Escalib Mills MDS | Modular Site Stair Tower

The Escalib Mills MDS modular site stair tower provides robust temporary access while reducing the footprint and number of separate components associated with many conventional temporary stair arrangements. Its prefabricated construction combines a compact base, modular staircase sections and integral collective edge protection in a system developed specifically for demanding construction-site environments.

Each standard module measures 1.68m x 1.68m and is 2.52m high. Escalib allows users to exit all four sides of the stair. There are no theoretical limits for the number of modules that can be stacked, subject to the required configuration and anchoring requirements : above 8 modules (20.1m height), or in specific configurations that goes outside the technical notice, a design study may be required.

• MDS safe erection and dismantling – MDS stands for Montage et Démontage en Sécurité, meaning Safe Erection and Dismantling. The system incorporates collective fall protection into the prescribed erection and dismantling sequence.
• Integral folding guardrails – Folding guardrails remain part of the stair module, reducing the number of loose components while helping maintain collective edge protection as erection progresses.
• Rapid modular assembly – Stair modules are positioned vertically by crane and connected to the module below using four integrated captive connections.
• Flexible side-exit access – The spiral staircase incorporates triangular steps that can act as landing or exit points, helping the tower serve different working levels without rebuilding the staircase.
• Compact modular footprint – The 1.68m x 1.68m plan size makes Escalib Mills MDS particularly useful where available space for temporary access is restricted.
• 90° rotational positioning – The tower can be orientated to align a suitable tread with the required floor or slab.
• Robust construction – Designed specifically for demanding construction-site environments.
• Crane movable – Complete towers can be repositioned by crane within the limits and procedures specified by Mills.
• Galvanised finish – Provides long-term corrosion resistance, with stainless steel options available for the bolts.

Escalib Mills MDS is based around repeatable prefabricated stair modules. Each standard module provides approximately 2.5m of served height, with access starting at 0.8m, allowing the tower to be configured progressively as project access requirements increase.

Side-Exit Access for Different Floor Heights

A key feature of the Escalib Mills MDS is its ability to accommodate varying slab, floor and working-platform heights.

Rather than rebuilding or modifying the staircase each time the access level changes, the tower can be orientated in 90° increments. This allows a suitable triangular stair tread to line up with the required access point and act as the exit landing.

The arrangement is particularly useful on multi-storey construction projects where slab levels and access requirements change as work progresses.

Three Main Prefabricated Elements

The standard Escalib Mills MDS system is principally assembled from three elements:

Base Unit
The base forms the foundation of the stair tower and is levelled before the remaining modules are installed.

Escalib MDS Stair Module
The main modular section contains the stair flight together with the integral folding collective guardrail system. Modules are stacked vertically to achieve the required access height.

Top Barrier Gate
A barrier gate closes the stair opening at the uppermost level of the completed tower.

Additional components and access arrangements can also be used for more complex applications, including gangways, platforms, bracket landings and suspended configurations. These should be selected and designed for the specific temporary-works application.

Crane-Assisted Installation

Escalib Mills MDS stair modules are designed to be stacked using a crane. Each module is positioned onto the section below and secured using four captive connections.

The integral folding guardrails are already integrated and well positioned in each module, allowing collective edge protection to be maintained through the standard erection and dismantling sequence.

Installation must always follow the current technical instructions, the project-specific risk assessment and applicable work-at-height requirements.

Crane Relocation

Subject to the required configuration and prescribed lifting procedure, an assembled Escalib Mills MDS tower can also be repositioned by crane.

This allows temporary access to be established in one location and moved as the project develops, potentially avoiding the need to completely dismantle and rebuild the tower every time the access position changes.

Built for Construction and Temporary Works

The modular steel construction is intended for demanding temporary-access applications across construction, civil engineering, infrastructure and industrial projects.

Typical applications include:

• Multi-storey construction
• Concrete frame construction
• Steel frame construction
• Civil engineering projects
• Infrastructure works
• Industrial construction
• Excavations and groundworks
• Temporary works
• Access to concrete slabs
• Access to working platforms
• Restricted construction sites where a more compact stair arrangement is required

The Escalib Mills MDS uses a galvanised finish for corrosion resistance during repeated construction-site use.Stainless steel options are available for the bolts.

HERMEQ stocks a wide range of equipment for Working at Height including Edge Protection Systems, Fall Arrest Systems, and Harnesses & Lanyards conforming to all required safety specifications and regulations.

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