Hire and Rental News - August 2019

WASHING, CLEANING AND SANDING Pressure gun happy Even though 90% of injuries sustained using high pressure water blasters are generated by hose or gun failure, Australian Pumps said its experience indicates many pressure cleaner operators continue to use high pressure guns which are leaking, worn or broken. S afety alerts from the industry, both here and abroad are quite consistent,” Aussie Pumps Operations Manager, Hamish Lorenz said. “We see operators using hoses that are years old, often badly abraded with the wire showing through the rubber sheath. We notice hose to gun couplings that are worn and potentially dangerous,” he said. The new Australian and New Zealand safety standards for pressure cleaners cover a series of rules about the safe use of pressure cleaners. They include instructions for operators to continually check accessories for leaks or wear and to replace as required before their use by date, Hamish said. As a manufacturer and supplier of high-pressure water blasting equipment, Aussie Pumps is educating customers on the need to change high pressure guns and hoses out when they show signs of wear. The company found operators continue to use worn equipment not because of the cost of the replacement, but for convenience. “For example, try and buy a replacement gun or hose assembly for a professional machine from Bunnings. It’s simply not on their radar,” Hamish said. Aussie Pumps ‘Safe Operator Program’ was launched two years ago when the new safety standards came out. “Many users are still in denial and don’t understand the repercussions of the new safety standards.” To counteract the use of unsafe guns, Aussie Pumps has launched a ‘Pro Gun’ program. The company has paired quality 5,800psi rated guns with either 900 or 1,200mm stainless steel lances and nozzles, designed to fit most professional cleaning applications. Through a massive build program, it has been able to pull costs down and bring prices down substantially. “Operators have no excuse for using a leaking gun when you can easily buy an Aussie Blue Pro gun assembly for under $100,” Hamish said. Working with the world’s top manufacturers of water blaster hoses, Aussie Pumps’ Blue Pro range of hose assemblies feature double wire braid non-marking blue covers ideal for high pressure cleaning applications. “The Aussie Blue Pro hose is equipped with M22 couplers to enable it to be detached from the gun or machine quickly and easily without the use of tools,” Hamish said. “For cleaners rated to 5,000psi, we supply Blue Pro hoses with M24 couplers, manufactured colour coded blue,” he said. Aussie’s new Pro Gun program gives professional operators a convenient way to upgrade old, leaking guns before they become a safety issue P62 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS AUGUST 2019 U.S BATTERY 100% MADE IN THE U.S.A Deep-Cycle Batteries designed for heavy-duty industrial power. Available in 6V, 8V & 12V sizes. // 1300 769 282 // rjbatt.com.au EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR IN AUSTRALIA & NZ Manufacturing Company