The First Platform Basket 30 T In The UK

1 October 2018

Narrowest Access Platform In UK Bought By UK Hire Company MBS Access

Specialist spider lift rental company MBS Access has purchased the narrowest access platform in the UK. This is the first 30 metre hybrid Platform Basket 30T in the UK bought from sole UK distributor Promax Access.

The 30T hybrid – which features a lithium battery and Kubota diesel engine – has a five-section straight telescopic boom with articulating jib giving a 30.3 metre maximum working height, 14.2 metre maximum outreach and 230kg capacity with fully automatic working envelope monitoring. When set-up with the outriggers in the narrow position, it has a maximum outreach of 18.5 metres over the front or rear of the machine with 136kg in the basket.

The lift is exceptionally compact with a stowed width of just 890mm and 1.96 metre height – small enough to go through a single door – and length of 6.52 metres. For extra stability when travelling the tracks can be extended to 1,290mm wide. Given its performance, the 30T is also lightweight at 4,250kg.

“The 30T is an amazing machine and a real game-changer in the 30 metre tracked spider market,” said Ben Dobson of MBS Access. “We decided to purchase the 30T because of its innovative overall size and ability to go through doorways less than one metre wide. Also, being fully hybrid, we can use the lift indoors with a simple flick of a switch. The guys at Promax did a lot of research into the machine on our behalf to ensure it was what we and our customers needed.”

“This is our first machine from Platform Basket and Promax access and due to its great build quality, performance and superior customer service from Promax, it will not be our last.”

Standard features of the Platform Basket 30T include high lift outriggers – giving a maximum clearance of 1,215mm – which allow the spider lift to self-load/unload onto a truck. The variable position outriggers include asymmetric set-up, automatic levelling and stowage. The radio remote control has a two-speed drive, automatic recovery and machine self-diagnostics. The 1.8 by 0.8 metre quick-detachable, lightweight basket has outlets for air, water and 110v/230v electrics.

Options include remote diagnostics and fleet management software, non-marking tracks, wind speed monitor and lithium battery pack giving longer working times.

MBS Access has a fleet of more than 30 spider lifts ranging from 11 to 36 metres covering primarily the south-east of England.
Platform Basket UK distributor Promax Access – based in Barnsley, South Yorkshire – provides a full range of access solutions including tracked spider lift access platforms, Reedyk compact cranes and Road-Rail access platforms.

Please feel free to get in touch if you would like more details. Alternatively, our friendly staff are always on hand to answer any questions that you may have on 01226 716657 or via our handy live chat function.

APF Exhibition 2018

11 September 2018

New innovative Tracked Access Platforms At The APF Exhibition 2018

APF Exhibition 2018
20-22nd September 2018
Ragley Hall Estate, Alcester, Warwickshire

Attending their 8th APF exhibition 2018 the UK’s longest established ‘Spider’ Access Platform Sales Company, Promax Access Ltd will be exhibiting new innovative Tracked Access Platforms from their 13-43m working height range.

On display will be a New Spider 27m featuring the heavy duty chassis option and a number of Spider platforms that are also fitted with optional insulated cages. Details of the New, similarly insulated Spider 22m – 46Kva tracked chassis access platform will also be available, awaiting its official launch later this year.

Every machine in the Promax Spider range is now also comes as standard with a user friendly pictorial diagnostic display. This is to provide immediate operator assistance when required.

Pop along to experience not only strong build quality, but also user friendly controls and operating systems. The great terrain-ability due to the big ground clearance of this established range of safe work platforms.

Stand 1895-1920 in
Promax Access Limited
Shaun Day
Tel: 01226 716657

promaxaccess.com
info@promaxaccess.com

Reach New Heights

15 July 2018

Choosing the right powered access platform for property maintenance

We make decisions every day of our lives. Some are certainly simple and carry no risk – like deciding what to have for breakfast: bacon and eggs or alternatively cereal? There are the daily decisions like crossing the road: low risk if chosen carefully. Other decisions, especially business ones that involve money are high risk and require careful consideration.

Think first

Growing your business and acquiring specialist equipment is a major consideration and requires a lot of preparatory work. In an SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) it’s all too easy to put off big decisions, the day to day operations and workload have a nasty habit of getting in the way. But without thinking about your business and where you want to be, you run the risk of treading water and letting your competitors gain the advantage.

Take a step back

Stand back and look at what your competitors are doing. Are they getting the sort of jobs you would like to get, are their businesses visibly growing whilst yours isn’t? Are you giving the best service you can to your existing customers? Is there something you could offer them but can’t at the moment? Would a better powered access platform for property maintenance meet the need? If so, which one? Asking these pertinent questions will generate a lot of information as you do your research.

