Priority

This application claims priority to and the benefit of Australian Application No. 2017900928, filed March 16, 2017, and Australian Application No. 2018201872, filed March 15, 2018 the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method of applying safety railing to a structure in the construction of a building of which a structure is to form a part, so as to protect people from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during the construction. The invention also relates to the safety railing for application to the structure, to a preassembly comprising the structure and at least one member of the railing, and to a bracket for inclusion in such a preassembly. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the structure comprises a preformed cassette, particularly a floor cassette.

Background

An increasing trend in the building industry has been the construction of high-rise buildings, necessitating continual use of cranes. Offsite prefabri cation of building components or modules, including in particular floor "cassettes", for the purposes of minimising assembly and installation work at site, has thus become attractive and competitive.

There has been an attendant increased need for systems to protect construction workers working at heights. A common problem is that the integrity of such systems often relies on skill and diligence of personnel at site who install them.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of applying safety railing to a structure in the construction of a building of which the structure is to form a part, whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during said construction, the method comprising: securing the railing to the structure, comprising securing at least one member of the railing to the structure using fasteners which have been pre-applied to the member(s) or by inserting fasteners through holes preformed in the member(s) and fixing them to the structure, thereby forming an assembly comprising the structure and railing; and

lifting the assembly into the position it is to occupy in the building.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the railing is in an assembled condition during the fixing of the member(s) to the structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes, after securing of the member(s) to the structure, securing to the member(s) at least one further member of the railing whereby said railing is assembled.

Preferably, said at least one member comprises uprights of the railing.

Preferably, the or each further member comprises a rail member of the railing.

Preferably, the fixing of the fasteners to the structure comprises driving the fasteners into the structure. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fasteners are threaded and the driving of each fastener into the structure comprises screwing it into the structure. Each fastener may tap the structure during screwing thereof into the structure. Each fastener may be a self-tapping screw. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, each fastener is a nail and the driving thereof into the structure comprises knocking it into the structure.

Preferably, the structure comprises a floor cassette.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the structure includes side-by-side trusses and securing said at least one member to the structure comprises fixing the fasteners to ends of said trusses. The fixing of said fasteners to the ends of said trusses may comprise fixing ones of said fasteners to top chords of the trusses. The fixing of said fasteners to the ends of said trusses may comprise fixing ones of said fasteners to bottom chords of the trusses.

Preferably, the fixing of said fasteners to the ends of said trusses comprises fixing ones of said fasteners to upright end webs of the trusses.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the structure includes a truss and securing said at least one member to the structure comprises fixing the fasteners to a top chord and/or bottom chord of the truss.

Preferably, securing the railing to the structure comprises securing said at least one member of the railing to the structure using said fasteners which have been pre- applied to the member(s). Preferably, the method includes effecting engagement between said structure and at least one locator on the or each member to locate that member with respect to the structure, such that the pre-applied fasteners or preformed holes are located and orientated with respect to designated positions of fixation of the safety railing on the structure, whereby the fasteners which secure the member(s) to the structure are received at those positions. Preferably, at least one said locator is defined by a bracket arranged so as to abut the structure to locate the respective member. Preferably, at least one said locator is arranged such that it abuts an upwardly facing surface of the structure such that the location of the respective member comprises vertical location. Preferably, a said locator is arranged such that it abuts an upright surface of the structure whereby location of the respective member comprises horizontal location along an axis perpendicular to said upright surface. Said upright surface of the structure may be orientated such that said axis is parallel to a side of the structure to which the safety railing is applied. Said upright surface of the structure may be orientated such that said axis is perpendicular to a side of the structure to which the safety railing is applied. Preferably, said locators include, additional to the locator which abuts said upright surface ("the first upright surface'), another locator, the other locator being arranged so as to abut another upright surface of the structure ("the second upright surface"), said second upright surface being perpendicular to said first upright surface whereby location of the respective member comprises, in additional to the horizontal location along said axis ("the first axis"), horizontal location along another axis ("the second axis"), the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method includes, prior to the railing being secured to the structure, effecting at least one pivot connection between said at least one member and the structure, whereby there is formed a preassembly comprising the member(s) and structure, in which the or each member is in a laid-down position, in which position the member lies against or adjacent an upper side of said structure, and thereafter pivoting the or each member, about said connection(s), from the laid-down position to an upright position, which is such that the pre-applied fasteners or preformed holes are located and orientated with respect to designated positions of fixation of the safety railing on the structure, whereby the fasteners which secure the member(s) to the structure are received at those positions.

The preassembly may comprise the railing and the structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the preassembly is formed at a fabrication facility and the securing of the railing to the structure is carried out at a site at which the building is being constructed, the method including transporting the preassembly from said facility to said site.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, effecting the or each connection comprises securing a bracket between the respective member and the structure, the bracket being configured with a hinge permitting the pivoting of the member from the laid-down position to the upright position. Preferably, the or each hinge is a living hinge. Preferably, the bracket is formed from a single piece of plate. Preferably, it is from a single piece of metal plate that the bracket is formed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided said preassembly.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided said assembly.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided safety railing for application to a structure in the construction of a building of which the structure is to form a part, whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during said construction, the railing comprising at least one member to which fasteners have been applied or in which holes have been formed, and being securable to the structure using the pre-applied fasteners or by insertion of fasteners through the holes and fixing of the fasteners to the structure, whereby the fasteners secure the member(s) to the structure at designated positions of fixation of the safety railing on the structure.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a member to form part of safety railing for application to a structure in the construction of a building of which the structure is to form a part, whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during said construction, to which member at least one fasteners has been applied or in which member at least one hole has been formed, the member being securable to the structure using the pre-applied fastener(s) or by insertion of a fastener through the or each hole and fixing of the fastener(s) to the structure, whereby the or each fastener secures the member to the structure at a designated position of fixation of the safety railing on the structure.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a preassembly which comprises, or defines part of, safety railing for application to a structure in the construction of a building of which the structure is to form a part, whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during said construction, the preassembly comprising at least one member of the safety railing to which at least one fastener has been applied or in which at least one hole has been formed, said member(s) of the preassembly being securable to the structure using the pre-applied fastener(s) or by insertion of a fastener through the or each hole and fixing of the fastener(s) to the structure, whereby the or each fastener secures a said member to the structure at a respective designated position of fixation of the safety railing on the structure.

The preassembly may include said railing.

Preferably, the preassembly includes at least one locator arranged to locate the member(s) with respect to the structure, such that the or each pre-applied fastener or preformed hole is located and orientated relative to the respective designated position of fixation.

