Light Hire Ltd - Latest News
February 2010
Light Hires first IPAF PAV Training Course in Cornwall
Brian Light, Managing Director of Light Hire has just completed our first PAV training course in Cornwall. The PAV training course is tailored to the needs of the vast number of people who do not need to reach great heights but still want to work safely and responsibly. The customer actually owned a Genie AWP 24 but had found that they were unable to work closely to walls due the stabilisers being required to prevent it falling over. The Power Tower in this instance proved to be ideal getting the people right up next to the equipment that they wanted to work on.
IPAF training in Cornwall has never been a problem for Light Hire as being based in Exeter we are right on the main entry road into Cornwall, the A30. Light Hire vehicles are often to be seen traveling into deepest cornwall delivering various pieces of powered access equipment for our Cornish customers.
Clearly IPAF training is needed in Cornwall just as much as it is needed in London, Manchester or Birmingham. At Light Hire we have been training in Cornwall for many years and have seen a huge growth in requirement for PASMA training and steps and ladder training as well as IPAF training in Cornwall over the last couple of years. If you are Cornish and would like to talk to someone about training in Cornwall please give us a call on 01392 255 211 and we will be very happy to help.
IPAF Training prospectus
As we are so frequently asked what an IPAF training course entails this month I have decided to detail the sequence that you expect on a typical training course although ofcourse, times will vary.
08:30 INTRODUCTION
Equipment and information brought by the students (hard hats, steel toe capped boots, harnesses with correct lanyards, warm clothing and hi-viz vests) Facilities PAL card overview and pre-course theory test.
MEWP CATEGORIES
Different types of MEWP and their description and other courses available.
STRUCTURAL PARTS
Stabilising, levelling, chassis, drive options, turntable, boom/scissor pack and MEWP selection.
10:15-10:30 COFFEE BREAK
REGULATIONS
ISO1 8878, European, HSWA, PUWER LOLER MHSW WAHR& RIDDOR.
PRE-USE INPECTONS / HANDOVERS
Thorough examinations Familiarisation, pre-use Inspection,
Identify safety Items & Controls, Defects and emergency descent.
SAFE OPERATING METHODS & HAZARDS
Travelling to the workplace, positioning / Terrain, SWL, Weather, Electrical hazards, Harness statement Do’s & Don'ts and Parking.
12:00 THEORY TEST
Individual written test with explanation of pass requirements. Failure will mean applicant will have to re-sit the course on another day. Instructors can choose from either Theory test paper A or B.
12:30-13:00 LUNCH BREAK
13:00 PRACTICAL TRAINING
Introduction to the actual machine - walk round and familiarisation with MEWP.
Major Components – identification of each component and its function.
Pre – use checks and inspection – carry out the required checks on the following items- Tyres, main frame, turntable, fluid levels, hoses, electrical cables, booms, cage, brakes, steering, lights, travel, controls (Lower & Upper), pins & retaining bolts and decals along with any additional points from the machine operating manual.
Starting/stopping the machine- correct start up and shut down procedures.
Pre-use function checks- Fully function machine and carry out full emergency lowering procedure.
Checks prior to road travel- For example, PTO disengaged, booms retracted, machine secure, no loose objects etc
Planning the route- Gradients, access, overhead obstructions and ground
conditions.
Travelling the route and manoeuvring the machine (where applicable) Ensuring the route is clear, use of assistant to signal, practice close manoeuvring and observe correct driving practices.
Setting the machine for Work - Practices setting up, barrier off requirements, road requirements, stabiliser set up and carry out stabiliser deployment checks.
Basic operational practice – carry out operational functions at two thirds of working envelope so far as is reasonably practicable, observe all safety practices.
Typical work applications – carry out practice applications observing all safety practices
Parking the machine – Ensure the machine is correctly parked, engine stopped, brakes applied, keys removed and clearance of all obstacles. Correct refuelling procedures, LPG, Battery Checks, charging safety precautions.
15:00- 17:00 PRACTICAL ASSESSMENTS
Individual verbal and practical test based upon the MEWP operator practical test plan with explanation of pass requirements. Failure means applicant will have to re-sit on another day.
17:15 COURSE EVALUATION
Course evaluation, use of log books (Over 5 years log book needs to be half full to qualify for refresher training (60 entries)
17:30 CLOSE
January 2010
New IPAF course for push around verticals
A new course for the category Push Around Vertical (PAV) will be offered by IPAF-approved training centres in the UK from January 2010.
