SPERIAN SCALES NEW HEIGHTS IN SAFETY DESCENDER TECHNOLOGY

As falls from height have, since 2001, accounted for the deaths of an average of 50 workers per year in Great Britain, the need for methods of enhancing safety for those working at height is clear. In addition, developments such as the growth in use of wind turbines are increasing the need for working at height, often in exposed conditions. It is to address these challenges, and also in response to the EU-OHSA’s safe maintenance campaign, that Miller by Sperian has launched SafEscape ELITE.

SafEscape ELITE complies fully with the new EN 341:2008 standard, which sets out demanding tests for rescue devices. These include 8000m descent (16 x 500m) for 100kg load, maximum descent height of 500m, and suitability for use in an emergency by two people weighing up to 250kg. In addition, the new standard provides optional test requirements, all of which have been met by SafEscape ELITE, for use in wet conditions.

Like all descender and lifting devices, SafEscape ELITE is intended for use only by appropriately trained persons. Nevertheless, its operation is straightforward. The position and design of the hand wheel reduces swaying during lifting, while an integral centrifugal brake ensures that descent is smooth, vibration free and, at 1m/s, rapid. The device also has a wide operating temperature range of – 30ºC to + 60ºC, allowing it to be used in all climatic conditions.

The SafEscape ELITE features robust construction and is manufactured throughout from materials that are highly resistant to corrosion and degradation. As a result, re-certification is required only after seven years. This greatly reduces both out-of-service time and total cost of ownership. In addition, where SafEscape ELITE is used for training purposes, re-certification is only needed after descents totalling 3,000m have been accumulated.

Ideal for use in rescue situations on wind turbines, antennas, high voltage transmission towers and cranes, SafEscape ELITE from Miller by Sperian is offered in three versions: without hand wheel, with hand wheel, and with both hand wheel and ladder bracket. A wide range of accessories is available, including rescue rope grabs, telescopic reach poles, work positioning lanyards and edge protectors.

Sperian also offers complete rescue kits that include a SafEscape ELITE with hand wheel and ladder adaptor, an 80m rope, anchorage slings, karabiners, a pulley, an edge protector and a T-bar. All of the items that make up this kit are contained in convenient waterproof rescue bag.