Bridge guard post “Rozenburgse sluis” renovated

The port of Rotterdam carries out a modernisation of the control buildings of all bridges and locks they manage. This master plan contains five bridge guard posts from where the bridges are controlled and two bridge guard posts from where bridges and locks are controlled. vhp ergonomics has made the designs for all those new posts. Recently the control post of the Lock of Rozenburg (“Rozenburgse sluis”) has been realised. From these post the lock itself and the two bridges that are positioned over the lock are controlled. In the old situation the console was positioned opposite. The guard had to control the lock standing with his back to the lock. The desk itself was too large and outdated. Also the architectural state of the post needed renewal. vhp ergonomics has developped a Functional Set of Requirements with ergonomic requirements for the planning of the post. the design of the desk. the design for the control panel and the display device presentation of the touchscreen with water- and wind data. Characteristics of the new situation are:

• The desk has been turned 180 degrees. The employees are able to work with their face to the lock. The desk is suitable for control by one person but also by two people. In that situation each employee controls one side of the lock. Controlling takes place by compact mosaic control panels. This investment repays itself rapidly by the large flexibility that such a panel offers.
• Also the remaining rooms in the post. such as the pantry and the sanitary rooms have been renovated. As well a locker room. a smoke room and a shower have been created.
• New lighting and awnings have been placed. For the climate control an innovative warmth pump installation has been placed. This resulted in a very economical energy situation.

vhp ergonomics has worked together intensively with the architectural firm “Beysens en ter Veer” and “Gemeente Werken Rotterdam” on this masterplan. In November 2004 the renewed post has been taken in use to full satisfaction of the employees and the port company.