Hire and Rental News - May 2019

ACCESS IN ACTION Snorkel narrow compact rough terrain scissors Two new narrow compact rough terrain scissor lift models added to the Snorkel range are ideal for working in confined spaces with rough terrain or uneven ground conditions. T he Snorkel S2755RT delivers a maximum working height of 32ft 4in (10.1m) and a platform capacity of 661lbs (300kg) from a chassis that is 4ft 9in (1.45m) wide. In the same narrow width, Snorkel also now offers the S2255RT, a smaller version with a maximum working height of 27ft 3in (8.5m) and a lift capacity of 926lbs (420kg). Sharing features with Snorkel’s existing line of compact rough terrain scissor lifts, the Snorkel S2270RT, Snorkel S3370RT and Snorkel S3970RT, include a large roll-out deck extension, non-marking tires, automatic self-levelling stabilisers, an oscillating axle and four wheel drive as standard. All five models are sold with a Kubota diesel engine, but are also available with bi-energy power source, which provides the option to run the lift on either the diesel engine, or on 24V battery power. This gives flexibility on the jobsite, permitting the same lift to be used outdoors diesel power, and indoors on battery power. Predominantly sold in Australasia, the Snorkel S2255RT and S2755RT compact scissor lifts are a proven product from Snorkel’s facility in Levin, New Zealand. Their narrow width, high lift capacity and rough terrain performance are seeing the lifts gain popularity globally, particularly since they can be towed by light commercial vehicles. The Snorkel S2255RT weighs 5,313lbs (2,410kg) and the Snorkel S2755RT is 6,062lbs (2,570kg). Backed by Snorkel’s two-year parts and labor and five-year structural warranty, both models are in production and available to order. n Visit: www.snorkellifts.com Snorkel S2755RT new rough terrain scissor Snorkel celebrates 60 years Snorkel is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2019 and has unveiled a new global website featuring a clean and modern user interface and online features to benefit its global customer base. The new website will provide access to Snorkel’s new online parts ordering system and interactive technical publications library called The Platform which is a searchable resource providing fast access to locating and ordering spare parts anywhere in the world, anytime. It also provides access to a significant library of Snorkel manuals, bulletins, schematics and other technical documents in minimal time. An online blog of exclusive Snorkel content focused on getting the most from Snorkel lifts called The Toolbox is also accessible via the new website and features videos and articles on service, maintenance and operation of Snorkel products. The fully optimised website for mobile, tablet and desktop is at: www.snorkellifts.com n Beware imported scissor handrail heights It has come to the EWPA’s attention scissor lifts may be imported with hand rails below the statutory height required in Australia. J ames Oxenham, EWPA CEO said members need to be aware of meeting Australian Standards when importing access equipment. The EWPA’s Technical Director Peter Wenn said all members should be aware of the regulations. “AS1418.10 specifies 950mm as the minimum handrail height. The other recognised standard associated with guard railing is AS1657 fixed platforms walkways stairways and ladders,” Peter said. “The latest edition specifies a minimum height of 900mm but adds a comment: “Where the fall height from a platform is significant or where persons may be subject to wind it is desirable to increase the height of the guardrail to at least 1m to provide a greater sense of security to persons on exposed platforms.” “AS1418.10 was modelled around ISO16368. The reason for deviation from the minimum height was basically: “Historical 1: Manufacturers in Australia are mostly involved with insulated machines which have moulded fibreglass platforms. To change a mould is very expensive and as 1657 (at time did not include a comment relating to increasing the height) specified a minimum of 900mm, 950mm was considered sufficient. Also with insulated machines (which don’t have gates but are fully enclosed for insulation reasons) – requiring operators to climb over the top of the platform to access and egress the additional height makes it more difficult to do so and increases risk. Historical 2. The lower height enabled lower MEWPs (especially common 19’ scissors) to pass through doorways without folding handrails down. (Folding guardrails down also increases risk if they are not folded back up – and adds to cost).” What is happening internationally? “European standards EN280 and the new ANSI A92.20 in the US (Subject to appeal again) standard specifies 1100. “ISO16368 specifies 1000mm but also has a note “For MEWPs operated in countries where national or other MEWP regulations allow, a minimum of 900mm may be applied instead of 1000mm for the guardrail height (this recognises national variations in physical stature of persons).” The previous edition of ANSI specified a minimum height of 990mm to a maximum of 1140mm.” “It is possible guardrail height will increase to 1100mm. This will be subject to consideration by the subcommittee, Peter said. “However the height may be maintained at 950mm for insulated machines. Orchard MEWPs (covered in AS14181.0 but no other OS standards already have a height specified at 900mm because it is necessary to enable operators to pick fruit without impediment.” Peter said members should be aware guardrail height is a minimum of 950mm including the extension decks. “Check also horizontal gaps between the guardrail posts and between toe boards and the floor also between the gate and the floor are no more than 15mm. This is to prevent things falling off the platform. Also, the vertical gap between the top rail and the midrail, and the midrail and the toe board is no more than 550mm. Also at every pre-operational inspection, guardrails are correctly attached and fasted in place and the gate self closes and latches. Any folding guardrails are raised and locked before use.” For more information, visit: the Australian Standard – AS1418.10. “Some imported machines (via the net) may have chains across the entrance instead of a gate or sliding bar. These have never been permitted in this country.” n Contact the EWPA on 02 9998 2222. P36 ACCESS IN ACTION MAY 2019