november 2009 volume 37 issue 11 - scaffold … volume 37 > issue 11 > 2009 ... elevators,...

VOLUME 37 ISSUE 11NOVEMBER 2009

www.scaffold.org Scaffold Industry NOVEMBER 2009 1

2 NOVEMBER 2009 Scaffold Industry www.scaffold.org


FeatureProgress Energy

Crystal RiverNuclear Power

Plant Mega ShutDown 27

Beta Max hoist solves prob-lem in reaching small space

TableOf Contents N O V E M B E R> VOLUME 37 > ISSUE 1 1 > 2009

On the CoverAlimak HEK provided the constructionelevators for the transportation of personneland materials on the Westin Peachtree project.

5 From the President’s Desk

8 Technically Speaking

28 Schedule of Events

36 Industry Briefs

40 Advertisers Index

departments

FeatureCondo Project

Required ContinuousOperation 20

McDonough assists contractor with hoist

solution for California project

12

FeatureElevators, Hoists and Platforms, Oh My!

FeatureNo Longer a

Luxury 18Economic Benefits of

using an elevator on a con-struction site can mean a

46 percent savings

FeatureWestin Peachtree

Center gets a NewFaçade 24

Alimak HEK Rental Groupassists in designing system tohelp repair tornado damage

Strict standards dictate each type of equipment’s specifications,design and use.

Scaffold Industry NOVEMBER 2009 5

You ask, “What in theheck does that mean?”Answer: Traction!

In today’s climate,organizations are notunlike businesses.One of three thingsis most likely hap-pening: 1) you arelosing ground andmost likely money; 2)

you are treadingwater, hoping tostay status quountil better times;or 3) you are mak-ing improvements, direction is forward,and positioned for tomorrow. Ladies andgentleman, your Scaffold Industry Asso-ciation is operating under the latter; wehave traction and, in these times, we con-tinue to get better every day!

Dear Mr. President: Please explain! Allow me to share a most recent

exploit, as I have just returned from LasVegas as the SIA hosted the 2009 ANSIASC A92 meetings as its secretariat. TheAmerican National Standards Institute(ANSI) accredits the SIA as the developer

of standards by which the access industryoperates. Last year, when we hosted thesesame meetings, I found myself speaking tothis large body as the three-month-old newpresident of the SIA. I found myself apolo-gizing for unfortunate and unintentionaladministrative errors on our association’spart as acting-secretariat, dating someeight years ago. I found myself promisingthis body, whose hard work is so depend-ent on the administrative processes of its

secretariat, a posi-tive direction.(Note: I saw eye-rolling in the audi-ence, and it made

me mad). One year later...we delivered!Your staff is unbelievable. One example ofmany in the last 12 months is illustrated bythe loss of a standard. Through incredibleeffort of staff and committee members,the standard was again approved and rein-stated this past month. I found myselfaccepting accolades and congratulationson behalf of the SIA for the turn-around,the efforts and, most importantly, theresults of many. The recognition andrespect of the SIA is growing daily as seenby regulatory bodies, other related associa-

VOLUME 37 ISSUE 11

F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T ’ S D E S K

Scaffold Industry is published monthly plus oneextra issue in March by the Scaffold Industry Asso-ciation. Periodicals Postage Pending at Salt Lake City,UT and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions are$85 for an annual subscription.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: Scaffold Industry Assocation 400 Admiral Boulevard, Kansas City, MO 64106

For further information, please contact the SIA office at:

Scaffold Industry Assocation400 Admiral BoulevardKansas City, MO 64106

Phone: (816) 595-4860Fax: (816) 472-7765

[email protected] • www.scaffold.org

Scaffold Industry is the official publication of theScaffold Industry Association Inc. Opinions expressedherein are those of the respective authors and do notnecessarily reflect the official view of the SIA.

The material contained in this publication is forinformational purposes only and, unless otherwisenoted, is not to be considered as the official positionof the SIA, its members or advertisers; does not con-stitute legal advice; is not to be considered as approv-ing or recommending any product or advertisementby the SIA; and the SIA does not promulgate rules orregulations governing the industry or its members.

Bill Breault is owner of Breault Industrial Group, Inc. in Lake Oswego, OR.He may be reached at (503) 924-4801 or [email protected]

Published by:

BILL BREAULTPresident

Breault Industrial Group, Inc.

STEVE SMITHPresident Elect

Edge International

RANDY MOODYVice President

The Brock Group

CHUCK HUTCHINSONSecretary

Haulotte/Bil-Jax, Inc.

DARYL HARETreasurer

Waco Scaffolding & Equipment Co.

GENE MORGANBoard Appointee

MDM Scaffolding Services

MIKE RUSSELLBoard Appointee

Power Climber Wind

JEFF STACHOWIAKPresidential Appointee

Sunbelt Rentals

JOHN R. MILLERImmediate Past-PresidentThe Millstone Companies

2009-2010 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

P U B L I S H E RMike Mehno

(972) 819-1460

M A N A G E R , D E S I G N & P R O D U C T I O N

Jeff Kruger(626) 932-6193

G R A P H I C D E S I G N E RChuck Muela

(626) 932-6147

A D C O O R D I N A T O RKatherine Culliver

(626) 932-6172

A C C O U N T M A N A G E RJoan Callahan(972) 819-1496

E D I T O RJody Becker

(816) 595-4836

Our Tiresare Getting Bigger!

Bill Breault

Continued on page 7

We have the right people inthe right seats.


President’s Message

tions, and, most importantly, by indi-viduals and entities who continue toadd to our membership growth.

As I watch the calendar dwindle onmy 24-month term with just over eightmonths to go, my anxiety is increasingwith the race to achieve and to accom-plish so much. Yet, I am not con-cerned; I am excited. One of my focus-es has been the implementation ofpeople and procedures, the accounta-bility and measurement of a teamrather than one or two. This mindsetwill continue the foundation andframework for unbelievable accom-plishments for years to come. One ofthe keys was to organize all the movingparts and focus all available energy andresources in one unified direction. As aresult, we are replacing old ways withclarity and simplicity, producing valu-able traction. Our SIA team has grownin size this past year. Traditional think-ing would echo the thought, “Mr.President…you are nuts! We are in

The Great Recession. We must hunker-down, cut staff, cut expenses and waitfor times to get better.” My thought, asyou have heard it before…the bestdefense is a great offense!

Your staff understands the visionand is committed to the strategic plan.Everyone shares the identical concep-tion of the “bigger picture.” We havethe right people in the right seats. Wehave a high level of accountability, disci-pline and execution at all levels in theorganization. We have scorecards,SOP’s and benchmarks. Most impor-tantly, we have the association system-ized to easily handle growth and expan-sion. I cannot predict the future, but Ifirmly believe that your SIA will contin-ue to getter better at its mission; it willcontinue to accomplish more than

ever. When better times do resume, itwill be positioned to “sling-shot” to alevel never imagined.

But…hold on! As a membership,this does not allow any one of us the

privilege of now sitting back, resting onlaurels and enjoying the fruits of ourlabor to date. Complacency Kills! It isnot an option for our membership, asit would signal to others that we aredone. We have not finished, themachine is just getting bigger, betterand more efficient. We, the member-ship, are the fuel. Without you, themachine sits idle. Every one of usholds passion toward the mission ofthe SIA. Every one of us holds a skill setto share. On behalf of the SIA, we lookforward to your involvement and addi-tion to this winning team. n

Continued from page 5

We have a high level of accountability, disciplineand execution at all levels in the organization.


No, this isn’t aboutthe toy cars youplayed with. It’sabout scaffolds withwheels that youwork with. Actually,we call those wheels“casters,” and we callthe scaffolds “mobile

scaffolds” or “rolling scaffolds.” Thesemasters of mobility come in manyshapes and sizes and manufacturers.But, one thing is for sure: used cor-rectly, they are a great aid to increasedproductivity; used incorrectly, and youare in a world of hurt, literally.