Preferably, the or each locator is arranged to engage the structure to locate the member(s).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the or each locator is arranged to engage an upwardly facing surface of the structure such that the location of the member(s) comprises vertical location.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the or each locator is defined by a locating bracket.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the preassembly is configured to form with the structure a hinged interconnection about which the member(s) can be pivoted between a laid-down position, in which the or each member lies against or adjacent an upper side of the structure, to an upright position, which is such that the or each pre-applied fastener or preformed hole is located and orientated relative to a respective designated position of fixation of the safety railing on the structure whereby a said fastenerwhich secures the memberto the structure is received at that position.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the preassembly includes at least one hinged bracket, the or each bracket being secured to a respective said member and configured to be secured to said structure whereby said hinged interconnection is formed. Preferably, the or each hinged bracket is a respective said locating bracket.

Preferably, the or each hinged bracket comprises a base, which is attachable to said structure, and a mounting, to which the member is connected, a hinge of the hinged bracket being arranged between the base and the mounting of the bracket, the bracket(s) being such that attachment thereof to the structure gives rise to the hinged interconnection. Preferably, the base and mounting of the or each bracket are defined by flanges attachable and fixed, respectively, against at least one surface of the structure and to the member such that said interconnection is effected.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is against an upwardly facing surface of the structure that the or each flange defining the base is attachable, whereby that flange defines a vertical locator which locates the member(s) vertically by abutting the upwardly facing surface.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is against at least one upright surface of the structure that the flange(s) defining the base is/are attachable, whereby that/those flange(s) define(s) a horizontal locator/horizontal locators which locate(s) the member(s) horizontally by abutting the upright surface(s). Preferably, a said flange defining the base or part of the base is receivable against a said upright surface of the structure facing in a direction parallel to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied, whereby that flange define(s) a horizontal locator which locates the member(s) horizontally along an axis parallel to that side. Preferably, a said flange defining the base or part of the base is receivable against a said upright surface of the structure facing in a direction perpendicular to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied, whereby that flange define(s) a horizontal locator which locates the member(s) horizontally along an axis perpendicular to that side.

Preferably, the base and mounting of the or each hinged bracket are configured with through holes through which fasteners are receivable and received, respectively, to effect attachment and fixing of the base and mounting to the structure and member respectively.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base of the or each bracket comprises laterally spaced base portions each of which is attachable to the structure, the hinge of the bracket being formed at junctions between the mounting and base portions, wherein a gap between the laterally spaced base portions of the or each bracket is arranged to underlie the respective member when in the laid-down position.

The base of the or each bracket may comprise a base portion securable against an upright surface of the structure. The base of the or each bracket may comprise base portions one of which is perpendicular to the other such that the base portions are securable against respective ones of perpendicular upright surfaces of the structure. Preferably, each base portion is defined by a flange.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting is secured against a surface of the member arranged so as to face in a direction perpendicular to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied when the railing has been so applied.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mounting is secured against a surface of the member arranged so as to face in a direction parallel to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied when the railing has been so applied.

Preferably, the or each hinged bracket comprises a living hinge.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly comprising:

said preassembly; and

said structure,

wherein the preassembly forms said hinged interconnection with said structure. According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly comprising:

said preassembly; and

said structure,

wherein the or each fastener secures a said member to the structure at a said respective designated position of fixation of the safety railing on the structure.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bracket for inclusion in an assembly, the assembly comprising a structure to form part of a building and a member of railing, which railing is to be applied to the structure whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during construction of the building, the bracket comprising a base, configured to be attached to said structure, a mounting, to which said member is fixable, and a hinge, between the base and the mounting, whereby, when the base is attached to said structure and the member is fixed to said mounting, there is defined between the member and structure a hinged interconnection about which the member is pivotable from a laid-down position, in which it lies against or adjacent an upper side of said structure, to an upright position, which is such that at least one fastener pre-applied to the member or at least one hole preformed in the member and arranged to receive a fastener, is located and orientated relative to a respective designated position of fixation on the structure whereby the fastener(s) are received at the position(s) such that the member is secured to the structure.

Preferably, the base and mounting are defined by flanges attachable and fixable, respectively, against respective surfaces of the structure and the member such that said interconnection is effected. Preferably, the base and mounting are configured with through holes through which fasteners are receivable to effect attachment and fixing of the base and mounting to the structure and member respectively.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base comprises laterally spaced base portions each of which is attachable to the structure, the hinge of the bracket being formed at junctions between the mounting and base portions, wherein a gap between the laterally spaced base portions is arranged to underlie or receive said member when in the laid-down position. Preferably, each base portion is configured in the form of a flange.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base comprises one or more downwardly facing surfaces arranged to be received against an upwardly facing surface of the structure when the base is attached to the structure, thereby locating the bracket vertically relative to the structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base comprises one or more upright surfaces, the or each upright surface being arranged such that it is received against an upright surface of the structure when the base is attached to the structure, thereby locating the bracket horizontally relative to the structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base comprises a said upright surface arranged to be received against a surface of the structure which faces in a direction perpendicular to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied, thereby locating the bracket relative to the structure along an axis perpendicular to that surface of the structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the base comprises a said upright surface arranged to be received against a surface of the structure which faces in a direction parallel to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied, thereby locating the bracket relative to the structure along an axis perpendicular to that surface of the structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bracket comprises: a first plate portion, which defines the upright surface arranged to be received against said surface which faces in the direction perpendicular to the side of the structure, the first plate portion being configured with said living hinge;

a second plate portion, which is arranged at a lower end of the first plate portion and projects perpendicular to the first plate portion from a lateral side thereof, the second plate portion defining the upright surface arranged to be received against the surface which faces in the direction parallel to the side of the structure; and

a third plate portion, which is arranged at an upper end of the first plate portion and projects perpendicular to the first plate portion from a lateral side thereof, the third plate portion being receivable against the member and defining said mounting.

Preferably, the lateral side from which the second plate portion projects is opposite to the lateral side from which the third plate portion projects.

Preferably, the second and third plate portions project in opposite directions from the first plate portion.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bracket comprises a locator arranged to abut an upwardly facing surface of the structure so as to locate the member vertically to the structure. Preferably, the bracket comprises at least one flange defining the locator arranged to abut said upwardly facing surface.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bracket comprises a locator arranged to abut an upright surface of the structure so as to locate the member to the structure horizontally along an axis perpendicular to said upright surface. Preferably, one or more flanges define the locator arranged to abut said upright surface of the structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bracket comprises a locator arranged to abut an upright surface of the structure which faces in a direction which is parallel to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied, so as to locate the memberto the structure horizontally along an axis which perpendicularto the upright surface and parallel to said side. Preferably, one or more flanges define the locator arranged to abut said upright surface of the structure.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bracket comprises a locator arranged to abut an upright surface of the structure which faces in a direction which is perpendicular to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied, so as to locate the member to the structure horizontally along an axis which perpendicular to that upright surface and perpendicular to said side. Preferably, one or more flanges define the locator arranged to abut the upright surface which faces in a direction perpendicular to said side.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bracket comprises: a first plate portion, which defines the locator arranged to abut the upright surface which faces in the direction parallel to the side of the structure;

a second plate portion, which is arranged at a lower end of the first plate portion and projects perpendicular to the first plate portion from a lateral side thereof, the second plate portion defining the locator arranged to abut the upright surface which faces in the direction perpendicular to the side of the structure; and

a third plate portion, which is arranged at an upper end of the first plate portion and projects perpendicular to the first plate portion from a lateral side thereof, the third plate portion being receivable against the member and defining said mounting.

