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| Safety and ergonomics at bauma Humanising the working environment and improving safety are common themes in all areas of the building industry. This will be amply demonstrated at bauma, International Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines, Construction Vehicles and Construction Equipment, in April this year. Here are just some of the innovations and new developments to expect in Munich: The Finnish company Finmac has built a remote-controlled, electrically operated demolition robot, for use in confined dangerous working situations. The computer-assisted remote control operates at distances of 300 metres. Here, at a safe distance, the operator is protected from falling debris or dangerous dust. The robot vehicle can be equipped with different modules, such as hammers, crushers, shears, grabs or buckets. The machine is powered by an electric engine, which means it can be operated emission-free in enclosed spaces. Securing loads of reinforced steel mesh or coils of steel wire has until now been a long and complicated process. Because of the danger of the load slipping when driving round corners, an additional clamp at the side has been necessary. At bauma 2010 Schmitz Cargobull AG from Horstmar/Germany will be presenting a new semitrailer specially designed for securing reinforced steel mesh for transport. The vehicle was tested by Dekra at the beginning of October 2009 and has been awarded a load safety certificate accepted in vehicle checks by the police and the BAG (German Office of Freight Transport). According to the manufacturer loads can now be secured quickly and in compliance with the regulations, in just a few operations. Fewer lashings are needed to secure the load. As well as greater safety, the new design also saves time and money. Austrian formwork specialist Doka has developed a framework scaffolding for building construction that makes it possible to have barrier-free workplace access routes and work-deck levels extending across several scaffold units at once. The H-shaped frame geometry of the Staxo 40 framework scaffolding makes working beneath the towerframe superstructure much easier, quicker and safer, claims the manufacturer. At bauma the Italian company Oil & Steel is presenting Octopussy Evo, a new access platform fitted to a remote-controlled track truck. The patented Safety Ring system is also available as an accessory. When using the Octopussy Evo fitted with this attachment, the operator has to maintain visual contact with the machine at all times. If, for example, another vehicle moves between the operator and the working platform, thus interrupting the remote control connection, the Safety Ring is switched on and the controls deactivated. This system also makes it impossible to work too close, i.e. within the operating field of the machine, or from too far away. This helps prevent accidents occurring through unintended manoeuvres. write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Construction News :: home page |