As with all scaffolds, there are de-sign, construction and safety issues withmobile scaffolds. The idea here is todiscuss some engineering issues, leav-ing the obvious safety issues to the“competent person, qualified in scaf-fold construction.” Now that I thinkabout it, perhaps the safety issuesaren’t so obvious, so let’s cover thosefirst. Make sure you have fall protec-tion, falling object protection, access,adequate strength and a decent plat-form that remains in place. Most im-portantly, don't do something stupid.Now that we have the safety features inplace, proper design, in combinationwith proper use, makes the mobilescaffold an excellent productivity tool.

What is it that makes the mobilescaffold safe, or conversely, unsafe?The center of gravity, an engineeringterm that describes the stability of amobile scaffold, is one significant fac-tor. Another factor is the strength ofthe casters and other components.Another factor is the forces required tomove the scaffold. These forces arehorizontal, vertical or both. A quali-

Hot WheelsMobile scaffolds have special safety considerations

ColumnTechnically Speaking

By David H. Glabe, P.E.

fied designer of mobile scaffolds mustconsider these factors, and, of course,the user of the scaffold must under-stand how to safely drive the scaffold(or at least push it around).

The Construction Industry ScaffoldStandards from the Federal Occupa-tional Safety and Health Admini-stration (OSHA) address these issues,as do both the American NationalStandards Institute (ANSI) scaffoldstandards and the Scaffold IndustryAssociation (SIA) Codes of SafePractice. Specifically, the federal stan-dards, of which the construction stan-dards are the best source, identify thehazards described above; that is, stabili-ty, strength and dynamic forces.

What is the significance of thestrength of the various components?Well, I doubt you want the scaffold col-lapsing while you are on it. Therefore,you need to know your limitations. Thetypical scaffold caster is usually the limit-ing factor. Hallway scaffolds, those nar-row scaffolds commonly used by drywallinstallers, have a capacity of about 250pounds. Frame scaffold casters, on theother hand, will have a capacity of about500 pounds unless you buy one of thosecheap casters of unknown capacity.Larger frame scaffold casters, and thoseused with systems scaffolds, will have acapacity in excess of 1,000 pounds.These caster capacities are usually ade-quate for most mobile scaffold uses andare almost always less than the leg capac-ity unless, of course, you buy one of

those cheap scaffolds of unknownstrength. The bottom line is to find outwhat your caster can hold before theball bearings begin to fall out!

The stability of the scaffold is veryimportant to the occupant of the scaf-fold for apparent reasons. It’s just not agood idea to have the scaffold fall over,whether it is occupied or not. How dowe ensure that it won’t tip? The solu-tion is to make it big enough and notpush it over. If the mobile scaffold hasa big-enough base, both in width andlength, the scaffold will remain stand-ing, absent any other forces. With theexception of California, the maximumheight to base ratio is four. (In Cali-fornia, it’s three to one; and no, it’s not

because they have earthquakes.) This means the height can be no

more than four times the minimumbase. For example, if you have amobile scaffold that is 5 feet wide by 8feet long, the maximum height is 5 feettimes four equals 20 feet. If you wantto go higher, then make the base big-ger. But be careful – you may be over-loading the casters because of all thatextra scaffold weight. The sky is thelimit, no pun intended, but the higheryou go, the heavier it gets, and pushingit around becomes a real challenge.

How much does it take to push overa mobile scaffold? The snappy answeris: not much. The force needed tomove the scaffold horizontally and theforce needed to push it over are notthe same, although the untrained scaf-

David H. Glabe

It’s just not a good idea to have the scaffoldfall over, whether it is occupied or not.


fold user may inadvertently be applyinga force to knock it over all the whilethinking that she is applying the forceto move it horizontally on the floor.Worse yet, if the casters aren’t rolling,due to maybe a small obstruction, ahorizontal force at the top of the scaf-fold will quickly become a force thatwill knock the scaffold over. In engi-neering terms, we call that instability.

For the user who is riding the scaf-fold down to disaster, it may be re-ferred to in other terms. Here is whatis going on. When you push againstthe side of the scaffold, you are tryingto get the mass of the scaffold moving.If you push close to the bottom of thescaffold, all your efforts will go to mov-ing the scaffold. As you push more,the scaffold slowly begins to move, con-verting a static (non-moving) condi-tion into a dynamic (moving) condi-tion. The weight of the scaffold obvi-ously influences the amount of forceneeded to get the scaffold moving.

Now, another factor comes into play

here: the center of gravity. The centerof gravity is an imaginary point in thescaffold that is defined as the centerpoint of all the vertical loads of thescaffold, including the scaffold compo-nents, platforms and the folks on thescaffold. Typically, this point is in themiddle of the scaffold, but if there arecantilevered platforms, the center ofgravity will shift toward the direction ofthe cantilever. If the cantilever is bigenough, or if the weight on the can-tilever is big enough, or if the folks onthe scaffold are leaning out over theguardrail, the center of gravity shifts tothe outside of the scaffold base, andthe trouble begins. The users get realexcited, because it is at this point thatthe scaffold begins to tip.

The same thing can happen whenthe scaffold is pulled along from thetop by grabbing onto the roof trusses,for example. While it may take a forceof up to 100 pounds to get the scaffoldgoing, if the bottom isn’t going any-where and the top is, the center of

gravity begins to shift and the forceneeded to pull the scaffold over re-duces to as little as 20 pounds; this iswhen the scaffold begins to tip.

Right about this time, the errantuser has just experienced basic physicsand now realizes the error of his ways.He begins to head to the other end ofthe scaffold in an attempt to makethings right. Unfortunately, he forgotto pin the casters into the scaffold leg,and they fell out during the tippingmaneuver; the rest of the story getsreally ugly. That is why the OSHA stan-dards require that: “Manual force usedto move the scaffold shall be applied asclose to the base as practicable but notmore than 5 feet (1.5 m) above thesupporting surface.” That is also whythe standards also require you to pinthe casters to the legs.

And what about surfing the scaffold– the technique of “jerking” the scaf-fold so it moves horizontally? What doyou suppose that does to the forcesand stability of the scaffold? n

Technically Speaking

1. You see an elevator tower against asunset and have to pull your vehicleover to take a picture

2. You have used diamond tread plate asa wall covering in your “man cave”

3. A low capacity elevator elicits an“awwwh, isn’t that cute” response

4. Your blender has hold to run controls

5. You drop test the elevator on yourback deck every three months.

6. The furniture in your home is all builtfrom retired elevator mast

7. The dimensions for your child’s newtree house are based on figure 21.1 forinside net platform area as found onpage 52 of the ANSI A10.4

8. You shed a tear at a newlycommissioned elevator on its first dayon the jobsite

9. You seem to think that a two to fourday erection is normal

10. You have mentally engineered theexact type of elevator for each of theseven wonders of the world and arecurrently working on a time machineto get you back there n

You Might Be AnElevator Geek If…


In July, Eric Schmidt and I were ap-pointed to chair the Construction HoistCouncil of the Scaffold IndustryAssociation (SIA). Between the two of us,we have more than 40 years of experiencein the access industry, covering just aboutevery facet of the business, including man-ufacturing, rentals, design, installation,sales, marketing, project engineering,standards development, inspections, train-ing, repair and maintenance. When JohnMiller made the appointment, his chargewas simple: “Make it happen.”

Eric and I soon came up with a top fivelist of objectives we would like to establishand accomplish before we all head toPhiladelphia for the 2010 SIA convention.The goals were generated by a consistentfocus on the need to make the worksite asafer place, to better protect ourselves andour co-workers, and to generally broadenthe knowledge level of the SIA as it relatesto elevators and hoists. These goals andtheir origin may seem lofty, but with thehelp of the Council, we seem to be mak-ing pretty good headway. Here are thegoals we established in July:

1.Publish a daily checklist for opera-tors and a monthly checklist for

technicians for inspection. This list willprovide the user clear and conciseaction items that will help to keep theworkers safe and allow for a longer lifefor the equipment.