IPAF has introduced this course in response to market developments and the need for appropriate training on this new type of machine. Push Around Verticals are essentially small, simple static vertical machines. However, unlike Static Verticals (IPAF category 1a), they have no mechanical drive and are physically pushed around.
“We expect the new course to be popular with contractors and the non-construction sector who are using this type of equipment for low-level access work,” said Rupert Douglas-Jones, IPAF international training manager. “The course was developed following extensive industry consultation.”
The equipment covered includes models with no drive produced by companies such as Genie, JLG, Pop-Up, Power Tower, Upright and Youngman.
The PAV course is a half-day course that covers both theory and practice. Operators who are trained in the categories Static Vertical (1a), Mobile Vertical (3a) or Scissor Lift (old IPAF category SL) will also be able to use a Push Around Vertical (PAV) after being familiarised with the specific machine.
December 2009
Finger on the pulse
Light Hire's Managing Director, Brian Light was recently interviewed for the Executive hire review. Here's what he had to say:-
Brian Light, MD,
Light Hire
"We are a specialist access platform hirer serving small to medium sized enterprises in the south west of England from our depots in Exeter and Barnstaple. We operate a fleet of 110 machines, the vast majority are available from Exeter. In the early months of the year, there was little or no business confidence. However, since about April, there has been a slow, but gradual, improvement as confidence has returned.
In April, having undertaken a thorough analysis of our fleet utilisation, we sold machines that were under-performing and used the proceeds to invest in a new £60,000 23m working height Hinowa 23.12 Light-Lift tracked access platform from Access Platform Sales. This specialist platform has allowed us to target new markets like arboricultural and property maintenance.
We are also evaluating the low-level access market and, having noticed that several suppliers of this type of equipment are exhibiting at the Executive Hire Show in February, we will be visiting the Show again in order to find out more."
To find out more please click on the photograph above and then on the magazine in the top corner to read the article.
November 2009
Tight squeeze!
We have often undertaken IPAF and PASMA training in Plymouth and have a lot of customers traveling from Plymouth and the surrounding areas for our IPAF training or our PASMA training. One such customer is a factory just outside Plymouth that manufactures a variety of equipment from steel. The factory used overhead gantry cranes and conveyor systems to transport the steel and the finished products around creating difficulties regarding for the maintenance teams. Maintenance still must take place, of course, and using a safe access system is paramount. The factory asked Light Hire to advise them of the best equipment for the job and following an intensive site survey we were able to advise the use of a Nifty HR15N (Pictured right) the reason for this specific item was simply the minimal width and excellent outreach of this particular model. The next step was clearly training but the usual 1 day course would not suffice in this instance due to the complexity of the operations. We were happy to provide an intensive 2 day IPAF training program that allowed the maintenance team to gain the necessary skills and confidence to work completely safely over the conveyors and under the Overhead Gantrys and both we and they believe that this was one of the best and most challenging IPAF training courses that has been conducted. For more information about on site training please give us a call and we can tailor a training course for you.
October 2009
Church Goer!
Our new 23m Hinowa Light Lifter proved once and for  all just how versatile it really is last week when a church had some very careful work to do at considerable height. The height was no problem but access could have been. The Light Lifter immediately came to mind and following a few detailed measurements we were happy to help our clients to reach where places previously impossible without complete scaffold costing a fortune and causing significant disruption. The Light Lifter has retractable tracks and a removable basket allowing it through some very tight spaces indeed as seen in the photograph. The clients were so impressed with it that they have decided to take on a major project that had previously been shelved for access reasons.
