilling TEK screws.

Another embodiment of a flooring bracket 1400 is illustrated in FIGS. 14A to 14D which comprises an upper portion 1410, a fastener 1420 and a lower channel portion 1430. FIG. 14A is an isometric view 1401 from above and FIG. 14B is an isometric view 1402 from below of a flooring bracket. FIGS. 14C to 14E illustrate orthographic top 1403, side 1404, and end views 1405 of the upper portion, and FIGS. 14F to 14H illustrate orthographic top 1406, side 1407, and end views 1408 of the lower channel portion. The upper portion 1410 includes an upper surface into which a fastener may be fastened to secure a flooring sheet onto the upper surface. The upper portion further includes two flange portions 1412, 1413 which project downwards into the gap between adjacent load bars 10121014. These lock against the load bars to prevent or limit rotation of the inserted bracket. The width of the flange portions can be selected based on a predefined minimum load bar spacing (eg for a known mesh), or a range of brackets may be provided with varying flange lengths to accommodate different or variations in load bar spacing. The upper portion also has a recess 1414 with an aperture 1415 to receive a bracket fastener 1420. The recess 1214 is to accommodate the head of the bracket fastener 1420 so that in use the top surface of the fastener 1420 is below the mounting surface 1410. The bracket fastener has a shaft 1422 and a threaded lower end 1424 which is received by an aperture 1436 in the lower channel portion 1430. The channel portion has a width less than the spacing of the load bars 1018 and a length less than the cross bar spacing, so that the lower channel portion may be inserted into the rectangular gap formed by intersection of cross bars and load bars. The opposite walls 1432, 1433 of the channel portion include alternate cut away portions 1434, 1435. That is the cutaway sections of opposite walls are located at opposite ends as shown in FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14F.

The locking action of the flooring bracket is illustrated in FIGS. 15A to 15F which also illustrates isometric (1501, 1503, 1505) and side (1502, 1504, 1506) views of installation of the bracket. In FIGS. 15A and 15B, the bracket 1400 is inserted between load bars 10121014, until the upper portion rests on the load bars with the flanges 1412, 1413 located between the load bars, and with the lower channel portion positioned so that the upper surface of the walls 1432, 1433 are located above the lower surface of the load bars, whilst the cutaway portions 1434, 1435 of the walls are below the lower surface of the load bars. The initial distance of the lower channel portion from the top plate can be determined prior to installation of the bracket (eg by measuring the depth of the load bars), and the brackets could be provided in a preassembled form for standard floor mesh sizes. The shaft of the fastener 1422 is rotated which forces rotation of the channel portion, until the walls 14321433 rest against the load bars as shown in FIGS. 15C and 15D. Further rotation of the shaft 1433 draws the lower channel portion upwards until cut away portions engages with the lower surface of the load bars to lock the floor bracket in place as shown in FIGS. 15E and 15F.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are an isometric view 1600 of a step guard for enclosing the vertical rise between adjacent steps in a stairway, and an isometric view 1650 of a stairway with a fitted step guard. The riser plate comprises a central plate 1620 with a first set of tongue and grooves 1610 along on the upper edge, and tongue and grooves on the lower edge 1630. The central plate section is angled with respect to the tongue and groove sections to span the overhang 94. Typically the horizontal overhang distance will be defined in a standard and the central plate will be angled so that it spans a distance slightly in excess of this distance (ie is over bent). For example the overhang may be 15 mm in which case the riser plate will be angled to span as 16 or 17 mm. This ensures that the plate will be sprung to positively engage against both the upper and lower stair. The riser plate is fitted by first removing the nosing (stair tread) 932 of the upper stair 930 and then inserting the lower tongues of the riser plate into the gaps between cross bars at the rear edge of the lower stair. The upper tongue and grooves are then placed against the front edge of the upper stair and the stair tread is refastened to the upper stair to lock the riser plate in place. This is further illustrated in the isometric view 1650 of stairs fitted with the riser plate in FIG. 16.