Preferably, the lateral side from which the second plate portion projects is opposite to the lateral side from which the third plate portion projects.

Preferably, the second and third plate portions project in opposite directions from the first plate portion.

Preferably, the bracket is bent or folded from a single piece of plate.

Preferably, the hinge comprises a living hinge. Preferably the bracket is configured with perforations defining the living hinge.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each fastener comprises a tamper- evident and/or tamper-resistant fastener the fixing of which to structure is effectible/effected only by use of a tool configured or fitted with a dedicated fitting to engage the fastener. Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 A is a schematic side view of a preassembly comprising a safety railing, for application to a floor cassette, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 B is a view of section W-W in Figure 1 A;

Figure 1 C is a view of section X-X in Figure 1A;

Figures 2A to 2C are schematic views showing alternative configurations of the floor cassette to which the safety railing of Figure 1 A is applied; Figure 3A is a schematic view of a preassembly comprising a floor cassette and safety railing pivotally attached to the floor cassette, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3B is a view of detail B in Figure 3A;

Figure 3C is a view of section T-T in Figure 3B;

Figures 4A to 4C show sequential steps of application of the safety railing to the floor cassette in the preassembly;

Figures 5A and 5B are front views corresponding to the side views shown in Figures 4A and 4B or 4C respectively;

Figure 5C shows side-by-side cassette-and railing-assemblies in situ;

Figures 6A to 6C show alternative ways in which components of preassemblies each of the kind shown in Figure 3A can be assembled for storage and transportation to site;

Figures 7A to 7G show sequential stages in the fabrication of a safety railing and pre-application of fasteners to the safety railing, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8A is a view of Detail A in Figure 7E;

Figure 8B is a view of section S-S in Figure 7E; and

Figure 8C shows, in plan, a bracket via which the safety railing is pivotally connected to the floor cassette in the preassembly shown in Figure 3A, and a washer associated with that bracket;

Figure 9 shows details of a preassembly comprising a floor cassette, safety railing and a bracket, via which the safety railing is pivotally attached to the cassette, in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Figures 10A and 10B are a side view and perspective end view of a tamper-evident/resistant fastener used to fix safety railing to the cassette in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description

Shown in side elevation in Figure 1A is a preassembly 10 which includes a safety railing 1 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the preassembly 10 or railing 1 being for application to a floor cassette, generally designated 50 (see Figures 2A to 2C). The safety railing 1 is a timber frame structure, comprising spaced apart parallel timber (e.g. 90 x 45 MGP 12) posts 3 and spaced apart parallel timber (e.g. 90 x 45 MGP 10) rails 5 which are secured to the posts by screws 7 (as shown in Figure 1 B) and extend perpendicular to the posts 3. The safety railing 1 includes, on each post 3, support blocks 9, each of which underlies a respective rail member 5 and is secured on each lateral side thereof to the post 3 via a respective nail plate 1 1 . Each support block 9 serves not only to reinforce the fixing of the rail member 5 which it underlies to the post 3 but also to define a locator for that rail member 5 when it is positioned against the post 3 and thence secured thereto. The support blocks 9, particularly the lower ones, additionally serve as indicators of locations at which railing members 5 are to be installed; in particular, the blocks 9 about midway up the posts 3 indicate that the railing 1 is to include an intermediate rail as shown in Figure 1 A (which rail can, in other embodiments of the invention, be omitted).

The safety railing 1 or preassembly 10 further comprises L-shaped locating brackets 13, each of which is applied to a respective post 3 by screws 15, whereby a long flange of the bracket 13 lies against an inner upright face of the post 3 and a short flange of the bracket 13 projects inwardly so as to define a locator 17 receivable against an upwardly facing surface on the floor cassette to locate the safety railing 1 vertically with respect to the floor cassette.

The railing 1 includes predrilled holes 21 A and 21 B, collectively designated "21 ", and the preassembly 10 includes screws, collectively designated "20", applied to each post 3, an upper screw 20A, received through hole 21 A, extending perpendicular to the post 3, and a lower screw 20B, received through hole 21 B, oblique to the post 3 (see also Figure 1 C). In the present embodiment, the screws 20 are self-tapping screws. Conceivably, without departure from the invention, the screws 20 could be driven into the posts 3, so as to be applied to them as shown, in the absence of predrilled holes 21 A and 21 B.

The safety railing 1 includes, applied to a side face of each post 3 adjacent its top end, a nominal nail plate 19 to prevent the post from splitting and damage from the screws 7 which fixes the upper rail member 5 to it, and so as to enable an easy determination of whether the post 3 has been trimmed on site.

Application of the safety railing 1 to a floor cassette, generically designated "50", along an edge of the cassette 50, so as to form an assembly, generically designated "40", comprising the cassette 50 and railing 1 , will now be described with reference to Figures 2A to 2C. Each floor cassette 50 includes a support frame structure comprising parallel trusses 52 and floor sheeting 60, e.g. plywood sheeting, secured overthe frame structure. Each truss 52 comprises top 53A and bottom 53B chords, each comprising timber section, and diagonal webs, defined by lightweight pressed steel web members 55, interconnecting the chords 53A and 53B. In each case, the cassette 50 is to define a support structure in an elevated (e.g. non-ground) floor in the building and, before it is lifted into position, the railing 1 is applied to it, whereby it is safe for people to perform work on the platform defined by the cassette 50 from the moment that cassette is so lifted/installed.

In the example shown in Figure 2A, the cassette, 50A, when installed is supported on a top plate 31 of an underlying wall frame 30. Application of the railing 1 to the cassette 50A, which is prior to the cassette 50A being lifted atop the frame 30, comprises positioning the railing 1 such that the locators 17 abut the upper surface of the floor sheeting 60 and aligning the posts 3 with ends of respective ones of the trusses 52 (only one of which is shown in Figure 2A), whereby, in each post 3, the upper screw 20A aligns with the top chord 53A of the respective truss 52 and the lower screw 20B aligns with the bottom chord 53B of that truss. The screws 20 are then driven home, such that the top screw 20A is received into the top chord 53A and the bottom screw 20B is received into the bottom chord 53B, whereupon the cassette-and-railing assembly, 40A, is formed.

