18th October 2002
Ref : ESS/MS
Oktopus UK Ltd will deliver the KA-B Machine to site for demonstration and training of the Client's operators in the safe and correct use and understanding of the machine.
The machine is supplied with the documentation necessary for compliance with the Inspection and Examination Certificate, Inspection and Testing 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. An independent crane is necessary to provide lift, utilising a matched chain and sling set supplied with the machine. Multiple lifting points enable the machine to operate in any of three positions, referred to as ‘Vertical wall', ‘Horizontal wall' or ‘Roof'. Panel grip is achieved via a vacuum pump connected to an integral piped system to Suction Pads affixed on cross beams bolted to a rigid lattice support frame. A push button control box is incorporated near one end of the machine frame. Designed to hold the load in secure status for approximately eight minutes in the event of pump or power failure, a pressure sensor together with a Warning Beacon and Klaxon combine to provide a safe audio-visual operating system. Manual straps can be attached to the underside of the machine frame to compliment the safety aspect when used for Roof or Horizontal lifts. Battery condition indicator lights are also fitted and the pump will not operate below a predetermined charge level. Two castors can also be attached at one end, to facilitate a rolling pivot action as the frame is lowered in the vertical hanging position onto the horizontal stack of panels when used for vertical wall fixing.
KA-B dimensions: 4M long x 1M wide x 0.4M high
Machine weight: 180 Kg
Operation: Push button Control unit on frame.
Power source: 24v DC (2 x 12v Dry-Fit Batteries)
Pneumatic pressure: -0.8 bar.
Lift system: Vacuum suction pads.
Panel Lifting capacity: 400 Kg (Max SWL)
Application use: Insulated or composite panel mounting,
in Roof, Vertical or Horizontal position.
For placement of wall panels, a clear working area directly in front of the section of walling to be covered must be provided which extends at least two metres, for safety clearance, at either end of the horizontal panel and from between five metres to fifteen metres from the wall, to suit the panel length. The panel pack should be placed centrally within this space on a flat, level surface , along side the wall as close as convenient whilst allowing access for the panel fixer's work platform when in situ.
The crane must be positioned nearby such that the KA-B machine, complete with panel, can be lifted and swung into a position whereby the panel fixers can direct and guide the suspended frame and panel into place and attach the preliminary fixings. Once the panel is secure, the machine suction is released by one of the operators on the work platform and the unit returned to ground level for location onto the next panel on the stack.
The vertical, or horizontal, placement of the panel to the wall is controlled by the panel fixers, when at the desired level. The installation height is controlled by the crane operator.
When placing vertical panels it may well require two sets of operators to achieve simultaneous fixing at the top and bottom of the panel. When roof fixing, the under straps may be used if required. If lifting the panels at a predetermined inclination to match the roof pitch, the straps may be tensioned to clamp the panel to the suction frame if required. The panels are lifted and positioned directly onto the support steelwork by the crane operator. When in place, the under straps, if used, are removed and the machine is then released by one of the operators.
At no time must any operator be allowed to pass under, or work under, the swing area of the crane whilst the panel is being lifted.
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 Crane, and the insurance for all plant under his control, including the vacuum lift equipment, whilst on hire.
There will be a requirement for the crane operator at all times and at least two other ground operators to align the machine onto the panel and manoeuvre it until the lift is effected.
The number of fixing operators will depend upon the location and panel size, but will certainly warrant at least two. |