Additionally the tongues (or projections) in the upper first set of tongue and grooves may be offset with respect to the tongues in the lower second set of tongue and grooves in order to accommodate a range of distances between the edge of a step and the first cross bar in the step. This increases the usability of the rise plate as the offset distance 918 to the first cross bar, and then the subsequent cross bars, may not be located in a position to allow all the lower tongues of the riser plate to be inserted into gaps in the lower stair, ie one of the tongues may foul on a crossbar and prevent insertion into the lower step. In such a case the riser plate may be inverted, and as the tongues are offset between the top and bottom, the offset may be sufficient to allow the previously upper tongues to be inserted into the lower gap. In this case the fouling tongue is thus replaced with a clearing groove. As steps typically have standard widths, and cross bars in grid mesh typically have standard offset distances (eg 100 mm), then the required offset between the upper and lower tongues can be predetermined during manufacture based on these known distances so that the riser can be used on most stairs in either the standard or inverted configuration.

A further advantage of this riser is that it reuses the existing nosing on stairs, which thus saves overall cost (as new treads are not required). The plate may be manufactured from 0.8 mm steel plate sufficient to resist denting by steel cap boots or dropped objects. Additionally apertures such as slots or vents may be cut into the riser plate to reduce wind load on the structure. Alternatively other materials such as flattened diamond mesh or perforated steel may be used.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are an isometric view 1700 of another step guard for enclosing the vertical rise between adjacent steps in a stairway, and an isometric view 1750 of a stairway with a fitted step guard. In this embodiment the upper edge includes a stair tread, and the unit is not invertible. This step guard may thus be used on new stairs or on existing stairs if the existing nosing is removed. The lower edge still includes a set of tongue and grooves 1730, although fewer tongues (projections) are used in this embodiment. The spacing is again based on the known or predetermined spacing of crossbars. In the event that a tongue fouls a cross bar, it can be bent backwards (away from the stair) or cut off as required. The rise section 1720 is again inclined and over bent to ensure it engages both stairs. The tread 1710 includes an anti-slip surface, such as burst extruded holes or abrasive coating. The tread or riser plate may be secured to the upper stair using fasteners such as TEK screws into the stair or by using the flooring bracket described above inserted into the gaps in the front of the stair. The plate may be manufactured from 1.2 mm steel plate to provide a strong edge on the stair tread. Additionally apertures such as slots or vents may be cut into the riser plate to reduce wind load on the structure. Alternatively other materials such as flattened diamond mesh, perforated steel (or other metals or metal alloys), wire mesh, plastics, etc may be used.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are an isometric view 1800 of a another step guard for enclosing the vertical rise between adjacent steps in a stairway and for covering the top surface of the step, and an isometric view 1850 of a stairway with a fitted step guard. In this embodiment the riser plate 1830 is inclined with a flat top edge 1840 for engaging the front face of the upper step. Additionally apertures such as slots or vents may be cut into the riser plate to reduce wind load on the structure. Alternatively other materials such as flattened diamond mesh, perforated steel (or other metals or metal alloys), wire meshes, plastics, etc may be used. The step guard also includes a stair plate 1820, for at least partially covering and reducing the size of the gaps between grid mesh elements in the lower step, as shown in view 1850. The stair plate may be manufactured from steel plate, with no apertures, perforated steel plate, steel plate with burst extruded holes, or other metals or plastics etc. To provide a strong burst extruded edge the plate may be manufactured from 1.2 mm steel plate. The step guard also includes a stair tread 1810 for engaging with the front and upper edge of the lower step. The overhang of the stair tread 1810 will be sufficient to sit over the top edge 1840 of the lower step guard. A single set of horizontal fasteners may be used to fasten a step guard to a step. Alternatively the flooring bracket described above maybe inserted into the gaps in the front of the stair and vertical fasteners such as TEK screws used to fasten the step guard to the top of the stair. In another embodiment, the top edge 1840 could be omitted so that adjacent step guards approach each other (eg leaving a small 5 mm gap) or meet, rather than overlapping.

