Oktopus UK presents its lifting solutions to HSE

A Gould Hire Group product story

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team May 23, 2008

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.