Five point buying decision plan

1: Gather the raw information – specific and general
Specific : about the equipment, your service and customers
General : general knowledge about life and events that touch on the specifics above

2: Inwardly digest
Turn the raw information over in your mind and look at it from different directions. Bring the facts together and see how they fit. When ideas, even partial ideas, begin to form jot them down. Don’t bother to try and analyse and develop at this stage. Just make a list of what might work, what you will need and potential customers.

3: Forget it!
So far it’s been the conscious mind that’s been working. At this stage you probably can’t see the wood for the trees. Take a break from the decision thinking. The mind is a wondrous thing. It works on two levels: the conscious and the unconscious. Spend some time doing what you enjoy doing out of work: a weekend with the family; watch that film you’ve been meaning to see; attend a local event; fit an early morning walk into your schedule. As a businessman once said: “chill out and sleep on it for a week”

4: It appears!
Sometimes you wake up at 3 in the morning with a solution; or when out on an early morning walk, the ideas float before your mind and the puzzle comes together. It may not fully form but you will have a good grasp of what needs to be done.

5. Make it reality
At this stage, share what you have with others: family, friends, colleagues, advisors. Invite comments and criticism. Hone it and perfect it.

Ask the experts
At any point you can get in touch with the experts at Promax Access. Run your ideas past them and ask which powered access platform would best meet your needs. Need to reach a certain height? Want to expand your building maintenance capabilities? Want to work both indoors and outdoors? Promax Access provide an extensive range of solutions along with honest advice and an excellent reputation.

Promax can be contacted by phone or email using the website contact page. Or you can use the website “Chat” facility.

Take advantage of the best.

Promax Access sell a variety of equipment available for working at height.

Raising Your Powered access Expectations

8 July 2018

What are your powered access expectations?

If you are a small business owner in the property maintenance market, you will probably be using ladders and scaffolding to reach those jobs that need doing at height. Whilst first floor windows and guttering can be reached using ladders or erecting scaffolding, the larger commercial contracts require a more efficient and safer means of working at height.

Growing your business means winning more commercial contracts and that means becoming more flexible and efficient in fulfilling contracts. Powered access platforms are efficient, safe and can cut time and costs for most jobs at height but investing in plant is a big decision for many companies.

The options are to rent, buy or lease the equipment. There are pros and cons to all three and discussing with your accountant will help you to decide which is most advantageous to you. You will need to evaluate your current circumstances, your capabilities and your future plans.

When deciding which finance method to use a simple rule of thumb may help your decision process. If the equipment will be not be used more than 60 to 70 percent of the time, then start with renting. So if you are pursuing a new contract that is short-term, then renting may be the best option. It has its advantages: a specific machine can be rented for particular work, usually for the length of the contract. This will give you experience in operating the access platform and fulfilling the contract on time and within budget. However, the risk is that if the equipment is not being used because of a change in project schedule or an unforeseen hold-up, you still foot the rental cost and your profit on the contract could go out of the window.

Raising Your Powered Access Expectations

After gaining some experience by using rented powered access platforms and with a few larger jobs starting to appear on the horizon, then buying or leasing might become a better financial option. As with all purchasing decisions start with a few simple considerations.

1 – chose the right equipment for your needs.
Consider both now and for the foreseeable future (2 to 3 years). An ideal entry machine would be the Spider 13.65. This is a versatile MEWP which is road towable by trailer behind a 4×4 or van. It has a simple, but also intuitive operating system and an air/water power line to the cage. This access platform has a working height of over 40 feet and an outreach of 20 feet. It is ideal for property inspection and maintenance.

2 – weigh up the finance options.
Some suppliers offer finance plans for customers and will also help them buy the plant they need. Look for accredited lending schemes that also have payment options including hire purchase, leases and contract hire. Promax Access has a number of options available and their friendly staff can guide you through the entire process.

3 – talk to your accountant.
Discuss your financial plans and seek any tax benefits. Talk to them about Enterprise Finance Schemes and any help that may be offered to local businesses (for example: by Finance For Enterprise)

A final thought on powered access expectations

Don’t forget savings could be made by purchasing a pre-owned access platform. It’s just like buying a used car, check its service/maintenance history and whether it comes with new LOLER certification. From time to time Promax Access have specially selected equipment available.

Cleaning Glass Structures At Height

30 June 2018

Reaching new heights in the glazing industry

The use of more glass in buildings is becoming increasingly more popular with architects. Innovative technology will allow for more unusual shapes as well as more sustainable products to be produced with glass. But what about cleaning glass structures at height?