In an alternative embodiment, the riser plate could be attached to the bottom of the stair guard (ie front edge), and only a small vertical section (equivalent to 1840) provide on the rear edge of the stair plate (for overlapping with the bottom of the riser plate of the next step guard. In this case a step guard such as that illustrated in FIG. 17A to 18A would be required for the final vertical gap between the last stair and a platform.

In regions subject to high wind loads, the guard panels may be wire mesh arrangements such as those illustrated in FIGS. 19A to 19F. These may be joined together using splice brackets (or plates) as shown in FIGS. 19A to 19F and 20A to 20D. FIG. 19A shows an isometric view 1901, of two adjacent mesh panels 1910, 1911 which are joined along edge 1912. In this embodiment the wires in the mesh are spaced to form a 25 mm×50 mm aperture. The bracket is illustrated in a close up isometric view 1903 in FIG. 19C, and a side section view 2050 shown in FIG. 20E. The splice bracket 1913 is formed using a rear bracket 2010 having a plurality of apertures 2012 along the centre line as shown in FIG. 20A (eg 25.4 mm×100 mm) and a wide front plate 2030 with aperture 2032 as shown in FIG. 20C (eg 25.4 mm×45 mm). The rear bracket spans the adjacent panels and has flanged edged 20132014. The vertical length of the rear bracket is greater than at least the horizontal mesh spacing so that adjacent horizontal mesh wires are contained within the flanged edges of the rear bracket as shown in FIG. 20E. A first wide bracket 2030 is placed over one half of the bracket to enclose the horizontal mesh wires of one of the mesh panels, and a fastener 1915 is used to fasten the wide bracket 2030 to the rear bracket 2010 as shown in FIG. 20E. The width of the wide bracket (eg 45 mm) is less than the width or spacing of the vertical mesh wires of the mesh panel (eg 50 mm). This procedure is then repeated with a second wide bracket 2030 to fasten the rear bracket to the adjacent panel, thereby joining (or fastening) the adjacent panels together to form the splice bracket.

In the case that wire mesh is used, the washer plate of FIG. 2J may be used. FIGS. 21A to 21D to isometric views 2101, 2102, 2103, 2104 of the washer plate of FIG. 2J in a range of orientations for fastening the guard panel to the bracket. FIG. 21A illustrates a wire mesh with adjacent vertical wires 2121 and 2122, and adjacent horizontal wires 2123 and 2124. A washer plate 2131 is fastened to a bracket 2110 clamped to a knee rail 2111 (via TEK screws 2133 and 2134) on an angle such that the flanges of the washer plate are directed towards the wire mesh and enclose vertical wire 2121. FIG. 21B illustrates the same wire mesh but with the washer plate 2132 horizontal such that the flanges of the washer plate are directed towards the wire mesh and enclose horizontal wire 2124. FIG. 21C illustrates a wire mesh with adjacent vertical wires 2125 and 2126, and adjacent horizontal wires 2127 and 2128. A washer plate 2151 is fastened to a bracket 2140 clamped to a stanchion 2141 (via TEK screws 2153 and 2154) in an inverted vertical orientation (ie with outwardly directed flanges) so that horizontal wires 2127 and 2128 are clamped between the washer plate and the mounting plate of the bracket. FIG. 21D illustrates the same wire mesh but with the washer plate 2152 vertical such that the flanges of the washer plate are directed towards the wire mesh and enclose vertical wire 2126.

