Anabel Mostajo Cortes, Author at Power Towers

The PecoDC has been named as “Data Centre Safety & Security Innovation of the Year”

Anabel Mostajo Cortes — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 08:38:07 +0000

We are proud to announce that Power Towers together with our Data Centre Channel Partner, Daxten, have won the DCS Awards 2022 within the category of “Data Centre Safety & Security Innovation of the Year” with the PecoDC.

This prize recognizes our specialized application Pecolift, that has been branded PecoDC, (available only for this channel through Daxten)as a safer way of working at Low-Level Heights, while performing installations, inspections, maintenance, or repairs in Data Centres.

With this access solution you can enter the platform at ground level and raise it to the desired working height, the fully guarded platform keeps the operator safe while working at height. This access platform is not just a safer method of working at Low-Level Heights, it also allows the operator to work more comfortably while also improving efficiency. To learn more about the Benefits of our products, please check the Benefits page.

So, what is the difference between the Pecolift and the PecoDC?

The PecoDC is similar to the Pecolift but it has a narrower footprint of 0.99 m x 0.672 m compared to the Pecolift footprint of 0.99 m x 0.70 m. The PecoDC was created specially to use in narrow rack aisles in Data Centres.

But why was there this need to re-design the Pecolift to a narrower version? To understand better how the PecoDC was created, we have talked with Phillip McGuinness, Data Centre Consultant from Daxten.

What was the problem/s that Data Centres were facing?

“Data Centres have evolved over time from once having all the services under the raised floor including power and data to now locating both power and data overhead above the IT cabinets. This has meant that what was once ground level working has been replaced with high level overhead working typically between 2-4m from the floor level. This increased height has led to a number of injuries due to working on ladders at height.” Mentioned Phillip McGuinness.

Therefore, Data Centres were looking for a solution to work on low-level heights, and the Pecolift (3.5m max. working height) and Ecolift (4.2m max. working height) were an ideal solution for working at those required heights. Moreover, the Pecolift and Ecolift are clean and sustainable solutions since they do not have batteries or hydraulic systems to be powered. “The lack of hydraulics in a clean room environment is very desirable as Data Centres spend lots of money to prevent water/liquid ingress into the Data Centre. Being completely manual also helps as no one needs to remember to charge the product.” – mentioned Phillip McGuinness.

So, what was missing in the Pecolift and the Ecolift? “Whilst the Pecolift and Ecolift were good height wise, we recognized that a smaller footprint would be better as the Data Centre is very expensive real estate so it is often very densely populated with racks, meaning the smaller the footprint the better. Additions such as tethering hooks help stop any tools being dropped was also deemed a good option to include.” Therefore, the Pecolift and Ecolift evolved to the PecoDC and EcoDC. The PecoDC is narrower than the standard Pecolift. Both the PecoDC and EcoDC offer tethering hooks attached to the work tray. This allowed that those companies that were looking for a safer access method to have another option to choose: “The PecoDC with its smaller footprint means that companies actively promoting a “Ladder-less” policy can achieve that goal with a Data Centre specific product. Ladders are no longer the choice now, they are a last resort when the PecoDC and EcoDC are available.”

If you want to have more information about these solutions for Data Centres, you can contact us or Daxten: +44 (0)20 8991 6200 / info.uk@daxten.com

The post The PecoDC has been named as “Data Centre Safety & Security Innovation of the Year” appeared first on Power Towers.

ISG CASE STUDY

Anabel Mostajo Cortes — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 11:36:15 +0000

IMPROVING WORKSITE EFFICIENCY AND OPERATOR SAFETY

The Health and Safety Team of the international construction company ISG GmbH in Germany, recently carried out an in depth study comparing ladders to an alternative means of access. Ladders are typically used to go up and down by climbing. When climbing operators do not have their hands free which limits
mobility. Ladder related incidents are common incidents including injuries related to
falling.
The most common injuries associated with ladder accidents are bruises, sprains, and strains, as well as closed fractures. The body regions most affected are the ankle, knee, and foot. For this reason, ISG together with Power Towers, took in a number of Pecolifts in an effort to improve worker safety on its projects.