September 2009
NEW Safety products available from Light Hire
As part of our service to our customers we are now able to offer great safety equipment to compliment our training and current industry best practice. One of the most dangerous things whilst using Powered Access is wind. Wind has the power to blow scaffolding, cranes and yes even powered access over. All manufacturers specify the maximum allowable wind speed on the machines so it's easy to locate this information but I am often asked how can we measure the actual wind speed. During the IPAF operator training course all of this information becomes available but the simple answer is by using an anemometer or wind speed meter.It has proved difficult for our customers to source these at reasonable prices so we have done the sourcing and can now offer the Brannan Anemometer at just £38.00 + vat. This anemometer is easy to use, pocket size and also measures temperature and wind chill. Simply put, if you're working outdoors on a MEWP you need one of these. Another significant hazard is from something  rather innocuously termed as 'Boom flick'. This occurs when the base of a boom undergoes a sudden movement, possibly from a minor collision or just uneven ground. The small movement at the base is translated to a large movement at the basket which can literally fling the operator out. Happily it is easy to protect the operator from such a fall by using a harness with a restraint lanyard of the correct length to prevent the operator coming out of the basket. Clearly people are different heights and anchorage points are not always in the same places so the only realistic way of ensuring that the lanyard is the correct length is to make it adjustable. Our 1.5m maximum length lanyard adjusts down to around 0.75m to allow a perfect fit for all. Priced at just £30.00 + Vat if you already have a suitable harness this is the cheapest and best way to guarantee your safety. Of course if you don't own a harness you will need one for any boom type platform. There are many different harnesses out there and I have seen many that are simply unacceptable. We have, as harness instructors, conducted in depth research in order to offer our customers the best value good quality harnesses available. These harnesses come in kit form comprising of a sturdy plastic case to protect the harness, one of our adjustable lanyards and then the choice of harness from the incredible value budget harness for the occasional user, through the 2 point fully adjustable standard harness up to the comfort harness for the more frequent harness user.
   
Budget 2 Point Comfort Complete Standard Kit
Just call us, fill in the contact us form or drop by and we'll happily advise you on harness selection based upon your exact needs.
August 2009
Ceiling tile cleaning solution
As we all know hospitals are working extremely hard to wipe out MRSA. This is a huge task and is made even more difficult when you consider work at height activities with relation to current regulation. One of the main areas of concern has been above false ceilings. This is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses and is very difficult to access for cleaning purposes. The best way, if not the only way, is to get through a ceiling tile and spray the void to kill any bugs that may be invisibly lingering. Getting through the tile legally and safely has been the problem though but no longer as with this superb innovation the solution is clear and convenient. The Eddie Lift Duo, available from Light Hire, has a specifically designed narrow cage for this exact purpose and makes the job quick and easy. For more information call us on 01392 255 211
July 2009
Access Link teams up with Partner Lift
The Access Link, the UK association of independent aerial lift rental companies that work together to provide national coverage, has reached a partnering agreement with Partner Lift the German based grouping of independent access rental companies that work in a similar way.
Discussions have been taking place for a over year now and following a recent visit by current Access Link chairman, Malcolm Bowers, to the Hanover Office of Partner lift a framework agreement was drawn up between the two associations.
Oliwer Sven Dahms of Partner Lift(L) and Brian Light of Light Hire together with other Access Link members at Vertikal Days
The agreement was finalised and ratified after Oliwer Sven Dahms of Partner lift addressed the members of the Access Link at their meeting at Vertikal Days this week.
The Access Link members operate a fleet of around about 4,600 units from 29 depots throughout UK and Ireland while Partner lift members have a total of around 7,500 platforms available from 135 depots in three countries.
Dahms is also the organiser of the German equivalent to Vertikal Days -Platformers Days which is held in late August each year.
Bowers who is also a joint owner of Lifterz said: “We are seeing an increasing number of contractors working throughout Europe and this alliance will allow both Partner lift and Access Link members to offer their customers a far better geographical coverage of the major European Countries.”
“There is much we can learn from Partner lift and the way that it operates. Of particular interest is their very sophisticated web site as well as preferential buying deals which are offered to all members, something we are in the early stages of working on ourselves.”
“Oliwer Dahms also expressed a desire to extend our alliance to include France, Scandinavia and Spain and will be looking for companies with an interest in joining the alliance in those countries.”
June 2009
Nifty 210SD 4x4x4 Craned in at new hotel in Exeter
When we were asked to perform a site survey at a new hotel in the centre of Exeter it was clear that the right piece of equipment was the Nifty 210 SD 4x4x4 with its incredible 13.4m outreach and 21m working height whilst weighing just 4 tons. There was one slight problem however! The machine was needed in a courtyard in the centre of the complex and with all of the scaffolding etc around the outside during the construction getting it in there was going to be tricky.
As is so often the case access to the job site is more difficult that access to the job itself. The team made very short work of solving this problem and used the huge crane to simply lift and reposition the category 1b Boom lift in the location required. The boom remained on site until the work was complete then simply drove out of the car park and onto one of our lorries. It all seems so easy now!
May 2009
PASMA's New Stamp Of Approval
PASMA's new stamp of approval will soon be available for use by those companies whose operatives have successfully completed the associations official training course.
It has been created to help promote and identify the people and organisations that are serious about safety and recognise the need for 'Competence without compromise'. These are professional firms that comply with the requirements of the 2005 Work at Height Regulations and whose operatives hold a current PASMA photo ID Card.
