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MAY 2012 | ACCESS
in
ACTION | 43
ACCESS in ACTION
NEWS IN BRIEF
Skyjack’s new self-propelled
vertical mast lifts, the SJ 12 and
SJ 16 have been designed with
a compact footprint to deliver
tight workspace functionality
and flexibility with 90 degree
steering and a zero inside
turning radius.
Both models feature a unique
slide away platform for easy
access to components when
raised or in the stowed position.
With a working height of
5.5m, the SJ 12 features a 0.41m
traversing platform, providing
increased access and the ability
to reach over obstacles, while its
lightweight design and compact
dimensions make it ideal for
jobs requiring low local ground
pressure.
Specifications on the SJ 12
include a 3.7m raised platform
height; 227kg capacity, 0.76m
overall width and 1.37m overall
length; and a 0.67 x 0.97m
platform size (inside).
Both models are drivable at
full height, with variable speed,
front two wheel hydraulic
drive and 30% gradeability
and feature Skyjack’s standard
Skyjack’s new self-propelled vertical mast lifts
Self-propelled vertical mast lifts
colour coded and numbered
wiring system with hard-wired
relay based controls. Standard
features on the SJ 12 also
include: wet disc SAHR brakes;
and a 12.5m/s wind rating.
The first 16’ vertical mast lift
in its class, the SJ 16 represents
a compact alternative to 15’
and 19’ scissors. With a working
height of 6.7m, the SJ 16
features include: dual holding
brakes; 110V AC outlet at
platform with GFI; 28mph wind
rating; and chain entrance.
Specifications on the SJ 16
include: a raised platform
height of 15’7” (4.75 m); 227kg
capacity; 0.76m overall width
and 1.37m overall length; and
a 0.67 x 0.97m platform size
(inside).
Contact: 02 8786 3200 or visit:
www.skyjack.com
HR
AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER
LEGISLATION ACT
This Act has now been in place for
one year. This legislation is all about
guarantees provided by suppliers and
manufacturers to consumers regardless
of any warranty they provide.
Suppliers include trades, retailers or
service providers selling goods or
services to a consumer.
A consumer is a person who buys:
• any type of goods or services up to
$40,000
• a vehicle or trailer to transport goods
• goods or services over $40,000
which are normally used for
personal, domestic or household
purposes.
The law clearly spells out the
responsibility for warranties despite
what a supplier may claim. If you think
you are effected please read the guides
at www.consumerlaw.gov.au
IPAF OPERATOR TRAINING
BEGINS IN BRAZIL
The managing director of the rental
division of Mills Estruturas e Serviços de
Engenharia SA in Brazil, Sérgio Kariya,
has successfully completed operator
training and obtained an IPAF PAL Card
(Powered Access Licence).
Mills is the largest rental company in
Brazil, one of the fastest growing AWP
markets in the world. IPAF started
making inroads into Latin America last
year, setting up an office in Chile, and
has since built a member base of 15,
with 10 approved training centres.
An IPAF Brazilian Country Council was
established in June 2011, with the aim
of implementing national activities that
underpin and promote the safe use of
powered access.
IPAF’s PAL Card operator training
program is certified as conforming
to ISO 18878. Training includes a
theory session, a written test, and a
practical session ending with a practical
assessment of operating skill and
ability.
More than 95,000 PAL Cards were
issued last year through a network
of over 450 IPAF-approved training
centres worldwide.
A valid PAL Card is proof of training
and shows the holder has been trained
to operate powered access equipment
safely and effectively.
For more information visit:
www.ipaf.org
IPAF launches MEWP/AWP incident database
The International Powered
Access Federation (IPAF) has
begun a systematic project
to collect worldwide data on
accidents/incidents involving
mobile elevating work
platforms (MEWPs), also known
as aerial work platforms (AWPs),
with the aim of improving the
safe use of equipment.
Manufacturers, rental
companies, contractors and
users are encouraged to report
any known MEWP accidents or
incidents using the standard
form available at www.ipaf.org/
accident. In the initial phase,
IPAF is calling for reports of any
known serious accidents and
fatalities involving MEWPs in
the UK, and fatalities involving
MEWPs worldwide.
“This project will enable IPAF
to build a comprehensive record
of known MEWP incidents and
store them in one location
and in one common format,
something which does not exist
currently,” IPAF technical officer
Chris Wraith said.
“Based on the data gathered,
IPAF will then be able to
analyse and look for common
trends, and propose possible
actions to further improve and
promote the safe use of MEWPs
worldwide.”
“Powered access offers one
of the safest and most efficient
ways to work at height,” IPAF
CEO Tim Whiteman said.
“When an accident happens
involving a platform, it tends
to become a spectacle and
grabs the headlines. However,
powered access actually
accounts for a small percentage
of all accidents related to work
at height, and this project
intends to uncover hard data to
support anecdotal evidence and
to inform safety initiatives.”
The construction industry
has one of the highest rates of
fatal injuries to workers. In the
UK for example, it accounted
for 50 of a total of 171 fatal
injuries in 2010/2011, according
to HSE statistics. Of the reported
major non-fatal injuries, the
most common involved slipping
or tripping (40%) and falls
from height (16%). Less is
known about the nature of the
accidents involving falls from
height and equipment involved.
To report and EWP incident
or for more information visit:
www.ipaf.org/accident
HR