It’s used in windows, facades, roofs, elevators, balcony railings and internal structures such as stairs and inter-level pathways. Not only is “structural glazing” becoming more popular but high-tech coatings to the glazing provide higher energy efficiency.

There are two other key factors:

Firstly, in terms of being environmentally friendly, 30 percent of the raw materials for new glass comes from melted old glass.

Secondly, it’s hygienic and easy to maintain.

However, safely cleaning glass structures at height can be challenging. Whilst easy to clean and maintain, reaching the exact place to carry out the cleaning and maintenance can be the hard part.

Spider lift access platforms with their manouverability and telescopic booms provide the safest method of accessing those high glazing structures, both indoors and outside.

Which Access Platform is Best For Cleaning Glass Structures at Height?

Whether the access platform is bought or hired, there are some essential questions to answer:

• What height does the operator need to reach?

• How far out?

• What weight will be lifted?

• What size cage will be needed?

• Is the cage detachable?

• The turret rotation that is required?

• What length “working envelope” is needed?

• What power source is needed?

• For access – what minimum width and height are needed?

• For ground surface – the total weight of the platform?

• Is remote radio control needed?

Expert advice

Promax Access has been a market leader in the UK for over 15 years. They are not only leading providers, but also pioneers of spider lift access platforms and lifting equipment solutions. Our team of experts and engineers are available to answer questions and provide guidance in choosing the most suitable powered access platform.

We can be contacted by phone or email using the website contact page. Or you can use our handy website “Chat” facility.

Take advantage of our expertise to develop new customers in the expanding world of “structural glazing”.

Powered Access Platforms For Property Maintenance

24 June 2018

“I run a property management company. Can you tell me why I should consider your powered access platforms for property maintenance” A question we often hear at Promax.

That’s simple. All buildings require regular maintenance to protect the value of the owners’ investment. From domestic buildings to large industrial and commercial structures they all need the same protection from the elements.

Guttering and pipes need cleaning and repairing; facias and soffits need treatment and replacing; roofs suffer storm damage; electrical and communication cables need installing and checking; bird damaged areas need cleaning and spike deterrents installed; brickwork needs repointing; cladding needs installing or replaced. These are just a few of the jobs that property owners turn to buildings maintenance companies to get done.

Powered Access Platforms for Property Maintenance

For the property maintenance specialist, all these jobs require working at height safely and efficiently. Our powered access platforms for property maintenance (MEWP or “Cherry Picker”) is essential.  They are versatile, compact and accessible. Their ability to work in confined spaces and on difficult terrain along with a high level of outreach and reduced ground pressure provide outstanding performance. They are user friendly with intuitive operating systems providing an efficient and secure working space for personnel.

To Sub-Contract or Not to Sub-Contract?

Many property management companies sub-contract the maintenance of their buildings to specialist firms. These are companies that offer not only access platforms, but also highly skilled personnel. This is an outgoing that companies will pay from profits. They perceive using the correct machinery and working safely at height as a costly expense. However, they want the work carried out as cost efficiently as possible without a compromise to quality. Actually owning your own powered access platform for property maintenance is a cost effective way key to success in this area of your business.

Promax Access Specialise in Access Platforms

We can help to source the correct high level access platform to suit your specific requirements and realistic budgets. Our range of equipment reaches from head height up to nine or ten story buildings. Our powered access platforms for building maintenance are suitable for both internal and external work. They are transport easily and will access through narrow passageways and doors. The Promax team have extensive experience and advice and is just a phone call away.

If you are looking to win larger contracts in Property and Building Maintenance then the addition of a powered access platform is a key step to success.

Powered Access Platforms for Window Cleaning

17 June 2018

Gain the Powered Access advantage

Industrial window cleaning businesses are increasingly taking advantage of what powered access platforms for window cleaning can offer.

Ladders and abseiling are often used but there are inherent risks in carrying equipment and getting water to windows above two storeys. Many new buildings have large windows, often with glass domes and atriums. The more traditional methods have difficulty in getting to these hard to reach places.

Power Access Platforms for window cleaning are much safer and larger window areas be cleaned more quickly. Getting closer to the glass allows for a cleaner, more professional finish.

Buildings where powered access platforms for window cleaning excel…

Office buildings
Apartment blocks
Public sector buildings
Schools and Academic Buildings
Housing Associations
Shopping Malls

Your business may already be working in some of these sectors, but if you are looking to expand your existing operation with high access equipment, or thinking of entering new markets, then purchasing a new powered access platform will give you a very competitive edge.