The stamp will initially be available for use on helmets and safety jackets, together with a larger version for use on vehicles.
We at Light Hire Ltd feel that this is a great idea and look forward to seeing these displayed by the many companies and individuals that we have trained. For further information about PASMA training please just click on the PASMA Stamp.
April 2009
IPAF roll out new look certificate.
IPAF (The International Powered Access Federation) have changed the look of the IPAF operators certificate.
People who successfully complete an IPAF training course will start receiving new look certificates with immediate effect in the UK. This is also being gradually implemented in other countries.
IPAF has updated the look of its training certificates to bring the design in line with its core training publications such as the operations manual, training CD, assessment booklet,Operators’ Safety Guide and PAL Card Log Book.
The new IPAF certificate carries a watermark as a security feature. The certificate shows the machine categories the holder has been trained in, the date issued, the expiry date and the training centre where the course was conducted.
The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) promotes the safe and effective use of powered access worldwide. Set up in 1983, IPAF is a not-for-profit members’ organisation that represents the interests of manufacturers, distributors, users, rental and training companies. It serves as a forum for all active in the world of powered access. IPAF has played a key role in promoting many of the design, safety and testing procedures that are now established in the powered access industry.
At Light Hire we have found from experience that when people are looking for powered access training on the internet all sorts of things get typed into google. A good example of this is MEWP training spelt MEUP training. I don't know how successful this turns out to be but certainly cherry picker training, scissor training, boom lift training, IPAF ticket, IPAF card etc will tend bring up a number of options and the searcher should be able to drill down and locate a reputable IPAF training centre.
April 2009
Why Use Powered Access?
Legislation and Guidance Supporting the Use of MEWPs
Modern health and safety legislation tends to be goal setting rather than prescriptive. Instead of giving fixed rules it often provides goals or essential requirements that need to be met. One consequence of this is that users have to assess the risks of working at height, select the most appropriate equipment to use and ensure it is used and maintained properly.
There is growing awareness that, often, the best solution for temporary work at height is a purpose-built, proprietary working platform; such as a mobile elevating work platform, mast climbing work platform or transport platform. IPAF is committed to raising safety standards by encouraging the use of working platforms where they provide a safe means of access to height. As part of this process it is actively involved in the development of design standards and safe use guidance for working platforms. This includes working with its members, the European Commission, national authorities and other groups and associations to provide guidance on health and safety law and its implementation.
Referring to the law, the Machinery Directive 98/37/EC is intended to encourage trade of machinery throughout EC member states. It includes essential safety requirements that manufacturers must meet before placing working platforms on the European market. The Directive is implemented in the UK by the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations. A new version of the Directive 2006/42/EC has been published and will come into force on 29 December 2009. National regulations implementing the new Directive should also be in force by this date.
The use of working platforms in the UK is covered primarily by the Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974. Under this Act several sets of Regulations have been written and are in force. These Regulations include the following that are of particular relevance to the use of working platforms:
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998
- Lifting Equipment and Lifting Operations Regulations 1998
- Work at Height Regulations 2005
- Construction Design and Management Regulations 2007
The above legislation is often supported by Approved Codes of Practice, industry codes of practice, standards and guidance that are intended to help duty holders understand how to comply with the law. The codes of practice and guidance can assist users select and use equipment safely in their work activities. The guidance is important because it is often referred to by the courts as authoritative or  expert guidance on how to comply with the law.
The Health and Safety Executive have also produced guidance on selection and management of mobile elevating work platforms and if you click on the HSE link it will take you to this construction information sheet (CIS 58)
March 2009
Light Hire to the rescue!
Light hire were quick to respond following the collapse of a scaffold nearby. It is still unknown as to the specific cause of the collapse and there is an ongoing HSE investigation. The immediate priority was of course, to make the remaining scaffold safe and Light Hire supplied a Genie Z45 to allow experts to ensure no further collapse of the structure. Thankfully no one was hurt in the incident but the damage will run into many thousands of pounds. To view the BBC News report please follow this link. VIDEO REPORT
Light Hire to help 'Back stage'
Light hire have joined a forum called Blue Room. The forum was set up for all backstage workers to discuss their role with regard to technique, safety and training. It is interesting even if you don't have specific involvement and well worth a look.
www.blue-room.org
February 2009
Introducing the "Eddie Lift Duo+"
Light Hire are the first to try the revolutionary Eddie Lift Duo+. We are constantly looking at innovative equipment that could be of benefit to our customers and when we saw the potential of the Eddie Lift Duo+ we were really knocked out. The Eddie lift combines solutions to 2 very common problems. First it tackles the problem of convenient low level access replacing steps in the workplace and allowing users to comply with current legislation. Secondly it offers a solution to manual handling issues allowing the user to lift loads of up to 200kg, move them around with ease and even raise them to a height of 1.62m for stacking. This clever machine will benefit many of our customers that are currently struggling to comply with legislation.The Eddie Lift Duo+ is at the top of the hierarchy of controls for access by providing collective fall prevention and also offers an alternative to manual handling, the most common cause of occupational ill health. Ultimately we think it's great!