2.With the assistance of the SIA at-torney, author a template for a

standardized national rental contractthat can be amended based on region.

3.Compile a national list of require-ments and contact personnel by

region/state/city for installing a con-struction elevator on a jobsite.

4.Produce a top 10 list of the mostcommonly made mistakes on a

jobsite so that they can be identifiedand avoided.

5.Start a pilot program to educateOSHA compliance officers about

the published standards for materialhoists, construction elevators and trans-port platforms.

It is apparent that we have our workcut out for us, but our colleagues in thehoist industry have already been invalu-able in providing content and commenton all of the above. If there could be a sil-ver lining to the economic downturn weare all so violently facing, it is that we havethe opportunity to focus on how to workmore safely and perhaps how we may beable to operate our businesses more effec-tively. The fast paced boom times seem tocover all manner of sins. It is when we getlean and mean that we can apply a littlemore time to those details that seem tofall through the cracks.

This is the first construction hoist issuethat we have put together and it is packedwith pertinent information on a variety ofaspects of our industry. We cover safety,economics, equipment differentiation, afew project spotlights, equipment inspec-tions and even take a stab at some eleva-tor humor. We hope you enjoy the issueand leave with a little more knowledge. n

Enjoy!

Paula Manning and Eric A. Schmidt, P.E.

From the Co-Chairs

ColumnConstruction Hoist Council

Setting Lofty butAttainable Goals

Paula Manning Eric A. Schmidt


Elevators, Hoists andPlatforms, Oh My!Strict standards dictate each type of equipment’s specifications, design and use.

FeatureConstruction Hoists

By Paula Manning

There are many different types of hoist-ing equipment in use in the constructionbusiness today. Three in particular arecommonly confused: a Construction

Elevator, a Material Hoist and a Trans-port Platform. All three are ground-based, mast-supported machines thathave gates and landing doors, a floor and

side walls. Each moves up and down car-rying material and/or personnel to dif-ferent levels on a building. There arestrict and enforced standards that call out

Transport platform


the required elements for each machine,thus dictating how each is designed, man-ufactured and used in the field.

In laymen’s terms and paraphrasingfrom the respective ANSI Codes:

• Construction elevators transportgeneral site personnel and materi-als to various levels

• Material hoists transport materi-al only

• Transport platforms move materi-al with a limited number of train-ed personnel

It is easy to see the similarities andwhy there may be some confusion.However, each has a purpose andusage within the industry.

The material hoist is the easiest ofthe three to define and the least re-stricted. The material hoist shall notcarry people and must have a roof andfully enclosed car. These three specifi-cations are clear and, if breached, cancause a shut down on the jobsite. It isneither limited by speed nor capacity,proximity to the building or height ofthe mast. A base fence enclosure is re-quired, along with full height doorsand landing gates. Material hoists arefound on the majority of jobsites acrossthe United States in a multitude ofvariations. There are many more re-quirements and specifications than dis-

Continued on page 14Continued on page 15

Construction Hoists

1. Is the platform a minimum of 18 inches from the structure?(Minimum safe travel distance)

2. Are there more men present on the platform than allowed (less than 50 percent of payload)?

3. Does the alarm sound and theplatform stop for three seconds at 10 feet while descending?

4. Will the platform operate while the gate is open?

5. Is the top rail of the platform 42 inches high and is the areabetween the midrail and toe board enclosed?

6. Is the travel speed more than 40 feet per minute?

7. Is there a manufacturer’s manual on board?

8. Are all users / riders authorized and trained?

9. Does the platform stop if you releasethe controls?

10. Does the landing ramp haveadequate support at each landing?

Material Hoist

Ten Easy Visual Ways to Spot if Your Hoisting Equipment is ANSI CompliantANSI A92.10Transport Platform

Transport Platform


cussed here. The ANSI A10.5 Standardclearly details these items and is pub-lished by the American Society ofSafety Engineers.

Construction elevators and trans-port platforms are similar in nature inthat they transport men and materialup and down the structure’s side, andboth are inherently safe when usedproperly. However, there are far moredifferences between the two than thereare similarities.

The traditional high-speed con-struction elevator is most often foundon high rise commercial construction,while the transport platform is de-signed more for low and midrise, struc-turally unique architecture. The trans-port platform is typically more com-pact and can be maneuvered intoareas where a traditional elevator sim-ply cannot go.

An elevator applies a significantamount of dynamic forces and loads tothe building, while a transport platformcan carry the same capacity with much

Elevator Transport

Construction Hoists

Transport Platform




less interference. In fact, many trans-port platforms were designed to beused with scaffolding, even tying into anengineered conventional scaffold sys-tem. The construction elevator is aheavier machine and travels at about

four and a half times greater speed thanthe transport platform, which is limitedto 40 feet per minute. The safety factorfor both machines is comparable, as isthe requirement for additional safety

Construction Hoists

Continued on page 17

1. Are there personnel in the cage?2. Is there a roof?3. Is the cage fully enclosed?4. Is there overhead protection at

the operator’s station?5. Are the landing gates 6 feet 6 inches

tall and within 8 inches of thehoist door?

6. Is there a base fence enclosure and is it a minimum of 6 feet 6 inches tall.

7. Do the wall ties exceed 26 feet invertical spacing?

8. Is the hoist being run by a trainedand dedicated operator?

9. Is there a vision panel on the gatesand car doors?

10. Does the floor of the cage travelmore than 6 feet 6 inches pastthe final tie?

Material Hoist

ANSI A10.5Material Hoist

Material Hoist



equipment, including overload sensorand overspeed safety devices, which arenot required on a material hoist.

The construction elevator car mustbe no more than 21/2 inches and no lessthan 3/4 inch from the landing edgeswhile the transport platform must be aminimum of 18 inches away from thestructure to prevent shear hazards andpinch points. The transport platformdoes not require a roof, but does callfor full guardrails enclosed from toeboard to mid-rail. The constructionelevator requires a fully enclosed carwith strict designations of the steelcomprising the roof.

General worksite personnel mayride the construction elevator, which isdriven by a trained and dedicated oper-ator. Anyone on the transport platformmust be authorized and trained. Ad-ditionally, the number of personnel onthe transport platform is limited to 50percent of the total payload.

The construction elevator musthave a full height base fence enclosurewith locked access to the ‘pit;’ and sur-vival space under the car is required.The transport platform eliminates theneed for a base fence enclosure byrequiring the platform to automatical-ly stop at 10 feet above ground level.This allows the operator to visuallycheck for personnel or debris underthe platform before continuing in thedownward motion with the alarmsounding as it travels the final 10 feet.

These specifications are detailed inthe ANSI A92.10 Standard forTransport Platforms, published by theSIA, and the ANSI A10.4 Standard forConstruction Elevators, published byASSE. Both ANSI Standards addressthe inherent hazards that are associat-ed with moving personnel and materi-als to various levels on the jobsite, as

well as governing the design and man-ufacture of each machine.

Having briefly covered the technicaldifferences and similarities betweenthe three machines, the question re-mains: which machine for which appli-cation? Simple math will tell you thatthe construction elevator, with its highspeeds, is built for commercial high-rise work, including new construction,renovation and building additions,where there is a need to move a largenumber of general site personnel tocomplete the project. Other applica-tions also apply, such as temporaryindustrial work, shut downs / turn-arounds and the like.

Material hoists are used in manyconfigurations and load capacities, andare limited only to those places that re-quire moving material up and downwithout workers on board.

Transport Platforms are definitely aniche product, focusing on commercialwork that is low to mid-rise, historical build-ings, installing/dismantling a scaffoldsystem and even tying into scaffolding.