The bottom screw 20B could instead extend parallel to the top screw 20A, so as to be received by the bottom chord 53B in the same manner that the top screw 20A is received by the top chord 53A. Moreover, although in the cassette 50A, a tie 56 extends perpendicular to the trusses 52 and is secured to ends thereof so as to interconnect them, the top screw 20A could instead be positioned so as to pass into the tie 56 and/or the bottom screw 20B could instead be positioned to pass into a vertical end web 58 of the cassette 50A without departure from the invention.

In the assembly 40B shown in Figure 2B, the railing 1 is applied to the cassette, 50B, in exactly the same manner as described with respect to Figure 2A, before the cassette 50B is lifted into position. In the arrangement shown in Figure 2B, the cassette 50B is not supported by an underlying wall structure when in situ and thus includes a bearer 57 which extends perpendicular to the trusses 52 and is secured to ends thereof so as to interconnect them, the bearer providing weight-bearing support within the cassette 50B. Without departure from the invention, either or each of the top 20A and bottom 20B screws could instead be positioned so as to pass into the bearer 57. In the arrangement shown in Figure 2C, the railing 1 is applied to the cassette, 50C, in exactly the same manner as described with reference to Figure 2A though, instead of being secured to ends of the trusses 52, it is secured to the side of an outermost one of the trusses 52 in the cassette. The cassette 50C may in fact be the cassette 50A or 50B, in which case the railing 1 shown in Figure 2C is one which will extend perpendicular to the railing 1 shown in Figure 2A or 2B in a railing assembly including or consisting of the two railings 1 applied to the cassette 50.

It will be appreciated that in each of the assemblies 40A and 40B, the spacing between centrelines of adjacent posts 3 in the railing 1 is equal to or a multiple of the spacing between centrelines of the ends of adjacent trusses 52 in the cassette, whereby each post 3 will be arranged against a respective truss end when the railing 1 is located with respect to the cassette 50.

Shown in phantom in each of Figures 2A to 2C are rails 5 and corresponding support blocks 9 of another railing 1 which is to be installed beside the railing 1 illustrated, those rail members 5 and support blocks 9 being arranged to the opposite side of the posts 3 to which they are secured, such that, to the extent any of the rail members 5 projects beyond an outermost post 3 in the respective railing 1 , it will not pose any obstruction to the adjacent railing 1 .

With respect to what is shown in Figures 1A to 1 C and 2A to 2C, the degree of preassembly of cassette and safety railing can vary without departure from the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, any of the assemblies 40A, 40B and 40C can be fabricated in its entirety at the factory, and stored and transported to site in the condition shown in Figure 2A/2B/2C. Alternatively, it may be that preassemblies 10 (which include the screws 20A and 20B applied to the posts 3) are fabricated in the factory, whereby they can be stored and transported to site in a stacked condition, and secured to cassettes 50 at site, whereby the assemblies 40 are formed at site, the cassettes 50 likewise being storable and transportable to site in a stacked condition. Alternatively, it may be that preassemblies each consisting of a post 3, bracket 13, support blocks 9 and screws 20A and 20B are fabricated in the factory, whereby they can be stored and transported to site in a stacked condition, and that preassemblies comprising the rail members 5 and the screws for fastening them to the posts 3 are secured to them on site, the preassemblies comprising the rail members 5 and the screws for fastening them to the posts 3 and the cassettes 50 likewise being storable and transportable to site in stacked conditions. In any case, the screws 20A and 20B are pre-applied to the posts 3 in the factory whereby the integrity of the anchorage of the safety railing 1 to the cassette 50 can, advantageously, be assured. Without departure from the invention, it can be that the railing 1 , including the predrilled holes 21 , is fabricated in the factory and the screws 20 are instead inserted into those holes at site. Owing to the pre-application of the holes 21 at the factory, the screws 20, when received in the holes 21 , will be accurately located with respect to the cassette 50 once the posts 3 are brought into aligned abutment with the cassette 50, whereby integrity of the anchorage of the safety railing 1 likewise can, advantageously, be assured.

An alternative way of applying railing to a floor cassette, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, will now be described. Referring to Figure 3A, the safety railing, 1 ', is pivotally connected to the cassette 50 so as to be rotatable, from a laid-down position, in which it lies against the top of the cassette 50, to an upright position, in which the fasteners 20A, 20B, pre-applied to each post 3, align with the top 52A and bottom 52B chords, respectively, such that, when driven home, they are received by those chords at the correct positions (see Figures 4A to 4C). The railing V includes, in addition to the post members 3 and rail members 5, spacers 6 which are secured, via collated nails, to inner sides of the posts 3 at lower ends thereof, the spacer pieces 6 being of the same thickness as each of the railing members 5 (which, in the particular example shown, include lower rail members 5, in addition to the upper and intermediate rail members 5). Referring to Figure 3C, each post 3 is secured to the cassette 50 by a bracket 70 which, referring also to Figure 8C, is formed from a single piece of steel plate and comprises laterally spaced apart flanges 71 , defining a base via which the bracket 70 is securable to the cassette 50, and a flange 72 which is integral with the flanges 71 and defines a mounting, to which the post 3, via the spacer 6, is secured. More particularly, the flanges 71 are configured with mounting holes 71 A which receive screws to secure the base against the upper surface of the floor sheeting 60, and the flange 72 is likewise configured with mounting holes which receive screws to secure the spacer 6 thereagainst. The bracket 70 additionally includes tongues 73, each of which is integral with a respective one of the flanges 71 and projects perpendicular thereto, the tongues 73 together defining a locator arranged to abut the edge face of the floor sheeting 60 to locate the bracket 70 appropriately with respect to the cassette 50 along an axis perpendicular to both the rail members 5 and the post members 3. The bracket 70 is configured with perforations 74 at junctions between the flange 72 and flanges 71 , the perforations affording the bracket 70 sufficient compliance at those junctions that there is defined a living hinge the axis of which passes along the junctions.

Sequential stages in the fabrication of the safety railing V and application of brackets 70 and screws 20A, 20B thereto are shown in Figures 7A to 7G. Firstly, referring to Figure 7A, each spacer 6 is secured to the respective post 3, in the manner previously described. Next, referring to Figure 7B, holes 21 A and 21 B (collectively designated "21 ") to receive respective screws 20A and 20B are drilled through the spacer 6 and post 3. Thereafter, referring to Figures 7C and 7D, the rail members 5 are secured to each post 3. Next, referring to Figure 7E, each bracket 70 is secured, via screws, to the respective spacer 6, in a manner such that the tongues 73 project in a direction away from the spacer 6 and, together with the hinge axis of the bracket 70, align with an edge of the spacer 6 at an upper end thereof. Referring to Figure 7E, a bearing washer 80 is then secured, via screws, to an outer face of the post, at a position opposite the bracket 70, whereby a through-hole 81 in the washer 80 aligns with the hole, through the spacer 6 and post 3, which is to accommodate the screw 20A. Finally, the screws 20A and 20B are driven into the pre-drilled holes. There thus results a preassembly 90 (see Figure 7G) which is securable to the cassette 50 (by driving the screws, inserted through the mounting holes in the flanges 71 into the wall sheeting 60 while the tongues 73 abut the edge thereof, as previously described) such that the preassembly 100 shown in Figures 3A to 3C is defined.