January 2009
New Towers Forum
Happy New Year to you all. Latest news this month involves telling you about a new web site forum about access equipment. it is called http://www.scaffold-towers.com/forum.htm but does not simply look at scaffold towers but also looks at powered access. It has a questions and answers section in each topic area and although it is very new, it has already helped out a number of people with equipment selection. Please do visit the site as new information is being added daily and quite a large number of experts are on hand to answers your questions.
December 2008
IPAF Voluntary emergency lowering decal
This is a new symbol that users may wish to fit on access platforms. The decal should be positioned to clearly indicate the location of the emergency descent controls. Operators should ensure that somebody at ground level is properly trained on how to use the controls in an emergency.
After consultation with members, IPAF has produced a new symbol that may be used to signpost the location of emergency descent controls.
“Even experienced operators sometimes have difficulty locating the emergency descent controls that every mobile elevating work platform is fitted with,” said Tim Whiteman, IPAF managing director. “This new symbol is a practical visual aid and a prime example of an industry initiative to make access equipment even safer. We encourage manufacturers to fit this as standard on new equipment and rental companies to fit this decal to their existing fleets.”
Emergency descent systems can be found on all types of mobile elevating work platforms. They differ in terms of where they are located on specific machines and how they operate. The decal should be positioned to clearly indicate the location of the emergency descent controls. Operators should ensure that somebody at ground level is properly trained on how to use the controls in an emergency.
“It is also vital that the emergency lower is checked in accordance with the manufacturers instruction manual before the machine is used each day. I was informed by a delegate on one of our IPAF training courses that upon testing a simple emergency lower on a hired in scissor lift from one of our competitors, he found it to be seized and when pulling hard the plastic ‘T’ bar actually snapped off! It would clearly have been too late to find that out in an emergency,” said Paul Roddis, Light Hire Training Manager.
November 2008
Convenient working at height compliance.
The easy way to achieve low level compliance with the Work At Height Regulations 2005 is with a Power Tower. It is portable from site to site with our simple trailer.
 
This trailer is easy to load and unload by using it's unique pivoting drawbar system. The combined weight of the loaded trailer is just 500 Kg thereby allowing it to be legally towed by anyone with a standard car licence. The Power Tower is renown for it's ease of use and versatility in non construction situations. It is available for hire as a complete package for collection at your convenience to allow multi location work with minimum fuss.
October 2008
Manual Handling training proving popular with intelligent employers.
Light Hires Manual handling strategies (Tools for life) is proving highly popular with both national and local companies looking to ensure compliance with regulation, get good value for money and keep the 
training interesting and enjoyable.
" Well so far, touch wood, we have only received positive feedback, ranging from "it was much better than I thought it would be" to "Please can you come and train the rest of my staff?", so we're really happy with the format." said Paul Roddis Tech IOSH, Training Manager.
The course covers the law and regulations, Anatomy and types of injury, Risk assessment and an extreemly useful practical element all within a 3 1/2 hour time slot.
" I damaged my back at the age of 17 and it will never be right again. If I had used the simple techniques that I now train people in it would simply not have happened. It is important to me to try to ensure that nobody ruins their backs through ignorance." said Paul.
For more information on Manual Handling training please call us on 01392 255 211 and you can also click on the picture above for HSE Guidance.
LIGHT HIRE REACH NEW HEIGHTS OF CUSTOMER SERVICE THROUGH INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE
Light Hire Ltd, an approved IPAF and PASMA training centre inExeter and Barnstaple which trains people in the safe use of mobile elevating platforms and erection of aluminium towers, are investing in training for internal staff in addition to instructing their wide range of clients.