Understanding the correct specifica-tions for the different machines mayprove to be invaluable when estimatingor planning a project. The properequipment will increase efficiency andcost-effectiveness, and could be the dif-ference between acquiring or losing acontract. Choosing the right machinefor a specific application may notalways be a clear decision, but withcareful consideration of the site limita-tions, building configuration and theactual requirements of the trade crews,it is a decision that can positively affectthe outcome of the project. n

Paula Manning is business development managerwith Alimak HEK Inc. and co-chair of the SIAConstruction Hoist Council. She may be reachedat [email protected].


Construction Hoists

1. Is the base fence enclosure completeat 8 feet, with a mechanical andelectrical interlocking door at baselanding?

2. Is access to the service door secured inbase enclosure?

3. Is the bottom car clearance (SurvivalSpace) a minimum of 24 inches?

4. Is there a dedicated and properlytrained operator for the elevator?

5. Is the inside net car area consistentwith the rated capacity?

6. Is the car a maximum of 2.5 inchesfrom the structure at landings and no closer than .75 inch?

7. Is there overhead protection above theloading area and is it sufficient?

8. Are the landing gates a maximum of 8inches from the car door and at least 6feet 6 inches tall?

9. Can you open the landing gates frominside the structure?

10. Will the car operate with the roofhatch or car doors open? n

ANSI A10.4Construction Elevator

Construction Elevator


Understanding the correct specifications for thedifferent machines may prove to be invaluable

when estimating or planning a project.


Safety. Reliability. Efficiency. Budget.These are the words we live and die

by in the access industry. It is our pri-mary objective to safely position menand their materials at the exact re-quired location, creating a secure andeffective work place. Every day we strive

to deliver to our customers an arenawhere personnel can safely operate atmaximum productivity. We use everyconceivable tool or device to help usreach this goal. The use of a construc-tion hoist on a high rise commercialjobsite is certainly one of these tools

and not a new idea. In the currenteconomic climate, every single dollaris getting a closer look, and old toolsare being applied in a new fashion:consider a construction elevator on alow or mid-rise structure.

It is expected that a 200-300 foot

Economic benefits of using an elevator on a construction site can mean a 46 percent savings


No Longer a LuxuryBy Paula Manning


project will have a construction elevatoronsite. Studies have been publishedshowing the massive safety and eco-nomic advantages of using elevators atthis height; it is a clear and easy deci-sion. The question is at what height canthese same advantages be realized? Is ita three-story building? Eight? Ten? Ifthe cost would break even between anelevator and a stair tower, would thestair tower still be erected? Considernot what it costs to have an elevator ona jobsite, but what it costs to not havean elevator on a jobsite.

The following is an economic com-parison using a construction elevatorand a standard stair tower on an eight-story project

Assume that an eight-story structurerequires an 80 foot stair tower or eleva-tor for an eight month duration andthat there are 30 skilled laborers usingthe stair tower or elevator daily makingan average of $50 per hour with bene-fits. For the purpose of this study, eachlaborer makes five round trips fromgrade to height on the stair tower,including lunch and scheduled breaks,each one way trip taking about 20 sec-onds per floor. The travel speed of aconstruction elevator is 175 fpm andwait time is applied.

Stair Tower vs. Construction ElevatorCost of laborers to climb stairs $106,665Stair Tower and Related Costs $37,000Total Job Cost with Stair Tower $143,665Costs of Laborers to Ride an Elevator $28,285Elevator and Related Costs $48,500Total Job Cost with Elevator $76,785Savings with Elevator $66,880 or 46.55%

One would rarely find a generalcontractor who wouldn’t want to save46 percent on anything, and this studymerely represents the economic sav-ings in simple climb time. Additionalbenefits exist with the use of a con-struction elevator.

• Productivity increases as workersget to their work site faster andwithout the need for recoverytime after a climb.

• Riding an elevator eliminates thebasic wear and tear on a worker’s

body that would normally beexperienced when climbing stairswhile carrying heavy tools.

• More frequent inspections of thework by supervisors are possibledue to easy access to the variouslevels on a jobsite.

•There is less need to tie up expensivecrane time as trades can move materi-al with the construction elevator.

• More efficient stocking of floorscan occur.

•Improved project schedule is realized.Rarely do we get to make decisions

that so positively affect every aspect ofthe job: safety, productivity, employeemorale, efficiency, quality of work and,

of course, the almighty bottom line.The decision to use a construction ele-vator has never been easier, regardlessof the height of the project. Oncethought of as merely a luxury, the con-struction elevator has now become aviable and money saving alternative toa stair tower. n


Construction Hoists


McDonough assists contractor with hoist solution for California project


Condo Project RequiredContinuous OperationBy Kevin Lavorgna

McDonough Construction RentalsInc., formerly Champion ElevatorsInc, was chosen by Webcor Builders, aSan Francisco, Calif.-based contractor,to provide a high-capacity, dual-carpersonnel and material elevator forThe Century Project in Century City,Calif. (Los Angeles). This 500 foot, 41-floor structure is a luxury residential

condominium project being construct-ed for The Related Companies, anationwide housing developer. Theproject is the largest high-rise multi-family project currently under con-struction in the Los Angeles area.

The project required installing thehoist on a concrete structure, with sig-nificant floor setbacks at the upper

floors, requiring custom-designed walltie attachments and floor extensionsto allow construction personnel to tra-verse the distance between the hoistcars and building floors.

This fast-paced project requiredtransporting hundreds of construc-tion personnel from street level tothe floors above, along with thou-



Construction Hoists

sands of material loads,everything from sheetrock toelectrical supplies to plumb-ing materials. The hoistswere also used to remove sev-eral thousand tons of trashfrom the structure. The near-continuous operation of thehoists was necessary to main-tain the constant flow of per-sonnel and materials.

To satisfy this significantdemand, McDonough provid-ed Champion-brand US-7102-2RN dual-car constructionhoists. Each hoist car provides7,200-lb lifting capacity, travelsat speeds of 300 ft/min and


For advertisingrates and information,

contact:

Bryon Bowman(816) 595-4836

To submit an article,contact

Editor Jody Becker at [email protected]


features 14 foot-9 inch length by 4 foot-8 inch width by 7 foot-2 inch heightinteriors suitable for transporting largeconstruction materials and 36-personloads. The hoists also feature variablefrequency motor control, resulting in asmooth ride in all load capacity cases.

Over the course of 18 high-demandmonths, the hoists operated safely andtrouble-free with minimal repairs. Asignificant feature of the model US-7102-2RN construction hoists is theuse of counterweights to counterbal-ance the hoist cars. Because the hoistcar weight is offset by the counter-weight, the drive motors are onlyrequired to lift personnel and materialloads placed inside the hoist cars.Because of this reduced load, counter-weighted hoist motors, gearboxes andbrakes experience reduced wear, pro-viding reliability compared to non-counterweighted hoists. Overall, thecustomer appreciated the greater up-time and reduced service costs associ-ated with fewer repairs. At 500 feet,customers cannot simply ask workersto walk the stairs. n

Kevin Lavorgna, of McDonough ConstructionRentals, can be reached at (713) 574-8100 [email protected]. McDonoughConstruction Rentals Inc. is a leading nationwidesupplier of U.S. Manufactured Champion-brandtemporary personnel and material elevators to theindustrial and construction marketplaces.

McDonough’s Los Angeles office and servicecenter is located in Fontana, Calif., providingconvenient access to Southern California, Arizonaand Nevada. McDonough maintains full-servicelocations in Houston, Los Angeles, Atlanta andBaltimore. For more information, visit www.mcdo-noughconstructionrentals.com


Construction Hoists


Alimak HEK Rental Group assists in designing system to help repair tornado damage


Westin Peachtree Centergets a New Façade

On March 14, 2008, a massive stormand tornado event ripped throughdowntown Atlanta, causing more than$250 million dollars in damage. TheWestin Peachtree Plaza was among theskyscrapers that sustained significantdamage. The Westin, a 73-story hotel,was cast in reflective glass in a cylindri-

cal design. Another small cylinder runsthe full height of the building on oneside and accommodates two scenic ele-vators. During the storm, more than500 windows were ripped out by thetornado’s force.