At ISG GmbH, the vision is to become the world’s most dynamic construction services company, delivering places that help people and businesses thrive.
Its 2,800 worldwide specialists in fit out, technology, and construction deliver not just buildings, but also an exceptional delivery dynamic and strong customer relationships built on mutual trust, collaboration, and open communication. The company blends its unparalleled track record, sound processes and proven delivery
methods with a fast-paced and agile culture, ensuring it delivers thriving places that are as responsive and resilient as its occupants.
For nearly three decades, ISG has been providing construction solutions to some of
the world’s most successful and enduring businesses, cities and institutions. Yet
today’s fast-paced world demands more than a safe pair of hands. Delivering the
places of tomorrow requires the ability to think big, collaborate widely and
meaningfully, and build in real capacity for change.

Power Towers Ltd. is a UK manufacturer founded in 2007. The company was
instrumental in founding of the Low-Level Access industry. Six years later, in
2013, the Pecolift and Ecolift were introduced as an innovative and unique Low-
Level Access solution in the UK as an alternative to ladders and podiums. Since then,
their acceptance both in the UK and globally has been unparalleled and their use is
now considered a best practice in place of ladders, podiums and step-ups. They are
recognised not only for improving safety, but also for their simplicity, efficiency and
improved operators’ ergonomics.
We engage operators, engineers, ergonomists, safety and project managers in the
initial concept development stage to ensure that when our engineers set forth
designing, they have the user and the application at the forefront of the development
process. We design and cycle test our products so that they will be durable and
trouble free. We use the latest motion sensor technology to determine the forces that
are being applied to the body to make sure our products will be comfortable to use.

ISG’s goal
Substitute ladders with alternative, modern low level equipment for work at height.
ISG Work at Height Definition
Working at any height above ground level, at ground level or below ground level where
a fall could result in injury.
ISG Work at Height policy
To improve the safety of all subcontractors and workers on the projects, ISG has
implemented a “Work at Height Standard” as part of all subcontractor agreements.
Product Comparison
Ladder vs Pecolift
Action Plan for Prevention of Use of Ladders on ISG Projects
Together with Power Towers, an action plan was prepared on how to demonstrate to
subcontractors the use of the Pecolift and educate subcontractors how to implement
the policy.

2018
90% use of ladders / 10% use of low-level work at height equipment
2018 – 2019 ISG Project Management started consultations with subcontractors
Initiated specific training sessions. ISG implemented obligatory Work at
Height Standard and daily conditional ladder permit.

2020
95% use of low-level work at height equipment / 5% use of ladders

BENEFITS OF USING THE PECOLIFT

The case study clearly indicated that by using the Pecolift subcontractors delivered
better quality, improved efficiency and reduced time needed to complete tasks. The
Pecolift is also equipped to store hand tools and materials while working at height.
Improvements were noted in worker ergonomics and their overall health. The
Pecolift could be easily manoeuvred, stored, set up and maintained. Housekeeping
was improved.
ISG Project Management feedback: Reduced paperwork since daily ladder permits
were unnecessary. An improved quality of work, improvements related to efficiency,
improved satisfaction with sub-contractors. Additionally, a reduction in site risks
related to slips, trips and falls from height was accomplished. Improved organisation
of the work site was also mentioned.
ISG’s was very satisfied to see that subcontractors not only used Pecolifts on ISG
projects but also on other projects, which indicates that the contractors themselves
acknowledge the benefits of the Pecolift.

PECOLIFT FEATURES

• Intuitive to operate – turn handle to elevate
• Patented* lift mechanism, no power required
• Lightweight, easy to manoeuvre
• Small foot print (0.99 m x 0.70 m)
• Unlimited lift cycles, can be used 24/7
• Robust design for years of trouble free service
• Minimal operational costs, virtually maintenance free
• Maximum working height: 3.50 m
• Maximum platform height: 1.50 m
• Safe working load: 150 kg (1 person + tools)

The post ISG CASE STUDY appeared first on Power Towers.

The Market for Small-Scale (LLA) Lifts

Anabel Mostajo Cortes — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 07:43:58 +0000

Perfect for accessing hard-to-reach work in small spaces in high places, the market demand for Low Level Access is growing rapidly worldwide. Low Level Access is considered a more ergonomic alternative over ladders and scaffolding that deliver a maximum work height of 5.4m and weigh less than 500kgs.

These products are primarily used in applications where one would historically use a ladder or scaffolding because they can be easily rolled through a facility and assembled or disassembled quickly, allowing workers to access catwalks, landings and other hard-to-reach areas. These lifts are ideal for applications including mechanical and electrical work, HVAC and ductwork, hanging drywall, painting, retail refit and display, construction finishing work and cleaning.