Narrow meshes can also be provided for corners, or specialised sections, such as near stairs as shown in FIGS. 19B, 19D to 19F (eg with apertures of 25 mm×25 mm). Adjacent mesh panels can be joined using a combination of rear bracket 2010 (eg 25.4 mm×100 mm), narrow bracket 2020 (eg 25.4 mm×20 mm) and wide brackets 2030 (eg 25.4 mm×45 mm). FIG. 19D illustrates an isometric view 1904 of joining a wide mesh 1910 with a narrow mesh 1920, and uses a single rear bracket 2010 to span adjacent meshes, a single wide bracket 2030 for use with the wide mesh, and two narrow brackets 2020 for use with narrow mesh. Each of the narrow brackets 2030 has a width less than the width of the vertical mesh wires of the narrow mesh panel. FIG. 19E illustrates an isometric view 1905 of the joining of two narrow meshes, and uses a single rear bracket to span adjacent meshes, and a set of two narrow brackets for use with each narrow mesh (ie four in total). FIGS. 19B and 19F illustrates isometric views 19021906 of the joining of a horizontal narrow mesh panel 1920 to an inclined mesh panel 1930. FIG. 20D illustrates a U shaped end piece 2040 with a channel 2042 which receives and encloses the edge of the inclined panel 1930 (eg over a distance of about 50 mm so it overlaps the rear bracket). A rear bracket is attached to a narrow mesh panel using two narrow brackets 2020, and a fastener 1924 is then fastened through the U shaped end piece such that the fastener is contained with a grid of the inclined grid mesh, and then fastened to the rear bracket 2020 (via one of the apertures 2014).

Variants of the above system are also possible. For example a dropped object prevention system can be provided for a guardrail comprising a plurality of support members each having a predefined profile and a floor. A plurality of brackets can be attached to two or more of the plurality of support members and can be used for mounting a guard panel. Each bracket comprises a post engaging portion to allow the bracket to be clipped onto and retained about a support member from above the floor and within the guardrail prior to clamping, and then subsequently clamped around the support member. The bracket also comprises a mounting portion comprising a mounting plate to allow mounting of the guard panel to the bracket, and a standoff arm for spacing the mounting plate from the post. The system also comprises a plurality of guard panels for attachment to the plurality of brackets to enclose at least a portion of a vertical space of an open sidewall of the guardrail. Each guard panel is mounted to the mounting portion of at least one bracket, and in use is mounted from above the floor and within the guard rail. In one embodiment each bracket has an open configuration to allow the bracket to be clipped onto one of the plurality of support member, and the post engaging portion spans at least a 180° angle around the post and having a radius matching the radius of the post, and the bracket is manufactured from resilient material such that when clipped onto the post the bracket does not plastically deform. Each guard panel can comprise a plurality of apertures or a mesh to reduce the weight and wind load of the system.

The system and components, and variants described herein, can be retrofitted to open safety barrier systems, such as handrails, guardrails, walkways, platforms, etc, or can be included as part of the installation of such barrier systems. The modularity of the components in the system also allows selective use of the components, or the complete system only in those regions requiring additional protection. For example the complete system may only be required in locations which are elevated or which may become slippery (whether due to environmental effects or spillage of materials being carried). Alternatively just the guard panels could just be fitted around elevated platforms where the greatest risk is losing equipment or even persons through the gaps in the handrail. Similarly for handrails or walkways which provide a safe passage between equipment, the guard panels and/or flooring could only be placed where it is important to prevent accidental contact by a person and surrounding equipment (such as due to a person falling through the gaps in the handrail) or even to stop material being carried on the walkway from accidentally contaminating the surrounding area. The system could also be provided as a kit or kits (eg side panel kit, stairway kit, flooring kit, etc) comprising one or more components described herein such as brackets guard panels, fasteners, washer plates, joiners, floor brackets, flooring, riser plates etc. Further the system and components do not require the installer to place themselves or tools outside of barrier and into potentially unsafe locations, allowing safe installation from above the floor and within the guard rails. For example, in the case of an elevated walkway the installer can remain safely within the confines of the walkway at all times whilst installing the system, and there is typically no need for the installer to put an arm holding a tool outside the handrail or under a stair or platform, or perform any work at height (eg from external scaffolding or cranes). Further the use of a clipping configuration on the brackets allows them to be placed on and retained around support members. The spring action of bracket securely clips the bracket to the pipe when in the open position. Thus there is little or no risk of the bracket falling and the installer is then free to safely pick up other components or tools without losing or dropping the bracket. Further the standoff arm of the bracket allows panel to be secured to the bracket from inside of the handrail. This allows safe installation and ensures that these components do not become dropped objects themselves. Similarly the installation of the floor brackets and sheets can be done from above (i.e. on the walkway) and again does not require the installer to place themselves or tools outside of the confines of the walkway. Thus the installer can safely and progressively install the system.

