Capital Equipment News December 2015

WORK @ HEIGHT:

SCAFFOLDING AND THE INSTITUTE FOR WORK AT HEIGHT (IWH) The Scaffolding Chamber of the IWH has been debating, pleading and working endless- ly the past couple of years to make their voice heard. During presentations to the board by Mr Perry Todd, the then Chamber Chair for Scaffolding of the IWH, the following issues were brought to our attention:

1. Scaffolding is not recognised as a profes- sional trade in South Africa (where as in- ternationally, it is seen as a proper trade). 2. Scaffolders are hired from Labour Brokers with “training certificates”. Many of these certificates are forged and correct training / assessments have not been done. 3. No nationwide record scheme bares proof of training and assessment. 4. Many training providers have little knowl- edge of the correct training procedures in the scaffolding industry. 5. Certified training authorities have given incompetent scaffolding training providers accreditation. 6. These training authorities also have very little knowledge in the erection and inspec- tion of access scaffolding 7. Due to a lack of competent training, safety standards related to safe erection of scaf- folding are not being adhered to. 8. There are many companies in SA that are erecting unsafe scaffolding due to the ig- norance of companies directors and the end user. Scaffolding providers are contin- uously erecting sub standard scaffolding. It has created an opportunity for any em- ployer to become a scaffolding provider. 9. Scaffolding material being used by many companies is of a sub standard quality. 10. The wall thickness of a scaffold tube is not according to SANS specifications and in- sufficient maintenance is being carried out on the scaffolding material. 11. Through the IWH, codes of conduct have been formalised and guidance standards are in the process of being drafted regarding: • Training • Technical • Health & Safety • Quality • Contractual The following explains the role of the Scaffold- ing Chamber of the IWH: The Scaffolding Chamber of the IWH Pro- fessional Body represents the practitioners involved in erecting, dismantling and using access Scaffolding. Scaffolding is a tempo- rary structure used to support people and materials. It is usually a modular system of

FRANCE ELEVATEUR CUSTOMISES TRAMWAY TRUCK Egypt’s Alexandria Passenger Transport Au- thority (APTA) took delivery of a tramway maintenance truck from France Elevateur during July this year. It is one of two custom-made machines ordered by the authority and mounted on an 1 800 kg GVW, MAN truck for the Alexandria tramway. They feature a 3500 volt insulated platform, which is 3000 mm in length and 2 200 mm wide. It has a 500 kg load capacity and a working height of 8 m. Also supplied on request, by the client is a Fassi F95A knuck- le boom crane with a two person fibreglass work basket, allowing the crane to double-up as a crane and also a personnel lift. ORION AND PALFINGER PROVIDE EYE IN THE SKY The London Eye has been one of the most popular tourist attractions in the English capital city since it was installed next to the River Thames some 15 years ago. At a height of 135 m, it offers wonderful views of London from its rotating glass cap- sules. Its size, however, also proves a chal- lenge when it comes to maintenance, one that Orion Access Services has overcome with the help of two large Palfinger truck mounts. To avoid any interruption, the work took place over three nights. A 61 m WT610 and a 55 m P550 were used. The P550, from the Palfinger Jumbo class NX, is particularly suited to such tasks. The three-person crew were lifted to 50 m to inspect and grease the rear cables that lead to the main hub of the London Eye. While the WT610 was used in a straight line to the top, the P550 used its flexible X- jib to circumvent the wheel’s structural parts so the workers could reach the required areas.

Dr ALTI KRIEL (PBM) Manager

steel tubes, although it can be manufactured from other materials. The IWH PB Scaffolding Chamber is focusing on Steel Scaffolding. The following practitioners for the Steel Scaffolding industry will get special recog- nition from the IWH Professional Body. The recognition will be in the format of a PERMIT TO OPERATE, stating that this person is rec- ognised by the IWH Prof Body. (Training and assessment must be conduct- ed by a SETA ETQA accredited and IWH Pro- fessional Body recognised training provider) SCAFFOLD GENERAL WORKER The Scaffold General Worker is the person responsible for providing assistance with loading / offloading, carrying and stacking of scaffolding material. They must have sound knowledge of carrying / stacking techniques. Criteria for obtaining recognition To be recognised with the IWH Prof Body as a Scaffold General Worker the permit holder must comply with the following minimum re- quirements: Must have completed an IWH PB approved LNQ Programme, and work for at least 6 months. Outcomes of this programme have been set by the Steel Scaffolding Chamber. Providers can submit their material for this programme for it to be approved by the IWH.

With acknowledgement to: Euan Youdale

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