Referring to Figures 4A to 4C and 5A to 5C, manipulation of the preassembly 100 so as to apply the safety railing 1 to the cassette 50 therein, comprises pivoting the railing 1 ', from the laid-down position, shown in Figures 4A and 5A, into the upright position, shown in Figures 4B and 5B, thereby plastically deforming the living hinges of the brackets 70, the inner faces of the spacers 6 thus being brought into abutment with the end faces of the respective trusses 52 and the screws 20A and 20B in each post 3 correctly aligning with the top 52A and bottom 52B chords, respectively, of the respective truss 50 (the brackets 70 thus functioning as locators). The screws 20A and 20B are then driven home so as to be received into the ends of those chords at the correct locations.

It will, of course, be appreciated, that the preassembly 90 can instead be secured to an edge of the cassette 50 which is perpendicular to the edge to which it is secured in the arrangement shown in Figures 3A and 3B, such that, when rotated into an upright position, the screws 20A and 20B instead align with top 52A and bottom 52B chords, respectively, of a single outer truss of the cassette 50, consistent with Figure 2C. In addition, the lower screw 2B can, without departure from the invention assume an angled/oblique orientation, also consistent with Figure 2C, without departure from the invention.

As will be clear from Figures 4A and 4B, the interposition of the spacer 6 between the post 3 and bracket 70 permits the railing 1 to lie flat against the upper surface of the cassette 50 with the rail members 5 lowermost, whereby they are on the inner sides of the posts when the railing 1 is upright and fixed to the cassette 1 , enhancing safety in that a force against any one of the rail members 5 from the cassette side of the railing 5 will urge it towards, rather than away from, the posts 3. Also, the rail members 5 are, when the railing 1 assumes the laid-down position, shielded from being knocked orfrom catching on any objects, whereby the integrity of the connections to the posts 3 can be safeguarded. That said, the safety railing 1 could, without departure from the invention, instead, in its laid-down position, assume an orientation in which the rail members 5 are uppermost, in which case the spacers 6 would be omitted and the posts 3 thus secured directly to the flanges 72.

The degree of preassembly of cassette and safety railing can vary without departure from the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, each preassembly 100 can be fabricated in its entirety at the factory, whereby the preassemblies 100, in each of which the safety railing 1 assumes its laid-down position, can be both stored and transported to site in the stacked condition shown in Figure 6A. Alternatively, it may be that the preassemblies 90 are fabricated in the factory, whereby they can be stored and transported to site in a stacked condition as shown in Figure 6B and secured to the cassettes 50, whereby the preassemblies 100 are formed at site, the cassettes 50 likewise being storable and transportable to site in a stacked condition as also shown in Figure 6B. Alternatively, it may be that preassemblies 1 10 each consisting of a post 3, bracket 70 and screws 20A and 20B, as well as spacers 6 if they are to be included in the cassette-and-railing assembly/ies, are fabricated in the factory, whereby they can be stored and transported to site in the stacked arrangement shown in Figure 6C, and that preassemblies 5' comprising the rail members 5 and the screws for fastening them to the posts 3 are secured to them on site, the preassemblies 5' and cassettes 50 likewise being storable and transportable to site in stacked conditions as shown in Figure 6C. In any case, the screws 20A and 20B are pre-applied to the posts 3 in the factory whereby the integrity of the anchorage of the safety railing 1 ', as mentioned above, can, advantageously, be assured. Without departure from the invention, fabricated in the factory can be variants of any of the preassemblies 90, 100 and 1 10 which are the same as those preassemblies respectively but, whereas they include the predrilled holes 21 , do not include the screws 20 which those holes receive, the screws 20 instead being inserted into those holes at site. Owing to the pre-application of the holes 21 at the factory, the screws 20, when received in the holes 21 , will be accurately located with respect to the cassette 50 once the posts 3 are brought into aligned abutment with the cassette 50, whereby integrity of the anchorage of the safety railing V likewise can, advantageously, be assured.

Shown in Figure 9 is a preassembly 100' according to an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention. The preassembly 100', like the preassembly 100 comprises, cassette 50 and safety railing V each of respective posts 3 of which is pivotally connected to the cassette 50 by a bracket so as to be rotatable from a laid- down position (shown in Figure 9), in which it lies against the top of the cassette 50, to an upright position, in which one or more fasteners (not shown), pre-applied to each post 3, aligns with respective designated positions of fixation (e.g. top and bottom chords of a truss 52 of the cassette 50. However, the/each bracket, 70', in the preassembly 100' is different from the bracket 70. The bracket 70' (like the bracket 70) is formed from the single piece of steel plate (specifically, folded or bent from a Z- shaped piece of plate). The bracket 70' comprises a flange 75' defining a main section of the bracket 70', a flange 71 ', which is at a lower end of the flange 75', is perpendicular to the flange 75' and projects from one of the two lateral edges of the flange 75', and a flange 72', which is at an upper end of the flange 75', is perpendicular to the flange 75' and projects from the other of the two lateral edges of the flange 75'. The flange 71 ' is received against a truss 52 of the cassette 50 (in the example shown, a side face of the upper chord or end web of that truss). Defined at a lower end of the flange 75' is a portion 73' which is received against another upright face of the truss 52 which is perpendicular to the face against which the flange 71 ' is received (that other upright face, in the example shown, being an end face of the truss 52/end web of that truss). Either or each of the flange 71 ' and portion 73' is fixed to the truss by fasteners (not shown) - e.g. nails, screws and/or bolts - received therethrough (preferably through mounting holes (not shown) formed through the flange/flange portion) and through the face against which that flange/flange portion is received, into the truss 52, whereby the bracket 71 ' is mounted to the truss 52, whichever of the flange 71 ' and portion 73 which receives such fasteners defining a base of the bracket 71 ' (both of them defining the base if each receives such fasteners). The flange 72' is fixed against a lateral side face 4 of the respective post 3 by fasteners (not shown) - e.g. nails, screws and/or bolts - received therethrough (preferably through mounting holes (not shown) formed through the flange 72') and through the face 4, into the post 3. Although the flange 72' projects from the flange 75' in a direction opposite to that in which the flange 71 ' projects, it may, without departure from the invention, instead project in the same direction as the flange 71 '. Also, although the flange 72' projects from a lateral side of the flange 75' opposite to that from which the flange 71 ' projects, it may, without departure from the invention, instead project from the same lateral side of the flange 75' from which the flange 71 ' projects. The main portion 75' is configured with perforations 74' arranged in a horizontal line, or a line which is perpendicular to the length axis of the flange 75', and extends from a junction between a lower end of the flange 72' and the flange 75', the perforations 74' affording the bracket 70' sufficient compliance at that line that there is defined a living hinge the axis of which extends along that line. Rotation of the/each post 3 from the laid-down position, shown in Figure 9, to the upright position causes the bracket 70' to bend at its living hinge (in the way the bracket 70 does). In the upright position of the post 3/railing 1 ', one or more fasteners (not shown), pre- applied to each post 3, aligns with respective designated positions of fixation (e.g. top and bottom chords of a truss 52 of the cassette 50, or predrilled holes 21 (also not shown in Figure 9), align with those positions for receipt of screws 20 at site, which screws, when received in the holes 21 , will be accurately located with respect to the cassette 50, whereby integrity of the anchorage of the safety railing 1 ' can, advantageously, be assured.