The experts at Promax Access can help in choosing the right machine (often referred to as a MEWP – Mobile Elevated Working Platform – or more colloquially, a Cherry Picker).  They offer free advice and also guidance, taking into consideration your specific requirements.

Things to consider…

• The ability to work both outdoors and indoors

• Use in narrow access spaces

• Reach heights up to 100 feet

• Dual power options (e.g. no diesel fumes in Malls)

• Raise the operator with cleaner’s scraper and also plenty of water to exact requirements

Example One

You want to get more contracts where the requirement is to reach heights up to 4 stories and with an outreach of 20 feet. The work is indoors but with a standard door width access restriction. Schools and academic buildings might be an example. A suitable power access platform would be a SPIDER 13.65.

Example Two

You may already be working in the Shopping Malls sector but are also looking at expanding into exhibition buildings with vast architectural glass structures. Again the requirement is for use both indoors and out but with a working height of 100 feet and an outreach of 50 feet. An industry leading solution is the Promax Access SPIDER 33.15. With it’s telescopic lower and upper boom arrangement, this machine provides a unique up-and-over working envelope, with smooth and stable operation.

Both these machines have an Air/Water and power line to the cage. This facilities not just window cleaning, but also permits high pressure cleaning of external walls, cladding and gutters.

Summary
These are just two examples from the Promax Access powered access platform for window cleaning range. Study the market you want to enter or expand into and choose the right working height and outreach you require from our range of equipment.

Safer Working at Height

25 February 2018

Reducing trapping and crushing incidents

Serious trapping / crushing accidents and deaths have been reported in all industries, particularly for temporary working at height in construction and maintenance sectors along with a variety of other trades including electrical contractors, painters and decorators, arborists and tree services.

Many accidents are caused by MEWP users whose main job is electrician/painter or similar activity and use powered access platforms infrequently. With infrequent use it is easy to forget the initial training both for the MEWP being used and the safety and rescue procedures that should be in place.

Although powered access platforms make working at height safer and more efficient, it is both employers and users who are liable if the people in charge of the machinery are not properly trained.

Under UK health and safety laws and work at height regulations, training in the use of powered access is compulsory. Anyone working with the equipment needs to know how to inspect it, to operate it safely, and to recognise and avoid any potential hazards. As well as this general training, they should also be given familiarisation training on the specific model that they will be working with.

The risk assessment from the ground should identify any overhead or adjacent objects that may cause problems. Many MEWP occupants have been trapped against overhead or adjacent obstructions whilst in the platform, especially when the operator has been trapped over the controls.

There are a number of key factors have been identified that contribute to operators being trapped or crushed whilst within the powered access platform basket.

• Working alone – if nobody sees or hears the problems in the raised basket, the resultant delay in getting help can be crucial. All MEWPs should be fitted with ground controls for emergency rescue with the ground member of the team being fully trained in their use. (Even older machines can be retro-fitted with ground controls.)
• Operator error – is still a major factor in working at height accidents. There is no standard control panel on MEWPs and if the infrequent operator needs to change to a different machine, the wrong lever may be operated or even accidentally knocked if the controls are fitted very close together.
• Overhead hazards – failure to perceive and identify potential hazards in the surrounding workplace area, not just above but all round. In tree work falling branches may snag and bring down adjacent branches directly into the basket.
• Leaning over the side rail – accidents have been reported where the operator has been leaning over the side rail whilst manoeuvring.
• Poor ground conditions – failure to allow for bad weather, hidden drains and soft sub-soil is another contributor.

Many of these risk scenarios can be reduced by good and frequent training. Every manager and operator needs to ensure their training is current and that their PAL card is valid for the machine being used.

Tree Cutting Benefits Of Powered Access Platforms

18 February 2018

The Advantages of Powered Access Platforms for Arborists

The correct tree trimming tools and equipment are essential but often bulky when trying to work safely at height. To get people, tools and equipment to the correct height there are times when traditional working solutions can limit productivity and endanger the arborist.

Powered access platforms offer a flexible way to reach jobs at height – they are fully mobile and can access areas with restricted space, improve site safety, and save money.

Mobility

Spider lift access platforms have the advantage of being transported, set up and utilised quickly and easily with flexibility, depending on the demands of the job. Spider lift access platforms are lightweight with low ground pressure, especially advantageous when working near garden pathways and manicured lawns.

Placing the MEWP carefully and raising the platform allows the operator to get a close view of potential tree cutting problems that are not always seen from the ground. Identification of dangerous branches and potential fall areas for cut wood will help reduce the risk of accidents. Tools can be safely taken to where they are needed without the risk of hauling up by rope.