Access needed to be provided tothe entire tower of the Westin Hotel

reaching over 720 feet in total height.Each of the 5,600 windows is being re-moved and replaced with new framingand insulated glass, without disturbingthe day-to-day business of the hotelguests, visitors and employees.

Skanska USA was awarded the con-tract as the general contractor to com-

By Paula Manning


plete the work. Harmon Glass cameon board to oversee and execute the$23 million glass renovation. SouthScaffold of Memphis, Tenn., was enlist-ed to design a scaffold system to pro-vide access to the façade, while AlimakHEK Rental Group provided the con-struction elevators for the transporta-

tion of the personnel and materialsfrom the ground level to various loca-tions on the scaffold system.

South Scaffold provided a ring sys-tem scaffold structural tower about160 feet tall, which was incorporatedwithin the overhead protection. Atthe 16th floor, there is an architectur-

al step back creating a skylight level.The 160-foot tower stops at that level,and a landing platform was built totraverse the unique design. At theground level, the scaffold continueseast and west to provide overheadprotection along the north side of thebuilding. A loading dock was erectedusing ring system truss girders with anI-Beam trolley system to handle theglass from the dock.

Due to the nature of the architec-ture, the construction elevators provid-ed for the project, had to be designedand engineered with special attentionto detail. The solution selected is adual elevator set up at street level andconsisting of a left hand ALIMAKSCANDO SC 650 with a “C” door anda right hand 28/37 TD with a “C”door. The upper elevator (dual) con-sists of a LH SC 650 and a RH 28/37,both with regular “A” and “B” doors.The LH elevators will handle the newglass. Most of the windows are 9 feet(2.74 m) tall, but the upper windowsare 13 feet (3.9 m) tall, hence theneed for the SC 650.

An interesting detail with the build-ing (and the project) is that JohnPortman, a famous Atlanta architectand real estate developer, designed it.The general contractor was J.A. Jonesfrom Charlotte, N.C. Alimak Hekworked with the original structural en-gineer from Birmingham on this proj-ect, which is around 70 years oldtoday. At the time this building wasbuilt, it was the tallest concrete build-ing in the world: 70 stories tall! It wasbuilt using a new technology (at thattime) with lightweight aggregates(rocks) in the concrete. n


Construction Hoists


Beta Max hoist solves problem in reaching small space


Progress Energy Crystal River Nuclear Power Plant Mega Shut Down

Progress Energy is embarking on a$300 million overhaul of the CrystalRiver nuclear power plant in CentralFlorida – one of the most ambitiousoutages in U.S. history – and they have

turned to Beta Max Hoists to see theproject done safely and efficiently.

Nuclear power plants typically refuelevery two years, forcing the reactor to shutdown. But, there is nothing typical about

the Crystal River shut down – this is majorsurgery. As with any operation of this size,scope and delicacy, the best materials andservice providers are required.

By Russ Greenberg



ScheduleOf Events

SIA West CoastRegion ChapterMeetingDec. 4, 2009Embassy Suites Sacramento -Riverfront PromenadeSacramento, Calif.

SIA North WestRegion ChapterMeetingDec. 15, 2009Embassy Suites Seattle-Tacoma AirportSeattle, Wash.

SIA CPT SuspendedScaffold ClassJan. 31, 2010Silver Legacy Resort CasinoReno, Nevada

SIA CPT SuspendedScaffold ClassFeb. 21, 2010The Woodlands Resort &Conference CenterThe Woodlands, Texas

2009 POWER-GENInternationalDec. 8 – 10, 2009Las Vegas, Nevada Las Vegas ConventionCenterSIA Booth # C5 -678

2010 IWCAConvention and TradeShowJan. 27 - 30, 2010 Reno, NevadaSIA Booth # 837

2010 World ofConcreteFeb. 2 - 6, 2010Las Vegas, NevadaLas Vegas ConventionCenterSIA Booth # S12920

SIA CPT FrameScaffold ClassFeb. 21, 2010The Woodlands Resort &Conference CenterThe Woodlands, Texas

SIA Trainer theTrainer ClassFeb. 19 – 20, 2010The Woodlands Resort &Conference CenterThe Woodlands, Texas

SIA 2010 CommitteeWeekFeb. 20 - 22, 2010The Woodlands Resort &Conference CenterThe Woodlands, Texas(outside Houston)

SIA 2010 AnnualMeetingJuly 21 - 24, 2010Loews Philadelphia HotelPhiladelphia, Pa.

SIA Events Industry Events

2010 ARA – TheRental ShowFeb. 7 – 10, 2010Orlando, Fla.Orange County ConventionCenter

2010 INTEXApril 23 – 24, 2010Denver, Colo.Denver Convention CenterSIA Booth # 1105

2010 NPRA –Reliability &MaintenanceConference & ExpoMay 25 – 28, 2010San Antonio, TexasConvention Center

Please register at www.scaffold.org, or contact headquarters at (816) 595.4860 for more information.

A-1 Plank & Scaffold Manufacturing Action Equipment & Scaffold Co., Inc

Allied Insurance BrokersAtlantic Pacific Equipment, Inc.

Badger Ladder IncBeta Max, Inc.

Edge ScaffoldingEtobicoke Ironworks Limited

EZ ScaffoldFraco Products Ltd.

Harold Gidish & FamilyKHL Group

Klimer Manufacturing Inc.Layher, Inc.

McGraw-Hill ConstructionMdm Scaffolding Services

Mill Direct Lumber Sales, Inc.Millennium Scaffolding Systems, Inc.

Millstone CorporationPower Climber

Scaffolding Rental & Erection ServiceSky Man International

Strong Man Building Products Corp.STVA Scaffold

Territorial Scaffold Inc.The Graham Company

ThyssenKrupp Safway, IncTowers & Sanders Ltd

Waco Scaffolding & EquipmentWaco Scaffolding & Equipment - Portland, Ore.

William Ayres & Family

SIA would like to thank our 2009 Sponsors! Your support of SIA helps us continue to make the workplace safer!


Construction Hoists

Key to the success of the outage is ac-cess to upper level areas. Progress Energycalled on Beta Max Hoists to overcomethe challenge of delivering men andmaterials into these high spaces, wherevital work was to be performed.

Workers will have to tackle a numberof intensive, daunting tasks, includingsawing through concrete slabs, carvingthrough steel plates and cutting re-baras thick as a policeman’s flashlight. Asteam generator, with its 15,000 tubes,will be extracted and replaced, betterelectronics will be installed throughoutthe facility, and high efficiency turbineblades will be put to work.

One task in particular, though, wasperfectly suited to the breadth of theBeta Max offering. Access was neededto an upper level that allowed only min-imal space for any type of constructionelevator. The area in question was asmall space between a cooling contain-

ment building and pump house. Among the Beta Max suite of prod-

ucts is the Max Climber 2000PMB. Arack and pinion personnel hoist, theMax Climber’s footprint is among thesmallest currently available in a con-struction elevator.

Most temporary construction elevatorproviders rely on a standard 6000pounds/35 passenger capacity unit. Theseunits have much larger cabins, measuring13 feet by 5 feet or more. In contrast, theMax Climber has a capacity of 2000pounds/7 passengers, and measures 6.5feet by 4 feet, the perfect size to slip theworkers into the high tight space betweencontainment building and pump house.

Not only is the Max Climber2000PMB the perfect size, it also incor-porates all the safety features found inlarger construction elevators, includ-ing fully interlocked doors and land-ings, an emergency over-speed brakeand a landing call box.