Fabrication of the preassembly 100', like that of the preassembly 100, comprises securing the cassette 50 to a handrail-and-bracket preassembly. In the present embodiment, the handrail-and-bracket preassembly, 90', comprises the handrail 1 ' and posts 3 to at least one of which a respective bracket 70' is attached as shown in Figure 9 (the remainder of the safety railing 1 ', including the additional posts 3/spacers 6 and the rails 5/support blocks 9 are omitted from Figure 9 for clarity). Advantageously, in addition to the flange portion 73' serving to locate the bracket 70', and thus the post 3/railing 1 ' connected to it, in the direction perpendicular to the edge/side of the cassette 50 to which the railing 1 ' is being applied and parallel to the top surface of the cassette 50 (in the same way that the tongues 73 do in the preassembly 90/100), the flange 71 ' serves to locate the bracket 70', and thus the post 3/railing V attached to it, to the cassette 50 along an axis parallel to that side/edge (location along an axis perpendicular to the aforementioned axis (i.e. an upright axis) being effected by abutment between the spacer 6 (or the post 3 if the spacer 6 is omitted) and the upper surface of the cassette when the post 3/railing 1 ' is in the laid-down position shown in Figure 9). The bracket 70' thus is configured such that it can be accurately located in perpendicular axes parallel to the upper surface of the cassette 50.

With respect to the embodiment shown in Figure 9 also, the degree of preassembly of cassette and safety railing can vary without departure from the invention. In one embodiment of the invention, each preassembly 100' can be fabricated in its entirety at the factory, whereby preassemblies 100', in each of which the safety railing V assumes its laid down position, can be both stored and transported to site in a stacked condition corresponding to that shown in Figure 6A. Alternatively, it may be that preassemblies 90' are fabricated in the factory, whereby they can be stored and transported to site in a stacked condition corresponding to that shown in Figure 6B and secured to that cassettes 50, whereby the preassemblies 100' are formed at site, the cassettes 50 likewise being storable and transportable to site in a stacked condition corresponding to that also shown in Figure 6B. Alternatively, it may be that preassemblies each consisting of a post 3, bracket 70' and screws 20A and 20B, as well as spacers 6 if they are to be included in the cassette-and-railing assembly/ies, are fabricated in the factory, whereby they can be stored and transported to site in a stacked arrangement corresponding to that shown in Figure 6C, and that preassemblies comprising the rail members 5 and the screws for fastening them to the posts 3 are secured to them on site, the preassemblies comprising the rail members and the cassettes 50 likewise being storable and transportable to site in stacked conditions corresponding to those shown in Figure 6C. In any event, in the case of the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the screws 20A and 20B, or the holes which receive them, are pre-applied to the posts 3 in the factory whereby the integrity of the anchorage of the safety railing 1 ', as mentioned above, can, advantageously, be assured.

Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, each of the screws 20, in each of the embodiments described herein with reference to the drawings, can comprise a tamper- evident and/or tamper-resistant screw ("security screw"), e.g. a security head screw as sold under the proprietary name Headlok (see at www, huiidex. com.au), comprising a head 22 the configuration of which is such that it can be engaged only by dedicated, complementarily configured, driver fitting (comprising a driver socket in the case of Headlok screws), not (at least without being visibly modified) by a conventional one. The dedicated driver fitting may be provided only to an individual, or limited number of individuals, deemed to have the requisite skills/experience to fasten the railing to the cassette using the security screws, as well as, in the case of the screws being provided within an aforementioned preassembly, to drive the screws such that they are secured within the preassembly, again enabling, advantageously, integrity of the fastenings to the cassette, provided by the security screws 20, to be assured. A further benefit is that the screws can only be removed (at least without being visibly modified) by use of a driver formed or fitted with the dedicated fitting, such that there is a preclusion of, or deterrent against, premature or otherwise inappropriate removal of the railing from the cassette.

It should thus be appreciated from the above, that the present disclosure provides a method of applying safety railing to a structure in the construction of a building of which the structure is to form a part, whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during said construction, the method comprising: securing the railing to the structure, comprising securing at least one member of the railing to the structure using fasteners which have been pre-applied to the member(s) or by inserting fasteners through holes preformed in the member(s) and fixing them to the structure, thereby forming an assembly comprising the structure and railing; and lifting the assembly into the position it is to occupy in the building.

In various such embodiments of the method, the railing is in an assembled condition during the fixing of the member(s) to the structure.

In various such embodiments of the method, the method includes, after securing of the member(s) to the structure, securing to the member(s) at least one further member of the railing whereby said railing is assembled.

In various such embodiments of the method, the at least one member comprises uprights of the railing.

In various such embodiments of the method, the member or each further member comprises a rail member of the railing.

In various such embodiments of the method, fixing of the fasteners to the structure comprises driving the fasteners into the structure.

In various such embodiments of the method, the fasteners are threaded and the driving of each fastener into the structure comprises screwing it into the structure

In various such embodiments of the method, each fastener taps the structure during screwing thereof into the structure.

In various such embodiments of the method, each fastener is a screw.

In various such embodiments of the method, each screw is a self-tapping screw.

In various such embodiments of the method, each fastener comprises a tamper- evident and/or tamper-resistant fastener, and wherein the pre-application of that fastener was, or the fixing of that fastener to the structure is, effected using a tool configured or fitted with a dedicated fitting to engage the fastener.

In various such embodiments of the method, each fastener is a nail and the driving thereof into the structure comprises knocking it into the structure.

In various such embodiments of the method, the structure comprises a floor cassette.

In various such embodiments of the method, the structure includes side-by-side trusses and securing said at least one member to the structure comprises fixing the fasteners to ends of said trusses.

In various such embodiments of the method, the fixing of said fasteners to the ends of said trusses comprises fixing ones of said fasteners to top chords of the trusses.

