JMS access platforms support high-rise fire safety surveys
Cherry pickers hired from JMS are supporting important work to carry out fire safety surveys on tall buildings in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.
Property management companies are carrying out more fire risk surveys than ever before due to the issues raised by the aftermath of the fire in the council tower block in Notting Hill, West London.
A key issue is the material used to construct tall buildings – in terms of external and internal cladding – which is increasing the number of surveys needed that also involve the taking of test samples.
Access booms for fire surveys
As one of the UK’s leading suppliers of large boom lifts and spider platforms, JMS is well placed to support structural engineers and building surveyors in carrying out this important task.
During one project, two different spider platforms from the JMS hire fleet proved their worth surveying buildings in Lewisham, South East London.
The Hinowa 26.14 Lightlift Performance IIIS spider platform was used to allow a building surveyor to take samples from a multiuse building that included a fitness gym, offices and apartments.
The model selected was a lithium battery electric powered tracked spider platform. As a low noise and zero emissions spider boom lift it is ideal for operating in sensitive areas such as around schools, hospitals and care homes.
Spider booms – compact design
The spider boom lift has a maximum working height of 25.7m and an outreach of 13.75m. It has a hydraulic boom and rotating basket, for precise positioning and an unrestricted capacity of 230kg. Â
Nearby, one of JMS’s JLG X26 J Plus compact crawler booms was being used to carry out similar work on a 10-storey apartment block.
The spider boom lift shares the same height, reach and basket capacity performance as the Hinowa LL 26.14, and like the Hinowa, has an automatic set up and stow function for safe and productive operation.
Spider platforms are excellent for carrying out fire safety surveys because they are highly compact so can get through narrow access points. As a tracked access platform, they are also ideal for operating across low load-bearing surfaces, like paved walkways.
Hybrid boom survey benefits
However, conventional wheeled boom lifts, also known as cherry pickers, are also handy for carrying out building surveys.
In Bow, East London, one of JMS’s Niftlylift HeightRider 28 4×4 boom lifts has been used to carry out a similar fire risk survey of new apartment blocks.
The location of street furniture and the narrow paths, combined with the proximity of a busy road, meant it was not possible to set up a spider platform’s outriggers.
Sustainable cherry pickers
The Niftylift HR28 boom lift was an exceptional alternative, with a maximum working height of 28m, an outreach of 19m, plus a basket capacity of 280kg.
All cherry pickers in the British-made Niftylift HeightRider range are designed to be as light and compact as possible, so they can operate in the often restricted space around modern high-rise buildings.
And, as hybrid platforms, they can be powered by a diesel engine, electricity, or a combination of both, supporting sustainable and environment-sensitive working at height.
JMS can also supply even taller booms, like the Hinowa Lightlift 33.17, which has a maximum working height of 32.5m, right up to the JLG 1850SJ, with a working height reaching up to 58.57m.
For more information about how JMS can support fire safety surveys on all types of building, call us today: 0845 457 0000.
