Skyjack Has Announced Two Secondary Guarding/Crush-Protection Options for Its Range of Boom Lifts

Skyjack Division is the first manufacturer to release two distinct options in secondary guarding (additional protective measures taken following a job-specific risk assessment, to reduce the potential for sustained inadvertent operation in the event of collision with an external object). By simultaneously introducing the SG-M and SG-E secondary guarding mechanisms, it allows the equipment user to select the most appropriate solution for any particular need, following a job-specific risk assessment. Industry groups have recently suggested the possibility of certain circumstances, conditions and operations that might result in inadvertent contact with obstructions and a consequent unintended operation of the controls. A form of "secondary guarding" is, therefore, now specified by some equipment users.

"We understand that there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution when it comes to such precautions," said David Hall, Skyjack product manager Europe. "Our telescopic and articulating booms are designed with a range of safety features, in accordance with regulatory requirements. However, we recognize that this new measure, although not mandatory, has a role to play. The UK government’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has welcomed secondary guarding but has also noted that no one system is appropriate for all job functions. We agree, and by offering a choice of options it broadens the appeal of secondary guarding to a wider range of customers, who may consider it a worthwhile investment."

Skyjack has always worked closely with its customers when developing new products and systems. WIts SG-M and SG-E systems have been driven by market demand and the company worked particularly closely with one of the UK’s largest equipment providers (and a major Skyjack customer) Select Plant Hire. The Skyjack SG-M system features a low-weight protective steel structure that is designed to reduce the possibility of the operator being held against the controls in the event of unintended contact with an obstruction.

The Skyjack SG-E system features a sensor bar that, when pushed, instantly stops all functions and initiates an audible siren and high-intensity flashing beacon. If the bar is released within one second, the siren and beacon will cease, and the selected function will return. If pressure is applied for more than one second, the siren and beacon will continue to activate and the engine will stop, halting all functions until reset. The applicable emergency controls can still be operated to bring the platform down to ground safely. If the system is accidentally activated by the operator, it can be easily reset using the illuminated push button on the control box.

Both the SG-E and SG-M can be fitted on new Skyjack booms or retrofitted to models manufactured in 2006 and after. They can be factory fitted or alternatively supplied as a kit. Once fitted, neither system impairs operator visibility, mobility on the platform or access to the work area. Both require minimum maintenance.

To create two products which meet all the customer demands, it was important to have feedback from a major user: Select Plant Hire, a company with almost 30 years of experience supplying construction equipment. By having Select as a partner, Skyjack gained extensive insight into market needs and also a ready-made arena in which to do extensive field testing. This ensured the customer remained the focal point throughout the testing process.

"Select Plant’s Powered Access Division was keen to work through a solution for secondary guarding systems with Skyjack to bring the company’s articulating boom range into our own fleet," said Tom Barrow, Select Plant Hire specialist product manager. "Select has always been at the forefront of product safety solutions and this is the driver that helped us push through in partnership a solution to secondary guarding on Skyjack products"