But, this particular challenge re-quired more than the right size andsafety. To accommodate the specificplacement required by ProgressEnergy, Beta Max modified the unit toallow cabin access using either door,depending on where the workers andloads were needed.

Once restarted, the Crystal RiverPlant will produce more power andhave its lifespan extended by decades.With the Beta Max 2000PMB con-tributing to the project’s completion,the plant will increase productionfrom 838 megawatts to 1018 megawattsand will deliver more power to 110,000additional homes every day. n

Russ Greenberg with BetaMax Inc., canbe r eached a t (321) 727 -3737 o r a [email protected].



TK Safway, Alimak HEK join forces to design the right scaffold, elevator solution


Kodak Tower Building: Preparing for a Closeup

By Matt Potts

In the summer of 2009, renovation workbegan on a Rochester landmark, theKodak Tower Building. The terra cottaand brick structure was built 16 storieshigh in 1914, and three floors wereadded in 1930. In 2007, Pike was con-tracted to oversee a complete exterior

renovation, including the removal,cleaning and re-installation of 2,600 indi-vidual pieces of terra cotta and morethan 20,000 bricks, as well as asbestosabatement and window re-glazing.

ThyssenKrupp Safway worked withthe general contractor, sub contractors

and building owners to provide com-plete access to all levels of the buildingfaçade. As the building is currentlyoccupied, all movement of men andmaterial had to be on the outside of thebuilding. The construction elevator – aChampion US60-1RNU designed to


move the entire labor force and materi-als to all levels of the scaffold – had tobe installed in concert with the scaffoldstructure. All men and material movedsolely from the Champion RNU ontothe scaffold and back.

This provided challenges both indesign and installation. The engineer-ing departments at Safway and AlimakHEK worked in concert to design anddevelop all aspects of the installation.The local Safway branch completed theinstallation in a timely and safe manner.

Multiple trades are using both thescaffold structure and the constructionhoists. Masons are removing all theterra cotta pieces and bricks, transport-ing them to the ground for inspectionand cleaning, and then re-installingthem in their original location.Asbestos abatement and window re-glazing is also being performed. Thejob is on schedule for completion inthe fourth quarter of 2010. n

Construction Hoists



It is one of the basic tenets of the equip-ment business: “Proper maintenanceand inspection of construction equip-ment is necessary for extending servicelife and providing reliable operation.”

The safety of the project also will besignificantly improved when the cor-rect procedures are followed. A fewkey steps made on a routine basis maybe all that stands between a successfuljob and a preventable accident.Personnel elevators, or constructionelevators, provide highly valued servicewhen operating in the rigorous envi-ronments of a bustling constructionsite, whether it is new construction orrenovation of a commercial buildingor the heavy work required within theindustrial sector.

When you are moving people andmaterials on a building or structurethat may be constantly changing, sim-ply by virtue of the fact that there is aproject underway, there will always bethe potential for risks and hazardsaround equipment that is traveling soclose to the work. Constant attentionto some basic facts will go a long waytoward avoiding an accident and themultitude of negative effects thatinevitably arise from such an incident.

Personnel elevators are typicallyone of the critical systems necessary tothe success of a project, servicing manytrade crews by becoming the highwaythat connects the inside of the build-ing to the outside world. Staying onschedule is almost impossible whenthe elevator is not operating. Main-taining the reliability of these work-

horses may rest in large part to theattention that is given at daily, weeklyand monthly intervals.

The Construction Hoist Council ofthe SIA has put together a basic check-list for inspection and regular mainte-nance of a personnel elevator. The listis intended to address the typical haz-ards and requirements of most typesof equipment operating in NorthAmerica. All of the items will not ap-ply to every model of elevator or everyinstallation, but the list is meant toprovide some common principles toassist users, field personnel, equip-ment providers and others when need-ed. Additional items may be requiredby some manufacturers or when using

a specific model of elevator.Daily inspections are normally per-

formed by an operator or supervisortrained on the equipment being used. Themonthly inspections are typically accom-plished by a trained equipment technicianand provide a more thorough examina-tion and testing of the components. n

Eric A. Schmidt, P.E., is a consulting engineerbased in Houston, Texas, and co-chair of theSIA Construction Hoist Council. He currentlyserves on ANSI Subcommittees A92.9 for MastClimbing Work Platforms and A92.10 forTransport Platforms. Schmidt has worked in theconstruction industry for more than 25 years. Hemay be reached at [email protected].

Inspecting PersonnelElevatorsConstant attention will help avoid accidents, work stoppagesBy Eric Schmidt, P.E.

Construction Hoists

Inspect Frequency

Check Elevator and Counterweight Buffers - position, alignment, anchors, any damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daily

Travel Limit Switch actuator arms are in place and move freely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daily

Check elevator hoistway for obstructions, debris, proper clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daily

Check trailing cable for damage, wear, twisting or kinking, check alignment through the guide rollers and over the guide wheel . . . . .Daily

Tower Sections are in proper position and fully seated at all connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daily

Rack on Tower is plumb with all ends aligned for proper mesh with the pinions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daily

Wall Ties are in proper position and fully seated on the supporting structure and the tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daily

Travel Limit Switches - upper and lower travel limits stop the car at the top and base landings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daily

Gates operate smoothly without jamming or sticking with proper actuation of the latches and interlock switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daily

Check mechanical and electrical interlock at base landing door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daily

When the emergency stop is depressed the car stops while traveling or cannot start traveling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daily

Roof Hatch Limit Switch, if hatch is open the elevator shall not run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daily

Check Tower Base Frame position and anchors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check that there is a minimum of 24 inches of survival space beyond the compressed buffers under the car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check Base Fence Enclosure panels for support and anchorage - no access to pit area, is service door limit functional . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Inspect counterweight rope clips, wire rope and slack rope switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Inspect counterweight guide rollers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Inspect the structure of the car frame for cracks, bends, or any other situation that would compromise the integrity of the car . . .Monthly

Check cable guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check main power supply - conduits, exposed power cables, disconnects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check incoming power supply in elevator car for three phase power and for proper voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check Lights in Elevator Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check for proper function of Operator Control Station in car and Rooftop Pendant Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check position of Elevator Car at base and all landings - proper clearance, alignment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check Drive and Safety Device Pinion Gears for proper engagement with rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check indicator lights on operator control station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check overall lubrication of the system - tower rack, motor grease fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check position of Drive Motor Pack for proper alignment - adjust guide rollers as needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Ensure that all required data plates are valid and securely fastened to the car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Inspect cathead sheaves & lubricate as needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Lubricate Safety Device and perform visual inspection. Check expiration date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Release Manual Brakes - check for smooth operation, verify car will stop in approx. 12 inches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Release Manual Brakes one at a time - check for problems with brakes, shafts, couplings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check Gearbox oil level - inspect for oil leaks. Inspect gearbox breathers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check all Guide Rollers for even bearing pressure or damage, excessive wear and tear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check all Pinion Back-up Rollers for adjustment and proper operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check Travel Limit Switches for proper operation at Top and Base Landings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Test Final Limit Switches for proper operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check function of Proximity Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check for smooth operation of Elevator Car during vertical travel up and down . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check installation, fit, nuts and bolts on - Wall ties, Tower and Rack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check Trailing Cable Wheel Assembly guide rollers and wheel bearings for damage or wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check installation of Handrails on Car Roof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check position of Elevator Car above the top Wall Tie. Check for excessive motion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly

Check function of Communication System in Elevator Car and Landings, if applicable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Monthly



Technology can help personnel avoid accidents


Construction Hoists = Added Safety

Accident avoidance is a high priority,and it takes attention at every level tocomplete a safe project. Maintainingthat attention under adverse condi-tions can be significantly improvedwhen a construction elevator is part ofthe process.

Accidents on a modern construc-tion site are NOT an everyday occur-rence, but contractors must be readyto act swiftly, and correctly, when facedwith an injured worker.