In various such embodiments of the method, the fixing of said fasteners to the ends of said trusses comprises fixing ones of said fasteners to bottom chords of the trusses.

In various such embodiments of the method, the fixing of said fasteners to the ends of said trusses comprises fixing ones of said fasteners to upright end webs of the trusses.

In various such embodiments of the method, the structure includes a truss and securing said at least one member to the structure comprises fixing the fasteners to a top chord and/or bottom chord of the truss.

In various such embodiments of the method, securing the railing to the structure comprises securing said at least one member of the railing to the structure using said fasteners which have been pre-applied to the member(s).

In various such embodiments of the method, the method includes effecting engagement between said structure and at least one locator on the or each member to locate that member with respect to the structure, such that the pre-applied fasteners or preformed holes are located and orientated with respect to designated positions of fixation of the safety railing on the structure, whereby the fasteners which secure the member(s) to the structure are received at those positions.

In various such embodiments of the method, at least one said locator is defined by a bracket arranged so as to abut the structure to locate the respective member.

In various such embodiments of the method, at least one said locator is arranged such that it abuts an upwardly facing surface of the structure such that the location of the respective member comprises vertical location.

In various such embodiments of the method, wherein the locator is arranged such that it abuts an upright surface of the structure whereby location of the respective member comprises horizontal location along an axis perpendicular to said upright surface.

In various such embodiments of the method, wherein the upright surface of the structure is orientated such that said axis is parallel to a side of the structure to which the safety railing is applied.

In various such embodiments of the method, wherein the upright surface of the structure is orientated such that said axis is perpendicular to a side of the structure to which the safety railing is applied.

In various such embodiments of the method, wherein the locators include, additional to the locator which abuts said upright surface ("the first upright surface'), another locator, the other locator being arranged so as to abut another upright surface of the structure ("the second upright surface"), said second upright surface being perpendicular to said first upright surface whereby location of the respective member comprises, in additional to the horizontal location along said axis ("the first axis"), horizontal location along another axis ("the second axis"), the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis.

In various such embodiments of the method, the method includes, prior to the railing being secured to the structure, effecting at least one pivot connection between said at least one member and the structure, whereby there is formed a preassembly comprising the member(s) and structure, in which the or each member is in a laid-down position, in which position the member lies against or adjacent an upper side of said structure, and thereafter pivoting the or each member, about said connection(s), from the laid-down position to an upright position, which is such that the pre-applied fasteners or preformed holes are located and orientated with respect to designated positions of fixation of the safety railing on the structure, whereby the fasteners which secure the member(s) to the structure are received at those positions.

In various such embodiments of the method, the preassembly comprises the railing and the structure.

In various such embodiments of the method, the preassembly is formed at a fabrication facility and the securing of the railing to the structure is carried out at a site at which the building is being constructed, the method including transporting the preassembly from said facility to said site.

In various such embodiments of the method, effecting the or each connection comprises securing a bracket between the respective member and the structure, the bracket being configured with a hinge permitting the pivoting of the member from the laid-down position to the upright position.

In various such embodiments of the method, the or each hinge is a living hinge.

In various such embodiments of the method, the bracket is formed from a single piece of plate.

In various such embodiments of the method, it is from a single piece of metal plate that the bracket is formed.

In various such embodiments of the method, a preassembly is for use as the preassembly.

It should also thus be appreciated from the above, that the present disclosure provides safety railing for application to a structure in the construction of a building of which the structure is to form a part, whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during said construction, the railing comprising at least one member to which fasteners have been applied or in which holes have been formed, and being securable to the structure using the pre-applied fasteners or by insertion of fasteners through the holes and fixing of the fasteners to the structure, whereby the fasteners secure the member(s) to the structure at designated positions of fixation of the safety railing on the structure.

In various such embodiments of the safety railing, each fastener comprises a screw.

In various such embodiments of the safety railing, each screw comprises a self- tapping screw.

In various such embodiments of the safety railing, each fastener comprises a tamper-evident and/or tamper-resistant fastener the fixing of which to structure is effectible only by use of a tool configured or fitted with a dedicated fitting to engage the fastener.

It should thus also be appreciated from the above, that the present disclosure provides a member to form part of safety railing for application to a structure in the construction of a building of which the structure is to form a part, whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during said construction, to which member at least one fasteners has been applied or in which member at least one hole has been formed, the member being securable to the structure using the pre-applied fastener(s) or by insertion of a fastener through the or each hole and fixing of the fastener(s) to the structure, whereby the or each fastener secures the member to the structure at a designated position of fixation of the safety railing on the structure.

In various such embodiments of the member, each fastener comprises a screw.

In various such embodiments of the member, each screw comprises a self- tapping screw.

In various such embodiments of the member, each fastener comprises a tamper- evident and/or tamper-resistant fastener the fixing of which to structure is effectible only by use of a tool configured or fitted with a dedicated fitting to engage the fastener.

It should also thus be appreciated from the above, that the present disclosure provides a preassembly which comprises, or defines part of, safety railing for application to a structure in the construction of a building of which the structure is to form a part, whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during said construction, the preassembly comprising at least one member of the safety railing to which at least one fastener has been applied or in which at least one hole has been formed, said member(s) of the preassembly being securable to the structure using the pre-applied fastener(s) or by insertion of a fastener through the or each hole and fixing of the fastener(s) to the structure, whereby the or each fastener secures a said member to the structure at a respective designated position of fixation of the safety railing on the structure.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the preassembly includes the railing.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the preassembly includes at least one locator arranged to locate the member(s) with respect to the structure, such that the or each pre-applied fastener or preformed hole is located and orientated relative to the respective designated position of fixation. In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the or each locator is arranged to engage the structure to locate the member(s).

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the or each locator is arranged to engage an upwardly facing surface of the structure such that the location of the member(s) comprises vertical location.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the or each locator is defined by a locating bracket.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the preassembly is configured to form with the structure a hinged interconnection about which the member(s) can be pivoted between a laid-down position, in which the or each member lies against or adjacent an upper side of the structure, to an upright position, which is such that the or each pre-applied fastener or preformed hole is located and orientated relative to a respective designated position of fixation of the safety railing on the structure whereby a said fastener which secures the member to the structure is received at that position.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the preassembly includes at least one hinged bracket, the or each bracket being secured to a respective said member and configured to be secured to said structure whereby said hinged interconnection is formed.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the or each hinged bracket is a respective said locating bracket.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the or each hinged bracket comprises a base, which is attachable to said structure, and a mounting, to which the member is connected, a hinge of the hinged bracket being arranged between the base and the mounting of the bracket, the bracket(s) being such that attachment thereof to the structure gives rise to the hinged interconnection.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the base and mounting of the or each bracket are defined by flanges attachable and fixed, respectively, against at least one surface of the structure and to the member such that said interconnection is effected.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, it is against an upwardly facing surface of the structure that the or each flange defining the base is attachable, whereby that flange defines a vertical locator which locates the member(s) vertically by abutting the upwardly facing surface.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, it is against at least one upright surface of the structure that the flange(s) defining the base is/are attachable, whereby that/those flange(s) define(s) a horizontal locator/horizontal locators which locate(s) the member(s) horizontally by abutting the upright surface(s).

