18th October 2002
Ref : ESS/MS/GAV
Oktopus UK Ltd will deliver to site the GA-V Lifting Machine and undertake to demonstrate the requisite tasks effectively and safely.
Training of the Client's operators, in the safe and correct use and understanding of the machine, will be included as part of and following the demonstration.
The machine is supplied with the documentation necessary for compliance with the Inspection and Testing Certificate,
Inspection and Examination Certificate and an Operating Manual.
The Machinery also carries the CE Marking.
The machine is totally independent of any external electrical supply during use. The motive power is obtained from on-board batteries providing a 24v DC supply. Lift is achieved via a vacuum pump connected to an integral piped system to Suction Pads affixed to a controlled support frame. A pressure sensor together with a visual gauge, Warning Beacon and Klaxon combine to provide an audio-visual operating system. Hydraulic cylinders provide the means for fine adjustment in the X, Y and Z planes, being part of an in-built hydraulic circuit controlled from the platform console. In the event of vacuum pump or power failure, the system is designed to hold the load in secure status for approximately eight minutes. Battery charge level indicator lights are also fitted and the pump will not operate below a predetermined charge level.
Platform dimensions: 2.22M long x 1.60M wide x 2.15M high
Platform weight: 800 Kg
Side extension: 2.95M long x 0.95M wide x 1.15M high
Extension weight: 100 Kg each.
Personnel Carrying
capacity for two
operators and tools: 150 Kg centre platform
150 Kg each side extension.
Operation: Control unit on platform.
Power source: 24v DC Battery
Pneumatic pressure: -0.8 bar (approx).
Hydraulic pressure: 160 bar (approx).
Lift system: Vacuum suction pads.
Panel Lifting capacity: 400 Kg (Max SWL)
Application use: Insulated or composite wall panels in Vertical mounting position.
Adjustment available: 300mm (approx) fine positioning in X and Y and Z planes by hydraulic cylinders.
For placement of vertical panels, a clear working area in front of the section of walling to be covered must be provided. To safeguard against the panel dropping and toppling, this should extend at least one metre greater than the length of the panel, in all directions measured from the edges of the panel when being fitted. This working area should also extend at least fifteen metres outwards from the wall. This is necessary to accommodate the panel stack and allow access for the fork-lift with the machine in situ.
The panel pack should be placed on a flat level surface within this space along side the wall as close as convenient.
The truck, or handler, complete with the GA-V machine correctly and safely mounted on the forks, set in their horizontal position, should be positioned next to the panel stack such that the operator on the machine work platform can lower the suction frame to engage with the top panel in the desired position.
The Locking Bolt must be withdrawn before attempting to lift the panel. With the suction frame displaced approximately two thirds along the panel, the first panel will separate as the fork-lift starts to lift vertically. Gravity effects pivoting of the panel into the vertical position and rotation is achieved, with ground operator assistance, for stability, as the lift continues. The installation height is controlled by the fork-lift and when at the desired height, placement of the panel to the wall is controlled by the platform operator using the extension facility of the machine. In some instances, due to space limitation, if the panels are easily manageable, the fork-lift may have to travel from the stack to the wall carrying the vertically held panel, before placement can be achieved.
Further operators then complete the fixing of the panel to the structure and the platform operator then releases the machine to be returned to the original position to collect the next panel on the stack.
For longer panels, the offset distance of the suction frame from the centre position will dictate the size of telehandler necessary to bring about the required lift and the maximum elevation possible. Furthermore, site conditions may determine that the panels are stacked at right angles to the building and lifted by a handler with a swivel capability, since stabilisers deployed for safety prevent any movement of the vehicle whilst lifting.
At no time must any operator be allowed to pass under, or work under, the machine whilst the panel is held in the vertical position prior to fixing.
A list of Daily checks accompanies the machine and the emphasis for the need to follow the procedures to ensure the continuance of the safe working practice is stressed during the operator instruction.
The machine batteries must be re-charged every night to maintain the effective working life expectancy for a full day's shift. A dedicated charger is supplied with the machine and should not be compromised in any way in terms of the duration of charge time or the Specified Input Voltage requirement of 110v, since undercharging will result in premature machine shut down.
Dependent upon the requirement for the fitting of the panels, the Client is responsible for provision of the Prime Lifting machine, whether Fork-lift or Telehandler or Crane and the insurance for all plant under his control, including the vacuum lift equipment, whilst on hire.
For the lift and placement of panels into position on the walls there will be a requirement for the truck operator at all times and at least two other operators to manoeuvre the panel and secure it.
The two operators can work, in contact with the ground operator by a two-way radio link. |