Safety

With no arduous climbing to the crown and working from a stable platform, the arborist can get a good view of the work that needs to be done without putting themselves and others in a hazardous situation.

Familiarisation with the powered access equipment manual is essential reading along with a pre-work risk assessment. Training in the use of access equipment is required by law and will benefit businesses as the equipment can be used safely, quickly and efficiently by a small number of staff.

Cost effective

Reducing the time needed to manually climb and haul tools up into the tree can reduce the time needed for individual jobs. More jobs done in a week will help raise productivity and profit. In addition the reduction of time needed at the location can mean less obstruction and inconvenience to others.

Using a powered access platform when providing a tree surgeon service enables the optimum tools to be used when working on the tree. Working efficiently and effectivity will raise the quality of work done leading to higher customer satisfaction and recommendation of your tree services.

Summary

Whether you are looking to buy or hire the equipment for arboreal work, powered access platforms, are mobile, safe and flexible. They resolve a number of issues posed by traditional rope climbing and lifting methods including access to hard to reach and potentially hazardous areas. With the correct procedures in place, health and safety risks are reduced whilst jobs can be completed in less time. Whatever the size and location of your job, they are easy to operate and install, safe to use and can cater for a range of needs and requirements to enhance your tree services.

Promax Access provides advice in choosing from their range of Spider Lift Access Platforms ideally suited to your tree surgeon’s business.

Safe rescue for Arborists

11 February 2018

Aerial Rescue from Powered Access Platforms

Even with the right equipment tree cutting at height demands safe working practices. Good climbing techniques should include the regular practice of rescue for operatives who get into difficulty. A minimum of two people must be present during tree climbing and working at height operations. At least one ground member must be competent and trained to perform a rescue from a raised platform.

Good planning is essential:
• A daily programme for the tree work should be established.
• A contact procedure established with a designated person
• Two-way radio / mobile phone communication between ground and raised platform

The Risk Assessment
As part of the pre-work risk assessment, emergency procedures for the recovery and evacuation of casualties needs to be established. All operatives and ground workers need to be trained in these procedures. When a rescue is needed, all precautions must be taken to safeguard other team members. Restrict access to trained rescue personnel only.

Before the Rescue
If overhead power cables are involved, stop work and call the relevant electricity authority.
Try and assess the condition of the casualty. If necessary call the emergency services before attempting the rescue. Help them by giving the exact location and any site access problems they may encounter. Pass on the casualty’s personal details, time of the incident and any treatment given. Notify if any chemicals have been involved.

Worksite Rescue Equipment
The minimum rescue kit that always needs to be available includes:
• First Aid kit
• Climber’s harness and associated ropes, karabiners and associated equipment
• Other climbing equipment including ladders, ropes and climbing irons
• Sharp knife with retractable blade suitable for cutting ropes. Care must be taken when cutting tensioned ropes.

During the course of the rescue assess the situation and send for more equipment as necessary.

The Casualty
• Where possible give reassurances, minimise panic but also encourage self-help
• The rescue method chosen should minimise risk to the rescuer and prevent further injury to the casualty
• If MEWPs or cranes are required for the rescue, ensure the equipment is used by trained operators only

Climbing to the Casualty
• Select a climbing method and get to the casualty as quickly and safely as possible
• If climbing equipment and trained personnel are available, use them to quickly reach the casualty
• Assess the hazards and choose appropriate tree cutting equipment to remove branches that may impede the rescue
• Make the surrounding area safe from hazards
• Assess the casualty’s condition and apply first-aid as necessary
• Take care with serious injuries such as fractures, crush or spinal injuries and only move under trained medical supervision (e.g. paramedics).

Descending with the Casualty
• The rescuer should monitor changes in the casualty’s condition and keep them calm
• The rescuer must ensure their own safety and be securely anchored at all times to enable a safe descent
• Rescuer and casualty should descend together easing movement through branches
• Densely packed branches may require an alternative rescue method

Completing the Rescue
After helping the paramedics and escorting safely from site…
• Ensure site is safe and secure
• Take names and contact details of any witnesses
• Take photos of the site
• Any equipment that is in the incident must not put back into use until it has a thorough examination by a qualified person
• Record in Accident Book and notify management
• Ensure compliance with RIDDOR requirements (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995)

Summary
Good planning as well as regular practice are key to safe rescue operations. An incident may not occur for years, or it could happen tomorrow. All those using powered access platforms are responsible for the safe rescue of operators and staff whenever it is required.