http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk Latest news from Universal Platforms Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:45:35 GMT http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=22 Universal Platforms has added the versatile Skyjack TK 46 to it's fleet, this is one of the few articulated telescopic boom that gives access below the machine – with a negative down reach of 6.4 metres. They are ideally suited for under-bridge inspection, harbour wall maintenance and ship repair work. Skyjack's unique SJB-46TK has a 15.85m work height above elevation and a negative down reach 6.4m below elevation, a 1.5m hydraulic jib shows rotation range of 180° and an 1.83m standard platform with a 272Kg unrestricted capacity. These units are driveable at full height and offer continuous 360° turret rotation. The SJB-46TK is designed to handle rugged terrain - its energy efficient, high performance drive system is second to none. When you need to solve complex and daunting access challenges, the Skyjack SJB-46TK is the ultimate solution. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=22 http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=21 Six of the UK's leading health and safety organisations coming together for the first time ever to discuss and debate how to eradicate falls from height in the workplace. Their conclusion? The need for more cooperation, better coordination, further education and improved long term planning. Chaired by David Thomas, safety, health and environment director at William Hare Ltd, the panel consisted of Peter Bennett, chairman of the Access Industry Forum (AIF); Joy Jones from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE); Nigel Bryson OBE from the British Safety Council (BSC); Barry Holt from the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM); John Holden from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), and Roger Bibbings MBE from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA). Key themes to emerge included better leadership; the need to engage the workforce more directly in safety issues; the avoidance of a 'tick box' approach to training; improved targeting, especially of small to medium sized firms in the construction sector, but, above all, the necessity to pool and synchronise resources, knowledge and information. Roger Bibbings urged all the organisations taking part in the discussion to work together to help fill the void created by the cuts in the HSE's budget. Two other AIF-sponsored discussions also attracted capacity audiences and sparked lively question and answer sessions: 'Successful planning techniques for working at height' and 'Maintaining effective work at height policies in a tough economic climate'. Comments Peter Bennett for the Forum: "The Holy Grail panel discussion was a ground breaking event which, I am sure, will have positive, long term consequences for the work at height sector in general. The spirit evident in Birmingham augers well for a high degree of cooperation between all the organisations taking part, with a view to reducing the number of deaths and injuries resulting from falls from height." Also making a huge and memorable contribution to the 2011 Knowledge Base programme was motivational speaker, Jason Anker. Jason was paralysed from the waist down as the result of an avoidable accident while working at height. Each day he delivered a raw, powerful presentation designed to warn everyone of the life shattering consequences of a fall. The panel discussions and individual presentations by AIF member organisations IPAF, NASC, PASMA and the Ladder Association, and Jason Anker, will shortly be available to watch again via online video on the Forum's website www.accessindustryforum.org.uk Mon, 13 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=21 http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=20 Researchers at the Aalto University, Finland have found a way to reduce the amount of fuel consumed by non road mobile equipment by half. This new technology captures energy, which up to now has been lost by the machinery when working, and uses it instead of fuel. The fuel consumption of construction and mining machines, agricultural machines, access equipment and material handling machines is reduced significantly. − These heavy duty machines are operated for long periods of time, so by the end of the day emissions and fuel consumption have added up. Being able to target them is a significant improvement, says Professor Jussi Suomela, who is in charge of the project at Aalto University's HybLab research network in Finland. The researchers have added an electric power transmission system into the machines. The machines then become hybrids with both combustion and electric engines. Similar technology has already proven successful in personal cars; however, hybrid cars only capture energy from wheels during deceleration, whereas work machines create most of the extra energy during work tasks. This energy has not been captured until now. The researchers at the Finnish Aalto University are now analyzing the work cycles of different types of machinery in order to find out which work tasks allow energy to be captured. Deceleration and lowering a load are typical examples. This technology enables short-term energy storage, making it possible to store energy for later use during a peak in power demand. The electric transmission generates other side benefits such as better controllability, operator comfort, efficiency and more freedom in the machine structure. The goal is to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Another benefit of hybridization is that it leads to lower operation costs as well. With electric power transmission, the machines may even be connected to normal wall sockets. − Electricity from the power grid is very cost-efficient and creates no local emissions. If the machine can be plugged in, that is usually the best option. The future is likely to make fuel cells available, too, says Suomela. And the benefits do not stop here: the machines are even able to release stored electrical energy back into the grid. HybLab research project and Aalto University's MIDE research program in Finland are funded by donated money from private companies and communities. Mon, 13 Jun 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=20 http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=19 Universal Platforms have powered access for most applications and we have one of the most diverse fleets of truck mounted