Visit the Icopal web site
Click on the advert above to visit the company web site

Product category: Cranes, Hoists
News Release from: Oktopus UK
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial Team on 23 May 2008

Oktopus UK presents its lifting
solutions to HSE

Request your FREE weekly copy of the Buildingtalk email newsletter. News about Cranes, Hoists and more every issue. Click here for details.

Oktopus UK concerned over the number of vacuum lifting machines on site that are currently not dual circuit and rely on safety straps as a secondary holding device.

Oktopus UK were invited to present to the HSE how they have developed their vacuum lifting machines to comply with recent legislation that requires all machines to have dual operating suction systems, at the recent HSE delegate conference for the East and South East region The presentation gave Oktopus UK the opportunity to voice its concerns over the number of vacuum lifting machines on site that are currently not dual circuit and rely on safety straps as a secondary holding device

It was pointed out that in some cases these straps are removed before materials, such as glazing panels, are positioned prior to fixing and therefore provide insufficient safety back up in the event of vacuum pressure being lost.

Oktopus also voiced its concerns over bad practice whereby items such as scissor lifts (MEWPs), telehandlers or cranes are repeatedly used inappropriately to either hoist, position or install large construction panels.

"HSE is always keen to maintain its inspector's knowledge on new construction technology including vacuum lifting".

"Obviously whenever lifting it is essential that the load is secure to prevent it falling and we are also keen to avoid unnecessary manual handling," says Charles Gilby, H.M.Principal Inspector for the Construction Division of the HSE.

In a bid to drive forward the message that all suction lifting machines must incorporate a dual system for the suction operation, Oktopus plans to use its new premises to demonstrate its machinery and educate users on best practice of installation.

Sales and Marketing Manager for Oktopus, Arran Gould, who delivered the presentation comments: "We have embraced this opportunity to demonstrate to the HSE how our suction lifting equipment incorporates dual safety controls and therefore complies with the January 2003 legislation EN 13155.".

Oktopus UK: contact details and other news
Email this article to a colleague
Register for the free Buildingtalk email newsletter
Buildingtalk Home Page

Search the Pro-Talk network of sites

Visit the Icopal web site