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Low level access stuff


delicolor

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I am involved with a volunteer music venue that has a flat floored hall & a dance floor. The roof steelwork is at 4m height and ladders are needed to access the lights, projector and speakers (as well as put up the Christmas decorations although unsurprisingly that didn't happen this year). They had been talking about getting a scissor lift or scaffold tower for some time and weighing up the pros and cons (safety, training, liability, cost, ease of use, storage space) but have now decided to get something called a BS8620 podium system from Alto which offers a 2.25m platform height, 4.25m working height. There are higher items available under the 2.5m threshold but they are more like stepladders with cages rather than a tower with ladder access. They also bring back unpleasant memories of being at the top of Tallescopes...

 

Now I would have liked a category 3B MEWP (or even a push-along) but I would be the only person with a ticket to drive it and the need to put down boards on the dance floor would be a pain!

 

Unlike MEWPs there is no obligation to be formally accredited for access platforms, just that the users and management are competent and follow properly risk assessed procedures. However I will recommend an on-site training session for as many volunteers as can be mustered post-lockdown and that the ladders get locked away.

 

There is training & accreditation for PASMA low level work access platforms (formerly called PAS250) which is half a day although it can be combined with mobile access tower training (12m inside, 8m outside) for somewhat less than double the price. Despite being old and fat, I'm inclinded to go for the latter, if only to pass opinion on what the tradesmen get up to!

 

I have to say that the first time I saw a Podium I thought it must have been designed by a committee as it seemed so way over the top for something I would have happily used a rostrum for when younger. However I am warming to them, especially for work that would otherwise need the Zarges and the three points of contact.

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I have used one of these on a site, and they aren't too bad at all.

 

They don't have the height flexibility of a Tallescope, and working on anything below handrail height is awkward because there are so many safety bars. Other than that, the only issue we had was getting into corners because of the outriggers, but that applies to most towers or access systems.

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I remember having a demo of a ZAP tower -
which they were pushing as a "post scope" I remember it being really nice, just didnt go t the height we wanted. But was strong as hell. Also Depending on what else you have it can be used in mixed height (steps etc).
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Don't forget that powered access gear is subject to inspection so will be an ongoing cost.

...as well as battery replacement. I'd taken that into account.

 

I think a boom Mewp might be overcooking it for a 4m roof height?

Is that with grid below or is it the grid at 4m?

 

Is your priority to move whist occupied for focusing - is there the MEWP angle?

 

Pitched roof apex at 7.5m, eaves at 4m along with underside of steelwork. The roof truss construction includes a couple of horizontal sections at 6m on each frame that we have wondered what the lighting angle would be like but it is a little too impractical and whilst a mover would make sense, the exing moves already make a bit too much noise for concerts.

 

A powered Mewp would definitely be nice but somewhat over the top even though I'm old and fat!

 

After much deliberation, I prefer smallescope over shortescope...

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I have to say that the first time I saw a Podium I thought it must have been designed by a committee.

 

I agree - there are much neater solutions than the Alto one.

 

I'll climb anything - except a Tallescope. It always put the fear of God up me....

Edited by Junior8
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I have to say that the first time I saw a Podium I thought it must have been designed by a committee.

 

I agree - there are much neater solutions than the Alto one.

Personally I've always found podiums to be a total PITA and moving the things around to be a very risky operation. Added to that access into many of the situuations I worked in was 100% impossible with them.
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