Many projects employ the benefitsof a personnel hoist, or constructionelevator, to economically improve thebottom line. Job schedule advantages,better productivity and better qualityare known advantages gained throughthe use of one or more personnelhoists on the structure. Most decisionsto use a construction elevator are pro-bably driven by the cost factors.However, the additional safety advan-tages brought to the job should not beunderestimated!

The aggressive schedules main-tained on projects often require crewsto work long hours, sometimes six orseven days a week. Fatigue, exhaustionand heat stress sometimes combine todistract workers from their normallevel of attention. It becomes easier forthem to be careless, even for amoment, though they are not carelessindividuals by nature. The conditionsmay get the best of them. Duringthese times, everyone is more suscepti-ble to an accident.

Just go to the top floor of a projectat the end of a shift when the construc-tion elevator is out of service. Thecrews DO NOT want to walk down!They are exhausted and ready to gohome, carrying their tools and equip-ment with them back to the groundfor the day. A simple lapse in atten-tion – a slip or misstep – becomesmuch more likely, perhaps madeworse by a crowded stairway.

Here are some of the factors lead-ing to improved site safety when usinga personnel hoist:

• Less stress on workers going toelevated floors, both mentally andphysically

• More attentive workers• Less fatigue• Less heat-related incidents• Expedited access by medical

responders to an injured person• Expedited rescue out of the struc-

ture when needed• More alternatives for moving an

injured employeeIt is almost impossible to over

exaggerate the negative effects of a

serious accident or incident. Theproject will experience lost produc-tivity or a shutdown while there is aninvestigation. A dark cloud seems toloom over the job. It takes a signifi-cant amount of time to recover fromany accident on site, fatal or other-wise. Managers will lose valuabletime defending the company’s posi-tion, or working on strategies to mit-igate the impact on the project; time

that is non-productive and costlywhen energies and resources shouldbe turned toward the responsibili-ties of directing the company andfinishing the project. n

Eric A. Schmidt, P.E., is a consulting engineerbased in Houston, Texas, and co-chair of theSIA Construction Hoist Council. He currentlyserves on ANSI Subcommittees A92.9 forMast Climbing Work Platforms and A92.10 forTransport Platforms. Schmidt has worked in theconstruction industry for more than 25 years. Hemay be reached at [email protected].

By Eric A. Schmidt, P.E.

It is almost impossible to over exaggerate the negative effects of a serious accident or incident.


ASC A92 AerialPlatforms Committeeholds Annual Meeting

FeatureIndustry Briefs

The ASC A92 Aerial PlatformsCommittee held its annual meetingOct. 25-27 at Harrah’s Las Vegas withrecord-setting attendance of morethan 90 attendees.

The committee celebrated its twomajor accomplishments from this pastyear, the revision of the standard,ANSI/SIA A92.2 for Vehicle-Mountedand Rotating Aerial Devices and theapproval of the new standard,ANSI/SIA A92.10 for TransportPlatforms. In addition, the committeealso welcomed the new members tothe committee:

Main Committee: Caterpillar,Steven Brown; NES Rentals, TeresaKee; Eric A. Schmidt, PE, Eric Schmidt

A92.2 Subcommittee: U.S. TechnicsCompany, Daniel Pohly; Altec HiLineLLC, Eric Lumberg; Progress Energy,Carolina, David Benson

A92.3 Subcommittee: AmericanRental Association, Carla Brozick;United Rentals, Thomas Hilmer

A92.5 Subcommittee: AmericanRental Association, Carla Brozick;Caterpillar, Steven Brown; HelacCorporation, Carl Kishline; IVESTraining Group, Robert Vetter; NESRentals, Teresa Kee; Sunbelt Rentals,Jeff Stachowiak; United Rentals,Thomas Hilmer

A92.6 Subcommittee: AmericanRental Association, Carla Brozick;Caterpillar, Steven Brown; IVESTraining Group, Robert Vetter; NESRentals, Teresa Kee; United Rentals,Thomas Hilmer

A92.7 Subcommittee: U.S. TechnicsCompany, Daniel Pohly; BlazingTechnologies, Donald Blasdell

A92.8 Subcommittee: Terex-Hydraplatforms, Nicholas Tomlinson

A92.9 Subcommittee: EZ Scaffold,James Hinton

The committee also announces thenew A92.2 Subcommittee ChairmanJoshua Chard, who is replacing long-served chairman Gary McAlexander.Thank you, Gary, for your time, serviceand dedication to the subcommitteeand welcome aboard Joshua!

The committee will hold its nextannual meeting in October 2010 inLas Vegas.

The SIA serves as Secretariat for theANSI Accredited Standards Com-mittee A92 for Aerial Work Platforms.Please contact A92 Secretariat, EmilyBannwarth, at (816) 595-4860 [email protected] for more informa-tion about the committee or the A92series of standards.

Federal OSHA to Review AllState Plan Programs

Jordan Barab, acting assistant secre-tary for the U.S. Department ofLabor’s Occupational Safety andHealth Administration (OSHA), told aCongressional committee that the seri-ous shortcomings discovered duringhis agency’s evaluation of the NevadaOccupational Safety and HealthAdministration’s safety program raisedconcerns about federal OSHA’s moni-toring of all state plan.

Barab said in testimony before theHouse Committee on Education andLabor that, as a result of deficienciesfound in Nevada OSHA’s program andthis administration’s goal to move fromreaction to prevention, federal OSHAwill implement a number of changes tostrengthen the oversight, monitoringand evaluation of all state programs.

“To improve oversight immediately,I sent interim guidance to OSHAregional administrators about the mon-itoring tools available to them andencouraged more in-depth investiga-tion of potential problems,” said Barab.“To ensure that deficiencies similar tothose found in Nevada do not exist inany of the other state plans, OSHA willconduct a baseline evaluation, similarto what we conducted in Nevada, forevery state that administers its own pro-gram. These evaluations will lead tobetter program performance and con-sistency throughout all state plans.”

Although federal OSHA is strength-ening its oversight of state plan pro-grams, Barab also pointed out the ben-efits of state programs. They addresources to the federal program andcover state and local governmentemployees not covered by federalOSHA. Federal OSHA strongly sup-ports the initiative and dedication ofstate programs.

“We want to work together with thestates and provide assistance before astate’s program becomes deficient andcauses worker deaths, injuries and ill-




ness,” said Barab. “We are not trying tochange the nature of our relationshipbetween federal and state OSHA, butwe need to speak with one voice andassure American workers they will re-ceive adequate protection regardless ofthe state in which they work.”

The Occupational Safety andHealth Act of 1970 encourages states todevelop and operate their own jobsafety and health programs. FederalOSHA approves and monitors the stateplans and provides up to 50 percent ofan approved plan’s operating costs.Twenty-five states and two Americanterritories have sought and obtainedplan approval.

Schmidt Represents SIA atTEXO Safety Forum

The SIA-OSHA Alliance sponsoreda presentation on “Safe Use of Su-spended Scaffolds and Mast ClimbingWork Platforms” at the Oct. 7 TEXOSafety / Superintendent Forum inDallas. TEXO is an association of com-mercial contractors in North and EastTexas, with offices in Dallas, Ft. Worthand Tyler, Texas. It is the largest associ-ation of commercial contractors in thestate, with more than 1,900 members.TEXO was created from the consolida-tion of chapters representing the AGC(Associated General Contractors ofAmerica) and ABC (AssociatedBuilders and Contractors) in 2008.

The October event was a monthlySafety Forum held at the TEXOConference Center in Dallas, and hadthe largest turnout of the year, with 120registered members in attendance,along with additional walk-ups. Eric A.Schmidt, PE, worked with the SIA aspart of the outreach focus of the SIA-OSHA Alliance in presenting the in-formation to the group. Gene Morganof Mdm Scaffolding Services coordinat-ed the participation in the forum.Mdm Scaffolding is an SIA member aswell as a member of TEXO.