Another advantage of the system is that it doesn't compromise the structural integrity of an existing safety barrier system. The use of brackets which clip onto the existing handrail or walkway structure eliminates the need for drilling into or welding to the handrail structure. The use of open mesh panels or sheets with apertures adds minimal additional wind load. Another advantage of the system is that it avoids the need to perform any hot work (e.g. welding) when installing the system. In some industrial sites (e.g. chemical sites and mines) hot work can be potentially dangerous, or incur significant overhead such as shutting down certain processes and obtaining hot work permits, barricading off of areas and posting of sentries, and thus avoiding any need to perform hot work simplifies the overall installation process, and minimally impacts other activities occurring at the site.

Further the system and components include a number of features which can assist in speeding up the installation process. The use of an extended slot in the bracket allows it deformed from hand from the open to the closed position. Additionally the use of a plurality of holes in the mounting bracket and in the guarding panels means these can be installed in both flat and inclined configurations providing greater flexibility in use.

In summary the system and components can be installed from above the floor or stairway and within the hand rails, so there is no need to work at height to install the system. Further the system and components are by design unlikely to become dropped objects themselves during installation. Further the system components do not require any welding, and subsequent repainting of structures to install. This allows installation with minimal disturbance to the work site, as no hot work permits are required, nor is there is a need for a sentry nor barricading off of lower levels. The various combination of features described herein thus provides an efficient and useful system and components for safely enclosing safety barrier systems such as handrails, walkways, stairs, platforms, and other open barriers used in a variety of locations.

Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprising” and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the system is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present system restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein, including dimensions and materials. It will be appreciated that the system is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of as set forth and defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A guarding system for enclosing a substantially open sidewall of a barrier system, the barrier system comprising a plurality of support members each having a predefined profile, comprising: a plurality of brackets for attachment to two or more of the plurality of support members, each of the plurality of brackets comprising: a post engaging portion wherein the post engaging portion has an open configuration to allow the bracket to be removably clipped onto and retained around the post whilst in the open configuration, and a closed configuration to allow clamping of the post engaging portion to the post;a clamping portion comprising: a first clamping portion; anda second clamping portion wherein in the closed configuration the second clamping portion is brought towards the first clamping portion to clamp the bracket to the post and are fastened in the closed configuration by a first set of one or more fasteners passing through apertures in the first and second clamping portions; anda mounting portion comprising a mounting plate to allow mounting of the guard panel to the bracket with a second set of one or more fasteners and a standoff arm for spacing the mounting plate from the post, wherein the standoff arm is orthogonal to the mounting plate; anda plurality of guard panels for attachment to the plurality of brackets, to enclose at least a portion of the vertical space of the open sidewall.

2. The guarding system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the post engaging portion is located between the mounting portion and the clamping portion and comprises: a profile matching at least a portion of the predefined profile of the post to allow clipping of the bracket to the post when in the open configuration and the first and second clamping portions extend from a first end and a second end of the post engaging portion so that movement of the first clamping portion towards the second clamping portion clamps the bracket around the post to form the closed configuration.

3. The guarding system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the post engaging portion comprises: a clip portion having a profile matching at least a portion of the predefined profile of the post to allow clipping of the bracket to the post when in the open configuration; anda moveable portion comprising a slot to allow the moveable portion to be deformed to allow the bracket to be reconfigured from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

4. The guarding system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bracket is formed from a single sheet of material.

5. The guarding system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the material is stainless steel.

6. The guarding system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the slot extends over at a least 90° arc of the post when in the closed position.

7. The guarding system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clamping portion is located between the mounting portion and the post engaging portion and the clamping portions provides the standoff arm.

8. The guarding system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting plate further comprises a plurality of apertures to allow a guard panel to be mounted at a range of locations and inclinations with respect to the plate.

9. The guarding system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the mounting plate is provided with an aperture free portion in front of the region the first set of one or more fasteners used to clamp the bracket together will be located so that in use, the first set of one or more fasteners do not interfere with the second set of one or more fasteners used to mount the guard panel to the mounting plate.

