Capital Equipment News April 2021

Rope access systems from Gravity Access have grown in popularity in the local market.

The JLG-460SJ telescopic boom lift available locally from Eazi Access.

were too fatigued to start work immediately. Employees are not only safer with MEWPs, but are also more efficient at what they are employed to do.” He says it is a misconception that MEWPs are generally more expensive than scaffolding. In truth, however, scaffolding can be the more expensive option for businesses across industries. “The higher the scaffolding which must be erected, the greater the direct cost saving afforded by the use of a MEWP because of the labour and time required to erect and dismantle scaffolding.” MEWPs, however, are currently limited internationally to a working height of 58 m while scaffolding can exceed this height and can be accessed by more than three persons at a time. The working platform weight for scaffolding, he says, is only limited to the size of the platform build. While scaffolding provides greater workspace and can accommodate larger loads and work teams safely if erected properly, it takes time to erect and dismantle and can be disruptive as erecting it requires space and large crews. The professional design required for larger scaffolds also adds to the cost of the operation.

Untrained personnel, incorrect use of safety equipment, and substandard equipment are common causes of accidents

It is a misconception that MEWPs are generally more expensive than scaffolding

Apart from the labour- and time-intensive erection of larger scaffolds, they pose the risk of falls and are not mobile

The SA OHS Act and the Construction Regulations are adequate, relevant and useful guidelines

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CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NEWS APRIL 2021 25