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the flange defining the base or part of the base is receivable against a said upright surface of the structure facing in a direction parallel to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied, whereby that flange define(s) a horizontal locator which locates the member(s) horizontally along an axis parallel to that side.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the flange defining the base or part of the base is receivable against a said upright surface of the structure facing in a direction perpendicular to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied, whereby that flange define(s) a horizontal locator which locates the member(s) horizontally along an axis perpendicular to that side.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the base and mounting of the or each hinged bracket are configured with through holes through which fasteners are receivable and received, respectively, to effect attachment and fixing of the base and mounting to the structure and member respectively.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the base of the or each bracket comprises laterally spaced base portions each of which is attachable to the structure, the hinge of the bracket being formed at junctions between the mounting and base portions, wherein a gap between the laterally spaced base portions of the or each bracket is arranged to underlie the respective member when in the laid-down position.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the base of the or each bracket comprises a base portion securable against an upright surface of the structure.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the base of the or each bracket comprises base portions one of which is perpendicularto the other such that the base portions are securable against respective ones of perpendicular upright surfaces of the structure.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, each base portion is defined by a flange.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the mounting is secured against a surface of the member arranged so as to face in a direction perpendicularto a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied when the railing has been so applied. In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the mounting is secured against a surface of the member arranged so as to face in a direction parallel to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied when the railing has been so applied.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, the or each hinged bracket comprises a living hinge.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, an assembly comprises: the preassembly and said structure, wherein the preassembly forms said hinged interconnection with said structure.

In various such embodiments of the preassembly, an assembly comprises: a preassembly and said structure, wherein the or each fastener secures a said member to the structure at a said respective designated position of fixation of the safety railing on the structure.

It should also thus be appreciated from the above, that the present disclosure provides a bracket for inclusion in an assembly, the assembly comprising a structure to form part of a building and a member of railing, which railing is to be applied to the structure whereby people are protected from falling from a working platform defined by the structure during construction of the building, the bracket comprising a base, configured to be attached to said structure, a mounting, to which said member is fixable, and a hinge, between the base and the mounting, whereby, when the base is attached to said structure and the member is fixed to said mounting, there is defined between the member and structure a hinged interconnection about which the member is pivotable from a laid-down position, in which it lies against or adjacent an upper side of said structure, to an upright position, which is such that at least one fastener pre-applied to the member or at least one hole preformed in the member and arranged to receive a fastener, is located and orientated relative to a respective designated position of fixation on the structure whereby the fastener(s) are received at the position(s) such that the member is secured to the structure.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the base and mounting are defined by flanges attachable and fixable, respectively, against respective surfaces of the structure and the member such that said interconnection is effected.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the base and mounting are configured with through holes through which fasteners are receivable to effect attachment and fixing of the base and mounting to the structure and member respectively. In various such embodiments of the bracket, the base comprises laterally spaced base portions each of which is attachable to the structure, the hinge of the bracket being formed at junctions between the mounting and base portions, wherein a gap between the laterally spaced base portions is arranged to underlie or receive said memberwhen in the laid-down position.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, each base portion is configured in the form of a flange.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the base comprises one or more downwardly facing surfaces arranged to be received against an upwardly facing surface of the structure when the base is attached to the structure, thereby locating the bracket vertically relative to the structure.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the base comprises one or more upright surfaces, the or each upright surface being arranged such that it is received against an upright surface of the structure when the base is attached to the structure, thereby locating the bracket horizontally relative to the structure.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the base comprises said upright surface arranged to be received against a surface of the structure which faces in a direction perpendicular to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied, thereby locating the bracket relative to the structure along an axis perpendicular to that surface of the structure.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the base comprises said upright surface arranged to be received against a surface of the structure which faces in a direction parallel to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied, thereby locating the bracket relative to the structure along an axis perpendicular to that surface of the structure.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the bracket comprises: a first plate portion, which defines the upright surface arranged to be received against said surface which faces in the direction perpendicular to the side of the structure, the first plate portion being configured with said living hinge; a second plate portion, which is arranged at a lower end of the first plate portion and projects perpendicular to the first plate portion from a lateral side thereof, the second plate portion defining the upright surface arranged to be received against the surface which faces in the direction parallel to the side of the structure; and a third plate portion, which is arranged at an upper end of the first plate portion and projects perpendicular to the first plate portion from a lateral side thereof, the third plate portion being receivable against the member and defining said mounting.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the lateral side from which the second plate portion projects is opposite to the lateral side from which the third plate portion projects.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the second and third plate portions project in opposite directions from the first plate portion.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the bracket comprises a locator arranged to abut an upwardly facing surface of the structure so as to locate the member vertically to the structure.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the bracket comprises at least one flange defining the locator arranged to abut said upwardly facing surface.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the bracket comprises a locator arranged to abut an upright surface of the structure so as to locate the member to the structure horizontally along an axis perpendicular to said upright surface.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the bracket comprises one or more flanges defining the locator arranged to abut said upright surface of the structure.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the bracket comprises a locator arranged to abut an upright surface of the structure which faces in a direction which is parallel to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied, so as to locate the member to the structure horizontally along an axis which perpendicular to the upright surface and parallel to said side.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the bracket comprises one or more flanges defining the locator arranged to abut said upright surface of the structure.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the bracket comprises a locator arranged to abut an upright surface of the structure which faces in a direction which is perpendicular to a side of the structure to which the railing is to be applied, so as to locate the member to the structure horizontally along an axis which perpendicular to that upright surface and perpendicular to said side.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the bracket comprises one or more flanges defining the locator arranged to abut the upright surface which faces in a direction perpendicular to said side.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the bracket comprises: a first plate portion, which defines the locator arranged to abut the upright surface which faces in the direction parallel to the side of the structure; a second plate portion, which is arranged at a lower end of the first plate portion and projects perpendicular to the first plate portion from a lateral side thereof, the second plate portion defining the locator arranged to abut the upright surface which faces in the direction perpendicular to the side of the structure; and a third plate portion, which is arranged at an upper end of the first plate portion and projects perpendicular to the first plate portion from a lateral side thereof, the third plate portion being receivable against the member and defining said mounting.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the lateral side from which the second plate portion projects is opposite to the lateral side from which the third plate portion projects.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the second and third plate portions project in opposite directions from the first plate portion.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the bracket is bent orfolded from a single piece of plate.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the hinge comprises a living hinge.

In various such embodiments of the bracket, the bracket is configured with perforations defining the living hinge.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.