10. The guarding system as claimed in claim 8, further comprising a plurality of washer plates for use in mounting panels to brackets, each washer plate comprising a flat plate with two apertures spaced apart by a first spacing distance, wherein the first spacing distance matches the spacing between at least two apertures in the plurality of apertures on the mounting plate of a bracket

11. The guarding system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the plurality of apertures are arranged into two or more pairs of apertures having the first spacing distance, and the two or more pairs are arranged to allow mounting of guard panels in two or more predefined orientations.

12. The guarding system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panel is mounted to extend continuously up from the floor to a height below the handrail sufficient to provide hand access to the handrail, so as to substantially enclose side wall of the barrier.

13. The guarding system as claimed in claim 1, wherein lower edge of the panels are flanged so that when mounted the flange portion engages the top of the sidewall of the floor.

14. The guarding system as claimed in claim 1, wherein guard panels are formed from a sheet comprising a plurality of apertures.

15. The guarding system as claimed in claim 1, wherein guard panels are formed from a mesh sheet so that the additional wind load on the structure is minimised.

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. The guarding system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the open barrier system further comprises a grid mesh floor comprising at two support members having a predefined profile and pitch, a plurality of floor sheets and a plurality of flooring brackets for mounting a floor sheet to cover at least a section of the grid mesh floor, each flooring bracket comprising: an upper surface comprising: two flange portions for engaging the upper surface of two adjacent support members in a grid mesh floor; anda mounting portion to allow mounting of a sheet to the top surface of the flooring bracket;two resilient arms for engaging adjacent support members, each arm connected to the upper surface and spaced apart by distance matching the gap between the interior side faces of the adjacent support members and each arm having a lower projection for resiliently engaging the lower surface of the respective support member so that in use the flooring bracket is retained by engaging the upper and lower surfaces of adjacent support members.

20. The guarding system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the open barrier system further comprises a grid mesh floor comprising at two support members having a predefined profile and pitch, a plurality of floor sheets and a plurality of flooring brackets for mounting a floor sheet to cover at least a section of the grid mesh floor, each flooring bracket comprising: an upper surface comprising a mounting portion for mounting a floor sheet, and at least one flange portion with a width less than the predefined pitch spacing;a lower channel portion, comprising a bottom surface and two opposite side walls, wherein the opposite sidewalls comprise alternate cut away portions located at opposite ends of the channel; anda fastener which passes though an aperture in the upper surface and an aperture in the bottom surface of the lower channel portion, and having a shaft portion joining the upper surface, wherein in use, the flooring bracket is inserted between adjacent load bars of the grid mesh floor such that the at least on flange portion is located between adjacent load bars, and the side walls of the lower channel portion are at a position above the bottom edge of a load bar and the lower channel portions are a position below the bottom edge of the load bar, and rotating the fastener causes the channel portion to move upwards and engage with the bottom edge of the load bars to lock the flooring bracket to the grid mesh floor.

21. A method of installing a guarding system for enclosing a substantially open sidewall of a barrier system comprising a plurality of support members, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a plurality of brackets for attachment to two or more of the plurality of support members each of the brackets comprising: a post engaging portion wherein the post engaging portion has an open configuration to allow the bracket to be removably clipped onto and retained around the post whilst in the open configuration, and a closed configuration to allow clamping of the post engaging portion to the post;a clamping portion comprising: a first clamping portion; anda second clamping portion wherein in the closed configuration the second clamping portion is brought towards the first clamping portion to clamp the bracket to the post and are fastened in the closed configuration by a first set of one or more fasteners passing through apertures in the first and second clamping portions; anda mounting portion comprising a mounting plate to allow mounting of the guard panel to the bracket with a second set of one or more fasteners and a standoff arm for spacing the mounting plate from the post, wherein the standoff arm is orthogonal to the mounting plate; andobtaining at least one guard panel for attachment to the plurality of brackets, to enclose at least a portion of the vertical space of the substantially open sidewall;clipping at least one of the plurality of brackets to each of two or more of the plurality of support members;for each of the at least one brackets clipped to each of the two or more of the plurality of support members: moving one or more portions of the respective bracket to change the configuration of the bracket from the open configuration to the closed configuration; andfastening the bracket in the closed configuration so as to clamp the bracket to the respective support member;fastening one of the at least one guard panel to at least one bracket clamped to one of the two or more of the plurality of support members.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, further comprising fastening adjacent guard panels together.