Paul Roddis, Light Hire’s Training Manager is ensuring that both current and new staff have the skills and knowledge to remain at the cutting edge of the access platform industry. Clive Wotton, the   Barnstaple Depot Manager and Graham Sandford, a technician in Exeter both recently achieved success at a mechanical and electrical course for powered scissor lifts and hand held analysers at JLG UK in Manchester whilst Graham has also studied hydraulic and electrical schematics for boom lifts at the Genie European Headquarters in Lincolnshire.
As Paul comments ‘it is vital to ensure that our staff receive training in order to keep them fully aware of latest developments in our fast moving industry. Light Hire is determined to continue to invest in the personal development of all our staff in order to ensure that the equipment we supply is maintained and delivered to the highest possible standards.’
September 2008
HSE Help with equipment selection
During training courses it has become clear that a great many clearly intelligent people have a frightening lack of knowledge and are still at a loss as to work at height equipment selection. Some companies are inadvertently putting their employees at risk of injury and themselves at risk from prosecution by choosing inadequate equipment or even relying on the speed and apparent ease of ladders. This is very dangerous practice and needs to stop post haste.
The Health and Safety Executive have produced a video, that can be viewed in sections if you wish, that gives clarification into the mysteries of selecting the right equipment.
The videos are interesting, informative and short, so you have no excuse for remaining in the dark! Please click on the HSE Symbol to access their site and the Videos.
August 2008
Problem Solved!
Light hire were called in to perform one of our free site surveys by a local university. When we arrived we knew straight away that this was no normal access problem. The university were fully aware of their duties in regard to prioritising collective fall prevention for their operatives. This is of course provided by guardrails and they originally asked for a powered access solution in order to fulfill their legal obligations. Powered access simply was not the answer. Luckily for the University both Brian Light (Managing Director) and Paul Roddis (Training Manager) are qualified Aluminium scaffold tower instructors. Brian and Paul went back to the university with additional measuring devices and came up with a design for a unique base section for aluminium scaffold tower, specifically designed for the job. They then got in contact with Turner Access and following a few telephone calls discussing hand drawn pictures and ideas, Turner agreed to manufacture the one off components. We took delivery of the items and then Brian and Paul went to the University to put the tower up for the first time. Both were elated when it fitted perfectly and thus allowed access to all of the previously inaccessible areas. Why was it so hard in the first place? Well, it was a lecture theatre so we had to deal with steps, specific spacing's between seating and a reducing ceiling height. Not only that, there were 3 lecture theatres all with slightly different measurements! The university have now completed the work safely and we have the tower back ready for anyone with a similar access problem!
July 2008
We're cutting the jargon!
Generic slang terminology explained.
Cherry picker, platform, truck mount, access platform, flying carpet, Mewp, genie, scissor, van mount, stick boom, articulated boom, crawler, spider?
There’s a lot of different terminology out there to describe powered access equipment so this should help you to express yourself like true professional.
Mewp is an acronym and it stands for Mobile Elevating Work Platform. It is a generic term for all powered access and it is used by members of the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF).
In reality there are only really 4 truly different types of Mewp in common general use and what defines them is either being mobile at height or stationary at height and being able to reach out beyond the ‘tip point’ or not. Yes it really is that simple!
We will start with something nice and straightforward, a scissor lift. This is categorised under BS/EN 280 as a category 3a, in that it is mobile at height (that’s the 3 part) and it does not reach beyond the tip point (that’s the a part). As with the picture (right) most have a ‘slide out deck’ or cantilever to provide a large work platform and although it clearly extends beyond the ‘tip point’, the centre of an evenly distributed load over the entire platform is still behind this ‘tip point’. These are sometimes referred to as flying carpets, magic carpets, slab scissors, and sometimes even cherry pickers. These can be run from batteries, diesel, LPG Gas or petrol, they range significantly in size and application from small electric indoor machines right up to vast behemoths such  as the MEGASTAR G-320 (right) with an incredible 32m platform height with a 1000kg safe working load. Scissors even come with tracks or yet stranger ways of getting around! You will probably not need these interesting innovations but it’s nice to know they exist!