There are three key trends accelerating demand for and adoption of low-level access lifts, including:

The first is that more and more companies are looking to replace ladders and scaffolding with products that offer a safer way to work at height. Ladder falls and overuse injuries as the result of ladder use have many negative outcomes. In addition to employee injury, falls can lead to lost time, reducing productivity and costly workers compensation claims.
The second trend is urbanization. With less open space, and buildings getting taller and narrower, there is a greater need for products that have a small footprint, are lighter weight for use on sensitive flooring and that can fit into and moved between floors in elevators for finish and fit out construction work as well as ongoing maintenance.
The final trend is an increased focus on environmental considerations. Human- and battery-powered lifts run quieter, as well as eliminate or reduce emissions altogether, making them suitable for use everywhere from libraries and hospitals to office buildings and universities.

As the popularity and demand grows for using small-scale lifts, instead of ladder and scaffolding, opportunities in the market for low-level access solutions continue to develop. Below are responses to the most frequently asked questions about Low Level Access in order to better understand these types of machines…

Are there different styles of Low Level Access? What are some of the more common configurations/ratings/access capabilities?
Low-level access lifts aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are many options to choose from, whether a worker needs a highly portable lift or an eco-friendly crank lift. These variety in these types of lifts allows people to fit into tight spaces and reposition easily, while being lightweight enough for use on sensitive flooring and in elevators.

Human-powered lifts are lighter weight and quieter than their battery powered counterparts.

While still small, battery-powered units tend to have a slightly larger footprint, are heavier and have a higher platform capacity, allowing the user to bring more tools and materials with them to the work area at one time, reducing the number of times they need to ascend then descend during the workday.

What are the pros (or cons) of these types of machines?
Operators in low-level equipment can use both hands comfortably to do work safely at height, a full 360 degrees. This isn’t the case with ladders, where workers often must use one hand to stabilize themselves at height, leaving only one hand free to perform a task. This equipment also features portability benefits. Low-level access equipment can be lowered and moved from one location to another, making it easy to perform multiple tasks throughout a facility in less time.

The non-powered realm of low-level access lifts includes models that feature a patented stored power lift system that requires no batteries, hydraulics, oil or controls. Because no hydraulics or motors are involved, these eco-friendly lifts are leak-free and operate quietly, making them a preferred piece of equipment for work in environmentally sensitive areas, such as clean rooms and data centers, as well as in hospitals, schools, libraries and office buildings where noise restrictions exist. They are simply cranked up by the operator to access the work area.

Powered vertical low-level access lifts combine height and reach with low ground bearing pressure, making them optimal for use on sensitive floors and when the need to move them between floors using elevators is required. Where power is required, these lifts help boost productivity during finishing work or routine maintenance in indoor spaces.

It’s also important to note that low-level access equipment helps with worker fatigue. With ladders, a worker must climb up and down to get the tools he or she needs. It can be exhausting work and can lead to an increased risk of falls or injuries. However, low-level access equipment offers trays to stow tools that allows for work to get done more quickly.

What advantages does Low Level Access offer? What are the primary applications for their current use?
Low-level access lifts offer a safer alternative to ladders and scaffolding that can help mitigate the risks associated with working at height while reducing worker fatigue and enabling ergonomic working positions. For example, they can replace a range of ladders, including single-sided stepladders, twin stepladders, podium stepladders and platform stepladders, as well as be used in place of stationary and rolling scaffolding.

And, these types of machines are lightweight and compact in size. They are easily pushed into place or between work areas and require nominal storage space, making them ideal for ongoing facility maintenance from airports to data centers to high rise buildings and just about anything in between. Additionally, they are used on construction sites for fit out and finish work, such as painting, installing fire alarm or sprinkler systems, putting in (or replacing) lighting and ceiling tiles, as well as other similar type of tasks.

The most common applications for low-level access lifts include:

Performing facility maintenance in healthcare, education, data centers and office settings
Completing contractors’ tasks like drywall work, painting, HVAC installation and electrical/mechanical work
Refitting retail displays and updating seasonal décor
Maintaining production equipment in manufacturing environments

Want to stay up to date with industry news and trends similar to this? Make sure you subscribe below to receive updates from us with newly posted content so you never miss important information.

The post The Market for Small-Scale (LLA) Lifts appeared first on Power Towers.