Bronto's. Universal was asked to supply our 52m for a high level flood light inspection within a rail yard on the south coast. Universal Platforms can supply PTS operators and have extensive experience dealing on the rail infrastructure. Our client was happy with the service provided and the job was completed safely and within the set time. Tue, 17 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=19 http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=18 Universal Platforms London's Premier supplier of access platforms has the equipment and expertise to get into the tightest of doorways. We were asked to help with an art exhibition in north London and the Mantis 24 was the perfect machine for the job. Our expert operator Paul was on hand to negotiate this difficult manoeuvre. Universal Platforms can work within most building and has a number of narrow access machines that can reach up to 38m. Sun, 08 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=18 http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=17 Universal Platforms can supply all types of specialised access for the all the needs of our clients. The Braviuk Leonardo is one of the most flexible personnel lifts in the market place. Our client needs to maintain one of London's light rail networks, the fact that this machine can go into a standard lift is perfect for the maintenance of their stations. Jacqui Fix our depot manager at Basildon is always on hand with her knowledge and trained and helpful staff to offer the best access solution. Mon, 02 May 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=17 http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=16 Here at Universal Platforms we have a 30 year history of being able to get the job done. Working in a large international bank's atrium in the heart of London is no exception. Our Spider TS24 was the perfect machine for the job. It needed to get through a small doorway and reach up to replace the blinds on the front windows. Universal's experienced operator managed to manoeuvre into position and complete the task in good time over a weekend, allowing the bank staff to come in on the Monday morning none the wiser but with working blinds to keep the sun at bay. If you would like Universal to help you please contact our experienced staff on 0800866587 Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=16 http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=15 Universal Platforms Hire has a solution for most problems, and this one at a major rail station in London was no exception. The client had a task to get to 4.5 metres down over a class 2 preservation wall to attach a new cable hanging system as part of an important upgrade of the station. After detailed consultation and site survey work we proposed the use of our larger two Bronto 46m and Bronto 52m vehicle mounted platforms, which have the capability to reach down nearly 6 metres. The Bronto 52 and 46 xdt - extra duty telescopic - share many features making them the most versatile in their class. Key features include the telescopic fly booms, rotating cages with fully proportional controls, and the flexibility of one sided, variable jacking allows the Bronto's to be set up in busy streets and confined spaces with the minimum of disruption. The works at the Central London Station were completed during the Bank holidays over Christmas and the New Year and will carry on past Easter of this year. Powered access equipment can be used in many different ways and because Universal has over 30 years experience within the industry we can usually come up with a workable solution. Universal can supply trained operatives and support staff that can work within the Rail industry and we have the internal expertise to work with main contractors and their subcontractors for safe working rail solutions. Fore more information please call our staff on 0800866587 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=15 http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=14 A Universal Aerial Platforms Bronto 52m has the reach and flexibility to work on Wimbledon train depot in the taking down and Erection of new high level lights. The job was to take down the old stile lattice type masts and replace with the new type mast that can be maintained from ground level. Our Bronto 52m truck mounted machine has the cage size and reach to work safely and complete the task. We worked closely with the crane operator and our client to take down the old mast in four pieces this was achieved by stropping and then cutting in section to safely remove the lighting mast. Universal and Facelift Access are working with different clients on the rail infrastructure throughout the UK we have a number of PTS trained operatives, Fitters and site surveyors. Thu, 21 Oct 2010 23:00:00 GMT http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=14 http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=12 Set within the Holborn district of central London, Lincoln's Inn is one of the most architecturally impressive sites in the City. A number of the buildings date back to the 1400's and the site has developed continually, with a great many more structures being added. None is more impressive than the Great Hall, completed in 1843 and opened by Queen Victoria. Universal Aerial Platforms, have in depth experience with the complexities involved on these type of sites, particularly where access to the working location is difficult to achieve, and where great respect must be considered for delicate structures and load baring strengths. Universal's Narrow Access Specialists, worked closely with the sites property maintenance team to understand their exact needs for works to be completed. Due to the limited time available for access to complete the internal work, the FS (falcon spider) 290 narrow access work platform was used. Although gaining entry to the work site required technical precision for this size of machine, the extra height afforded by the Spider 29 enabled maximum reach within the hall, and a minimum number re set up times. In addition to the internal structural inspection work, Universal also supplied a FS (falcon spider) 370 narrow access work platform, to assist with external structural inspections. Both machines were supplied with operator as there knowledge and familiarity with access equipment enabled the architects and surveyors to carry out their duties more efficiently. Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:00:00 GMT http://www.universalplatforms.co.uk/news/news-article.cfm?article=12