If you don’t need to move around whilst at height or if there are problems with the amount of weight that a surface can support then an item within the category 1a would be a good bet. The 1 means that it is static whilst elevated and the a means that the load centre doesn't extend beyond the tip point. This is an area of powered access that is growing quickly as manufacturers come up with increasingly innovative solutions to low level access problems. The work at height regulations state clearly that the employer MUST, ‘do all that is reasonably practicable to prevent anyone falling’. This means in practice using the hierarchy of controls in the selection of work equipment for work at height. Right at the top of the crop only just below avoiding work at height completely is the collective fall prevention provided by M.E.W.P.s. Thus the requirement for light weight portable access equipment to fulfill that requirement has become almost a competition as manufactures seek to provide better, safer and more convenient products. We at Light Hire have investigated a multitude of options and have rejected many as not feeling safe enough for us  to want to put our customers in. We finally settled on the thoroughly excellent ‘Power Tower’. This offered a really sturdy feel and at only 305kg and with a working height of well over 5 meters provided the solution to many access problems in schools, hospitals, public buildings etc. The discovery of such a great piece of equipment did not end our search however and it was not long before we were shown a piece of equipment that is currently only available down under, the JLG Lift Pod. This really is lateral thinking at its best and slots in where the short ladder or stepladder would have been in common use again providing a safe solution. The LIFTPOD is the most portable aerial work platform in the world. It gives you a working height of14 feet and each piece weighs about 50 lbs. and can be carried by one person. The whole unit can be assembled in less than 30seconds.
This type of equipment doesn’t seem to have suffered from the slang commonly in use for other equipment probably due to it being so new but don’t expect that to remain the case and in fact if you have heard any or even made any up of your own please email us and let us know so we can put these terms on our site.
We now need to turn our attention to Self propelled boom lifts. By self propelled this means mobile whilst elevated and is therefore in the category of 3b where the 3 refers to its ability to do this and the b refers to the ability to reach out beyond the tip point. There is a mind boggling array of self propelled booms but generally they either fall into the category of telescopic (stick) boom or articulated (cherry picker) boom. The basic difference between the two types is the ability to reach up and over objects or not! Yes again it’s that simple! The telescopic has a primary boom that extends out horizontally and when raised arcs up to nearly vertical in a smooth curve. This type of boom can have incredible outreach but is clearly unable to
 
 reach over obstacles. This is where the wonder of the articulated boom comes in. The basic principle is that the elbow of the primary boom is raised up by another boom thus creating outreach at height and allowing us to reach over things like houses to reach inaccessible areas for maintenance, decorating and building work. At light hire we operate a wide range of articulated booms as we feel they are simply more versatile that stick booms. We can reach places that were previously thought inaccessible by making use of fly jibs and rotating baskets. Clearly these require training and practice to ensure their versatility and efficiency are maximised. Again Light hire offer the solution in the form of comprehensive IPAF training courses.
I have saves the biggest section until last as I will admit I wasn’t looking forward to explaining a category which spans from the little trailer mounted booms that can be towed by a Mini and pushed around by hand right up to the world record holding 103 metre Bronto lorry mounted platform. I myself have only been up to a mere 93 metres in a Bronto at the Vertikal days event last year at Haydock Park but you will just have to accept that had the 103 metre beast been there I would have gone up in it! No honestly, I would! Anyway this category contains all of the crawlers, spiders, van mounts, truck mounts, trailer mounts and again cherry pickers! This is a truly awe inspiring category and manufacturers and continuing to push the boundaries and come up with more and more inventive ways of gaining height and outreach without the problem of weight.  My current favorite boom lift is within the confines of this category and is it the Nifty C210SD 4x4x4. This thing has a working height of over 21metres, an outreach of over 13metres and weight less than 4 tons! It has 4 wheel drive, 4 wheel steer and turf tyres so that it doesn’t damage golf courses etc.
OK, I know you want to see the 93m Bronto, I did too so here it is with me in it and another from the bottom just  for effect! 
Bottom line it does not matter how you get the boom to position, what does matter is that if you want to elevate you always have to put jacks or outriggers or something like that down first thus removing the ability to move at height. This clearly, as you have worked out, makes these category 1b (1 for static, b for boom).
I hope this goes some way to explaining what is a mine field to the uninitiated and I wish you good fortune with your work at height.
Paul Roddis Tech IOSH
Training Manager
Light Hire Ltd
June 2008
Rental Plus standards achieved!
Light Hire Limited the independent, Exeter based, hirer of powered access products is pleased to announce their qualification for the prestigious IPAF Rental + quality standard.
The IPAF Rental + programme sets a series of minimum quality standards for rental operations and has an on-going audit plan in place to ensure standards are maintained. The initial audit carried out by Giles Councell from IPAF covered areas such as staff training, booking and machine monitoring, as well as hire fleet management.
