Parameters for jobs differ from site to site and require models aiding smooth functioning.

Construction industry is one of the main beneficiaries of the growth of India’s economy. With well-seasoned architects, structures are getting more complicated by the day, which entails manufacturers incorporate their access system in these convoluted structures.

Initial preparation
According to Sunil Malhotra, M.D, Appletree Building Maintenance Pvt Ltd, “Early planning is the best way to have the access system integrated in the building’s architectural design, which reflects aesthetically on the façade. Getting a façade access system provider on board in the later stages of the project limits designers, in addition to raising financial expense.”

When Appletree receives an inquiry for starting with the company, studying drawings of the building, identifying all areas to be accessed externally and internally, designers are well versed with the European Standard EN1808, which describes permanently installed building maintenance unit systems and also temporary suspended platforms.

In the end, designers come up with a custom solution for the building considering all other factors like loading calculations, space that will be needed for successful functioning of the machine. All obstructions and problematic areas have to be catered to and given optimal solution.

Examining jobsite necessity
Krishna Patel, Head -Access SBU, Maco Corporation (I) Pvt Ltd says, “Every model is built for accomplishing specific job with specific parameters, which differs from site to site. Hence, understanding the jobsite requirement has to be studied for selecting correct equipment for working at height. But, safety is the most important factor at any jobsite.”

Crucial guidelines by Patel to be kept in mind while selecting access equipment are as follow:
Height: If you need access equipment, it implies that you have a job to do at some height. Therefore, the job’s height is the biggest factor to consider because the equipment that you pick won’t be useful to you if it can’t reach the required height. Each type of access equipment is designed to safely reach a specific height, so make sure you select something that can safely reach your maximum working height.

Load carrying capacity: What’s the maximum number of people you will need to work at height from your access platform at the same time? What tools will they be working with? It is important for you to think through these important questions and answer them accordingly as they will impact the safety of your equipment during operation. Based on your answers, you can select the correct equipment.

Site conditions: Site specific condition is another important factor you need to consider. What is the type or terrain the equipment will work on? Will it be used inside or outside? Does the site have proper electricity supply for the equipment? These factors would allow you to choose what power source is required in your equipment.

Criteria based on application
Selection of any access equipment is an important task and is quite similar to any capital equipment selection.

Pradeep Agarwal, Director, Mtandt says, “The process of selection needs to be dwelt upon with all minute details considered and provisioned for.” These are working height (includes human height), horizontal reach required (at maximum working height), horizontal reach required at other heights, up and over clearance, terrain, indoor or outdoor, entry dimensions, slab rating, slope while moving the equipment, slope during working of the equipment, nature of work to be done.

If the machine needs to work outdoors on rough terrain for construction purpose, engine operated access equipment with rough terrain foam filled tyres would suit. However, if access equipment needs to work inside a hotel lobby or a mall, the machine configuration would need to be different, with an electric prime over instead of engine, soft crawlers and with low weight ratio to suit the sensitive flooring. Once these criteria are known, the machine selection can be done by the manufacturer or the distributor.

Latest offerings
Modification of hoist
Appletree’s latest product range includes modification of its hoisters which are used for lifting the cradle from the ground and load limiter which stops the cradle if the SFL(safe working load) is exceeded. Malhotra says,“We have also changed the materials to make our equipment stronger and lighter.”

PULSEO GENERATION HA20LE PRO
Haulotte India has the new PULSEO Generation HA20LE PRO Electric Rough Terrain Articulating Boom. Besides, the company has HA15IP Electric articulated boom which is a very popular model in India both in end user and rental segment. Star 6 Picking is another product, which is vertical mast and the Optimum 8 electric scissor.

PULSEO GENERATION HA20LE PRO, is something that has been introduced by the company to change the future. The PULSEO Generation has undergone a lot of R&D and considering the confidence that Haulotte has on this product, the company is giving five-year warranty.

Early planning is the best way to have access system integrated in architectural design of the building, which reflects aesthetically on the façade.
Sunil Malhotra, M.D, Appletree Building Maintenance Pvt Ltd

Understanding jobsite requirement has to be studied for selecting correct equipment for working at height.
Krishna Patel, Head -Access SBU, Maco Corporation (I) Pvt Ltd

Process of selection needs to be dwelt upon with all minute details considered and provisioned for.
Pradeep Agarwal, Director, Mtandt