Arco leads its safety expertises to the UK's new tallest and fastest rollercoaster

Hyperia - which opened on 24 May - is the newest ride at Thorpe Park in Surrey. Built by Mack Rides, the new attraction stands at an intimidating 72m (236ft) and will reach speeds of over 80mph. 

The safety systems installed by working at height specialists from Arco Professional Safety Services provide a continuous safe connection on the rollercoaster, allowing maintenance crews to carry out routine and reactive tasks with confidence.  

"Arco have been an instrumental part of the team, assisting us with the installation of working at height lines - a vital element of the Hyperia ride construction," stated Dan Warwick, health and safety director at Thorpe Park. 

"With the ride standing at an epic 236ft tall, these lines will be used to safely enable our engineering team to get up and down the incredible lift hill for all maintenance and daily pre-opening checks.  

"The lines will also be used by our staff and guests in the event of an evacuation being required on the ride. As part of this, the Arco team worked closely with us to ensure we have well-planned and expertly curated evacuation plans, which form a critical part of the overall project." 

Arco installed Two MSA Latchways BridgeLatch fall arrest and restraint systems along the entire 111m (364ft) incline and crest of the rollercoaster, allowing workers to access the lift portion of the rollercoaster safely.  

They also fixed MSA Latchways Mansafe fall arrest systems along the station return brake platform and the station exit maintenance platform. 

"We were thrilled to be a part of this project for the Hyperia coaster, the latest attraction at one of the UK’s top theme parks," said Matthew Glass, fall protection manager at Arco Professional Safety Services. 

"This installation is the latest in a longstanding partnership with Merlin Entertainments that has allowed Arco, the Experts in Safety, to demonstrate our expertise in working at height safety and love of (safe) thrills.  

"I know I speak on behalf of the whole team when I say we are looking forward to getting to experience the UK’s new tallest and fastest ride."

Arco Professional Safety Services provide consultancy, training, services and equipment to manage the most complex and high-risk, high hazard scenarios, specialising in working at height, confined spaces and respiratory management. 

arcoservices.co.uk