Brian Light Managing Director of Light Hire Limited says “ I am delighted that Light Hire has been shown to follow the highest standards and ideals of the powered access rental industry. We work hard to provide our customers with the best possible level of service and support and the achievement of the Rental + standard is recognition of this . I am also pleased that, as active members of the Access Link, all Link members have agreed to work towards achieving IPAF Rental + standards ensuring that Access Link customers throughout the U. K. and Ireland receive the best possible service from local independent companies “.
Light Hire Limited operates a fleet of boom and scissor lifts throughout the South West of England from depots in Exeter and Barnstaple and is an IPAF approved operator training centre.
Special Delivery!
Light Hire received their new Genie 3020N this week but it was only at Light Hire for long enough to be inspected and then it was delivered straight out to one of their customers for an urgent job!
"The machine looked great for the brief time I saw it" smiled Brian Light (Managing Director). Brian always likes to fully familiarise himself with all of the machines in the ever extending fleet. This of course allows Brian to be better able to recommend exactly the right equipment for each application. We all look forward to getting to know the new machine upon its return, although as it's so versatile we don't think it'll be in the yard long!
June 2008
Nifty C210SD 4 x 4 x 4 Right way for sensitive decorators.
An experienced decorating company was asked to paint the front of one of the most beautiful privately owned manor houses in the country and following his own survey correctly came to the conclusion that a powered access solution was the best option. This was of course due to the work at height regulations requirement to incorporate collective fall protection wherever reasonably practicable to do so.
The company called us for one of our FREE no obligation, site surveys. We were slightly stunned by the scale of the grounds and the driveway but were still not fully prepared for the sight that greeted us as we rounded the last bend. The Manor house is truly awe inspiring, a magnificent building and would clearly require a sensitive approach to the work required. Some very careful measurements and a thorough check of access, ground conditions and other hazards led us to the conclusion that the Nifty C210SD 4x4x4 would be the perfect access solution. The 210s' balloon tyres would not damage the ground, the machine only weighs 4tons but has an immense 21m working height with an incredible 13.2m outreach. This combination meant that all areas could be reached for a fraction of the cost of scaffolding and can be put away at night thus not ruining the houses beauty.
 
The only factor remaining was competency of the operator and Light Hire was again in a position to
provide the solution. The company agreed to send one of the team on an IPAF training course and this went
ahead on the 9th of June. The trainee proved to be an intelligent and talented candidate, not to
mention brave! The trainee went the full 21m up and reached out all of the way across the roof of
our building.
The decorating company is now ready to go and we will try to get some pictures posted of the work as it happens.
Light Hire to receive a new Genie
Money off IPAF training
Changing shattered lives through training
IPAF supports the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) Shattered Lives campaign encouraging the construction and allied industries to explore the safest and most appropriate methods of working at height.
IPAF vouchers that give course participants a £20 discount at participating IPAF-approved training centres are being distributed by the HSE. The vouchers are valid until 31 December 2008.
Don't chance it when working at height. Change it by getting proper and adequate training.
May 2008
Power Tower proves perfect for sensitive work.
Light hire's power tower proved to be the perfect solution to an ongoing problem in a very important stately home in Devon. When faced with the task of cleaning priceless art works and sculptures Light Hire was asked to solve the problem of access. Clearly collective fall prevention needed to be employed whilst keeping floors and carpets protected. Access was also an issue due to the age and character of the building. Richard Philpott, our General Manager agreed to a free site visit to ascertain the best course of action. It was agreed unanimously that the Power Tower would be the perfect solution as it weighs less that 300kg, has a working height of 5.1m and is only 780mm wide.
The team that would be using it then needed training and came along to our training centre in Exeter where they spent an enjoyable day learning all about the world of powered access. Now they could begin the work legally and safely and I am happy to say the work was completed ahead of schedule with no problems whatsoever. Certainly in this instance the Power Tower was exactly the right tool for the job.
To see a full spec for the Power Tower please click on either Photograph
2008
Shattered Lives Campaign being Run by the HSE:
The campaign is aimed primarily at those most at risk of a slip, trip or fall at work and those best placed to take action - construction workers, electricians, gas fitters, site managers, kitchen managers and chefs, food retail staff, area and store managers, food operatives and their shift managers.
The HSE has produced a set of videos to assist with work at height, training and equipment selection.They are genuinely very good and well worth a look, just click on their icon.
Light Hire wholeheartedly Support the Shattered Lives campaign.
For further information please see the HSE Web Site.
Light Hire Ltd
Dennis House, Grace Road Central, Marsh Barton Trading Estate, EXETER, EX2 8QA
Tel: 01392 255211 - Fax: 01392 253377
Email: info@lighthire.com
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