The early-April announcements that Genie, JLG, and SkySiren will exhibit crush-avoidance systems for aerial work platforms at Intermat, coupled with this month’s Safety Talk column on anti-crushing devices by Maximum Capacity Media President Guy Ramsey lifted the topic to the top of my mind. (See a rendering of the SkySiren and a photo of Genie’s Operator Protective Structure in Products Plus on page 12-13.)
The announcements and Guy’s column reminded me to take another look at the best practice guide for avoiding AWP trapping and crushing injuries, which is sitting on my reference shelf. Th e booklet’s full title is “Best Practice Guidance for AWPs, Avoiding Trapping / Crushing Injuries to People in the Platform”. Although its title is long, the booklet is short and to the point—just 33 pages, all good information. I picked it up last fall at the International Powered Access Federation’s (IPAF) North American Conference, but anyone can download it for free from the American Work Platform Training (AWPT) website www.awpt.org. The downloading link is under the Publications & Films tab. AWPT is the North American arm of IPAF.
The guide was developed by the Strategic Forum for Construction in the United Kingdom. IPAF is a member. Th is version of the guide was reviewed, adapted to incorporate North American terminology, and made available in response to requests from IPAF’s North American subsidiary AWPT, as well as training centers and IPAF members.
Designed for use by everyone from planners, managers, and trainers, to supervisors, operators, and rescuers, the guidance booklet touches the full-spectrum of topics related to avoiding trapping and crushing, from analyzing and controlling hazards to planning work involving AWPs, selecting the right machine, training, and planning emergency procedures.
While you’re at the AWPT site, take a look at two other free safety guides. One is the “Statement of Best Practices of General Training and Familiarization for Aerial Work Platform Equipment”. The other is the “Statement of Best Practices of Personal Fall Protection Systems for Aerial Work Platform Equipment”. They also provide information and guidelines that can help you make aerial work platform operations safer.
New Tier 4 engines coming at Intermat
In researching the Tier 4 engine story, some of the manufacturers gave me a heads up that they were going to unveil Tier 4 Final models at Intermat in mid-April but couldn’t talk about them beforehand. As the show started, Cummins unveiled its 49- to 74 hp engine, which will use a fully passive DOC system. Deere announced that after-treatment for is engines of 75 hp or more will combine EGR, DOC, DPF, and SCR. And Perkins announced it is using DOC plus SCR for its four-cylinder engines, and using DOC, DPF, and SCR on its six-cylinder models.
Intermat will undoubtedly also generate news of many other lift-related product unveilings. One confirmed introduction: Terex will roll out a brand new self-erecting tower crane with a 147.6-foot jib, 6.6-ton maximum capacity, 1.6-ton capacity at maximum radius, and under-hook heights from 47.5 feet to 151 feet. Terex will off er it with an option of three different axle versions to save time on the jobsite and road. The company says it is the first in a new generation and marks the company’s entry into the 147.6-foot-jib class of self erectors.
Lift & Access is part of the Catalyst Communications Network publication family.