The “Safe Use” presentation included:• Familiarization with components

of Suspended Scaffolds (Swing Stages)

and Mast Climbing Work Platforms• Typical applications• Industry standards and guidelines• Common hazards and avoiding

accidentsBased on comments from attendees

following the presentation, the pro-gram was well received. Several mem-bers stated that this was just the kind ofinformation that the group was look-ing for, and that many of the recom-mendations and ideas could be usedimmediately on current project sites.Further conversations involved thepossibility of future collaboration be-tween the organizations.

In addition to the safety program,the SIA provided information packetsfor the attendees, and the “We Are theSIA” video presentation CD was playedcontinuously through lunch. Morganand Schmidt discussed the benefitsand value of membership in the SIAwith the group.

Schmidt is a consulting engineerbased in Houston, Texas, and a long-time member of the SIA. He currentlyserves on ANSI Subcommittees A92.9for Mast Climbing Work Platforms andA92.10 for Transport Platforms.Schmidt has worked in the construc-tion industry for more than 25 years.

Trico Lift Wins ABC Safety Award

Trico Lift has received the AmericanBuilders and Contractors ChesapeakeShores Chapter Safety Award for whatthe Chapter calls “meritorious safetyperformance.” The award was present-ed to Trico Lift, an aerial work platformcompany, at the ABC’s Excellence inConstruction Awards Banquet inSeptember for achieving the highestamount of man-hours without a losttime or recordable incident.

Associated Builders and Contrac-tors is a national construction associa-tion representing more than 23,000construction and construction-relatedfirms in more than 79 chapters acrossthe United States.

“Our vision is to be the best aerialwork platform provider in the industry

and we know that to be the best, wemust remain diligent about risk aware-ness and assessment,” Company Presi-dent and CEO Ken Pustizzi explained.“We have five goals that we believe willhelp us achieve our vision and, ofcourse, Safety is goal #1.”

Trico Lift, headquartered in theNortheast, is known in the aerial workplatform industry for its award-winningsafety program with the most recentacknowledgements being a ContractorMerit Award presented to Trico Lift bythe National Petrochemical andRefiners Association as well as theAmerican Subcontractors Associationof New Jersey’s Annual Safety Award.

Scaffold Service Earns WBEN Certification

Scaffold Service Inc., St. Paul, Minn.has received (Women Business Ente-rprise National) WBEN certification.This certification will assist Scaffold

Industry Briefs

Trico Lift always requires safe positioning andoperation of equipment to mitigate risks. Thecompany continues to be recognized for itssafety goal and most recently received theAmerican Builders and ContractorsChesapeake Shores Chapter Safety Award.


Service Inc in retaining contracts forFederal, State, and Local entities, dueto a minority ownership in the compa-ny, said President Micki Hentges.

OSHA Cites Construction Company for Lack of Safety Program

OSHA is proposing $146,000 in penal-ties against T&C Construction in Hoover,Ala., for safety violations. The inspectionwas initiated based on a RegionalEmphasis Program on falls when anOSHA compliance officer observed thatemployees laying brick on a residentialhouse were exposed to a fall hazard.

T&C is being cited with 11 repeatviolations with proposed penalties of$131,200. Among the violations in-clude the company's lack of a safetyprogram and several deficiencies inscaffolding procedures.

The employer also is being citedwith five serious safety violations and$14,800 in proposed penalties. Amongthese violations include having scaffoldplanking that was not designed by aqualified person and damaged plank-ing that was not replaced or removedand using fabricated scaffold framesthat were not joined together with cou-pling or stacking pins.

The site was inspected by staff fromOSHA's Area Office in Birmingham, Ala.

OSHA Cites Contractor for Fall Protection Violations

New Place Carpentry, a New Haven,Conn., contractor with a long historyof fall protection violations, faces atotal of $308,500 in new fines from theU.S. Department of Labor's Occupa-tional Safety and Health Admini-stration (OSHA) for willful and repeatfall hazards following the agency'sinspections at worksites in Plymouthand Methuen, Mass.

The contractor, which primarily per-forms residential framing work, has beencited by OSHA eight times since July2003. Fines from earlier investigationstotal $171,700 for failing to provide fallprotection and other required safeguardsfor workers at jobsites in Connecticut,Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“The sizable fines proposed herereflect the gravity of these hazards andthis employer's ongoing refusal to com-ply with basic, commonsense and legal-ly required protections for its workers,”said Marthe Kent, OSHA's New En-gland regional administrator. “Falls re-main the number one killer in con-struction work. Employers who repeat-

edly fail to provide and ensure fall pro-tection continue to place their work-ers' lives at needless risk.”

Both of the latest inspections foundworkers engaged in residential con-struction work at heights greater thansix feet without any form of fall protec-tion. In addition, workers at thePlymouth site were working on un-guarded, inadequately constructedand uninspected scaffolds, and werenot trained to recognize scaffold haz-ards, while workers at the Methuen sitewere installing roof trusses without fallprotection, lacked fall protection train-ing and accessed an upper work sur-face via a ladder that did not extendabove the surface for required stability.

All told, based on the recent inspec-tions, New Place Carpentry has beenissued one willful, six repeat and 13serious citations. OSHA defines a will-ful violation as one committed withplain indifference to or intentional dis-regard for employee safety and health,while serious citations are issued whendeath or serious physical harm is likelyto result from hazards about which theemployer knew or should have known.

The inspections were conducted byOSHA's Braintree and Andover, Mass.,area offices. n

Industry Briefs


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16 SIAI/SIICsiic.biz

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6 STVA Scaffoldstvascaffold.com

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22 Valco Equipment, Inc.valcoscaffold.com

23 Waco Scaffolding & Equipmentwacoscaf.com

IBC World of Concreteworldofconcrete.com

SIA Enforces Copyright ProtectionThe Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) produces safety and training materials, as well as many codes, warning signs and labels for the access industry, in addition

to standards and manuals for all products governed by ANSI A92. These products all carry copyright protection to the association to maintain their authenticity, as well as to protect their revenue stream for our members.

The SIA encourages its members, as well as users of high reach equipment to report any unauthorized reproduction or modifications of these products so that theassociation can take legal steps to protect our copyright. “For the protection of our members, violators will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law”, says Bill Breault,SIA president. “Our SIA members and ANSI A92 subcommittee members work too hard as volunteers to generate these products for the good of the scaffold andaccess industry to not legally protect them.”

Please call the SIA office at (816) 595-4860 or e-mail Laurie Weber at [email protected] to report any suspected violations. Copyright ® 2009 Scaffold Industry Association

Petrochem Inc.Larry Bowen 6811 NE 131stVancouver, Wash. 98682(360) 256-4366

Montec RestorationServices Inc.Michael Montecalvo4 Sonny RoadBerwick, Penn. 18603(570) 752-9096

RTC Waterproofing &Restoration Inc.Daniel Andres1433 Crescent DriveCarrollton, Texas 75006(972) 446-2211

New MembersDeBrino CaulkingAssociates Inc. Lewis Houghtaling1304 Route 9Castleton, N.Y. 12033(518) 732-7234

Eugene Mathews Inc.Jerry Loftus2041 West CarrollChicago, Ill. 60612(312) 666-4646

Everest Waterproofing &Restoration Inc.Seth Acharya1270 Missouri StreetSan Francisco, Calif. 94107(415) 282-9800

COENEQ Ltd. Hernan Rojas PimientoCRA. 17 No. 19A-13Bogota, Columbia+00 571 286-7600

Simian Risk ManagementIan FyallWallis House, Birchwood Park,Warrington, U.K WA3 6FW+44 845 602-2418

november 2009 volume 37 issue 11 - scaffold … volume 37 > issue 11 > 2009 ... elevators,...

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