23. A bracket for use in mounting a guard panel to a post having a predefined profile in an open barrier system so as to reduce the dropped object hazard, comprising: a post engaging portion wherein the post engaging portion has an open configuration to allow the bracket to be removably clipped onto and retained around the post whilst in the open configuration, and a closed configuration to allow clamping of the post engaging portion to the post;a clamping portion comprising: a first clamping portion; anda second clamping portion wherein in the closed configuration the second clamping portion is brought towards the first clamping portion to clamp the bracket to the post and are fastened in the closed configuration by a first set of one or more fasteners passing through apertures in the first and second clamping portions; anda mounting portion comprising a mounting plate to allow mounting of the guard panel to the bracket with a second set of one or more fasteners and a standoff arm for spacing the mounting plate from the post, wherein the standoff arm is orthogonal to the mounting plate.

24. The bracket as claimed in claim 23, wherein the post engaging portion is located between the mounting portion and the clamping portion and comprises: a profile matching at least a portion of the predefined profile of the post to allow clipping of the bracket to the post when in the open configuration and the first and second clamping portions extend from a first end and a second end of the post engaging portion so that movement of the first clamping portion towards the second clamping portion clamps the bracket around the post to form the closed configuration.

25. The bracket as claimed in claim 23, wherein the post engaging portion comprises: a clip portion having a profile matching at least a portion of the predefined profile of the post to allow clipping of the bracket to the post when in the open configuration; anda moveable portion comprising a slot to allow the moveable portion to be deformed to allow the bracket to be reconfigured from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

26. The bracket as claimed in claim 25 wherein the slot extends over at a least 90° arc section of the post when in the closed position.

27. The bracket as claimed in claim 23, wherein the bracket is formed from a single sheet of material.

28. The bracket as claimed in claim 27, wherein the material is stainless steel.

29. The bracket as claimed in claim 23, wherein the clamping portion is located between the mounting portion and the post engaging portion and the clamping portions provides the standoff arm.

30. The bracket as claimed in claim 23, wherein the mounting plate further comprises a plurality of apertures to allow a guard panel to be mounted at a range of locations and inclinations with respect to the plate.

31. The bracket as claimed in claim 30, wherein the mounting plate is provided with an aperture free portion in front of the region the first set of one or more fasteners used to clamp the bracket together will be located so that in use, the first set of one or more fasteners do not interfere with the second set of one or more fasteners used to mount the guard panel to the mounting plate.

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

36. (canceled)

37. (canceled)

38. (canceled)

39. A dropped object prevention system for a guardrail, the guardrail comprising a plurality of support members each having a predefined profile and a floor, comprising: a plurality of brackets for attachment to two or more of the plurality of support members and for mounting a guard panel, each bracket comprising a post engaging portion to allow the bracket to be clipped onto and retained about a support member from above the floor and within the guardrail prior to clamping, and then subsequently clamped around the support member, and a mounting portion comprising a mounting plate to allow mounting of the guard panel to the bracket, and a standoff arm for spacing the mounting plate from the posta plurality of guard panels for attachment to the plurality of brackets to enclose at least a portion of a vertical space of an open sidewall of the guardrail, wherein each guard panel is mounted to the mounting portion of at least one bracket, and in use is mounted from above the floor and within the guard rail.

40. The dropped object prevention system as claimed in claim 39, wherein each bracket has an open configuration to allow the bracket to be clipped onto one of the plurality of support member, and the post engaging portion spans at least a 180° angle around the post and has a radius matching the radius of the post, and the bracket is manufactured from resilient material such that when clipped onto the post the bracket does not plastically deform.

41. The dropped object prevention system as claimed in claim 39, wherein each guard panel comprises a plurality of apertures.