Lifting Africa Jan-Feb 2020

Page 13

Personal lifts With a variety of configurations, personal lifts replace ladders for all intents and purposes, says Harper. They can be pushed or driven around. Traditionally used for low-level access within interior environments they are easily transportable and very popular. Trailer Mounts Mounted on a trailer these lifts are growing in popularity thanks to the extreme mobility of the equipment. Trailers also have the benefit of low weight and high heights for applications where weight is restricted but working height is needed. They are also an obvious choice when there is a need for moving between work sites. Benefits of MEWPS According to Harper, there are several benefits to using MEWPS including that they are convenient and safe. With the ability to access restricted areas, working

both inside and outdoors, they are also incredibly cost-effective, flexible and easy to move around. MEWPS also reduce time spent on risk assessments and setting up equipment. According to Harper a debate over compliance to regulations and standards of local MEWPS recently came to the forefront when an American trailer mount built to US standards was failed by a local LMI. “The reason given was that there was no overload system in the basket,” he says. “One LMI applies the standard that it was built to and the equipment passes, but the next LMI applies Section 44.1 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and according to the SANS he uses then determined it must have an overload system.” According to Harper the manufacturer of this particular trailer mount, however, does not allow the option for an overload system. “It can’t be fitted afterwards. It begs the question of who is wrong and

MEWPS

and there is no signing off or safety documentation requirements like with scaffolding.”

who is right?” He says going forward this problem will, however, no longer exist as the US was working towards complying with ISO standards and the equipment would meet local standards.

Alpha Load Testing and Services, +27 (0) 11 704 2718, www.alphaloadtesting.co.za

Lifting Africa - Jan/Feb 2020

13


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.