SubscribeVersalift has developed a range of machines that are fully insulated for low voltage applications, to protect ALL those that may be considered to be at risk.
Having spoken to our customers regarding the use of vehicle mounted access platforms in a low voltage working environment, we found that they had concerns as to what would happen if the boom of the platform touched a live cable instead of just the bucket.
It is in just these circumstances that the traditional 'rely on the bucket method' was found wanting. As this not only relies on where the accidental contact is made but on the integrity of the bucket itself, which is OK when it is new but probably not after a period of time.
The Versalift 'LV insulation kit', offers up to 3kv operational insulation of the whole platform for increased safety when working from height, near to live electrical equipment such as low voltage power lines and faulty street lamps. The full insulation of the boom is a critical part of this kit as it ensures the safety of both ground and aerial personnel should the boom come in to contact with a live object, as any current is not passed down the boom to the van or bucket and fully insulates the operator from risk.
What's insulated?
- Bucket, insulated from boom
- Lanyard connection, insulated from boom
- Boom, insulated from vehicle
- Controls, insulated from platform
The reason why we have introduced this advance is that many companies rely purely on the insulation properties of the bucket. This is not good practice as it exposes the ground staff or passer by to risk, as outlined above. So if a comprehensive 'risk assessment' is to be performed this factor must be considered.
So far this new feature has attracted a lot of interest from companies that wish to offer a high duty of care, since launch earlier this year. Primarily these have been for street lighting applications, operating in urban environments.
A fundamental difference between the Versalift low voltage system and alternatives from other manufacturers, is that we dielectrically test the machine between the boom and bucket, boom to lanyard anchor, boom to turret and the bucket itself. Whereas many others just test between two points on the bucket which means nothing other than the bucket is insulated if it touches a live contact and even then only when it is in good repair.
Complies with VDE 0682.742 plus dielectrically tested and certified for complete peace of mind.
The Versalift low voltage insulation protection system can be supplied on a range of our platforms from the 11.6m ET32NF to the 23m VST6500NF.