Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Stephens Diversified Inc. (SDI) is a London, ON, based company that owns a group of smaller firms in diverse sectors including Blue Army Contracting, a general contracting and roofing company. SDI has designed new, innovative safety rail system for protection of workers at heights. Currently, the construction industry uses heavy, steel-fabricated or traditional wood-fabricated safety rail systems that are expensive and labour-intensive to install. SDI estimates that the use of lighter gauge steel materials, less welding and job site adaptability would reduce product cost by 20-30% and facilitate a more simplified installation, with reduced labour costs. SDI wants to assemble its new product locally using imported components and market it to the construction and renovation industry throughout North America. However, in order to obtain Canadian and American regulatory approval, SDI must first establish the strength and reliability of its prototype. Working with Mark Boyd, PEng., from Fanshawe College's Donald J. Smith School of Building Technology and the company, a Fanshawe student will research relevant safety standards and testing procedures, construct test apparatus, develop protocols, conduct tests, collect data and prepare a final project report. That report will help the company decide whether it can proceed with obtaining regulatory certification (by the Canadian Standards Association or Underwriters Laboratories), or if further modifications to the prototype are required to meet regulatory requirements. In addition to creating a new revenue stream for SDI, validation will allow it to use its safety rail system on its own projects, creating direct cost savings. Fanshawe College will benefit by continuing to build capacity in civil engineering technology. The Fanshawe student will acquire valuable knowledge and experience in research methodology, data collection and analysis, safety regulations and testing procedures in a real-world environment.