The technicians will use the ascenders for lifting tools and equipment while they install the wind turbines at the Rampion offshore wind site. Part of the deal involves the provision of onsite training to the Rampion team on the use of the ascender for lifting equipment with a maximum capacity up to 200kg, in addition to assessment and servicing at regular six month intervals. An up-time guarantee will ensure that the installation team will always have access to powered ascenders whenever they need them.
The ActSafe ACX battery-powered ascender is capable of lifting 100 kg for more than 200 metres of continuous ascending on a single charge. It also comes equipped with a remote control with a range of up to 150 metres, while a range of set-up options, with the ascender either anchored or free running, used in combination with a pulley system, makes the ACX highly versatile for lifting personnel and equipment.
If used as a personal elevator for rope access technicians, the powered rope ascender reduces the physical strain on technicians as they scale turbines, similarly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries due to fatigue.
“Our blade repair technicians have been using ActSafe’s powered ascenders for years to service onshore and offshore wind farms, reduce risks and cut the time taken to complete repair work” said Tom Dyffort, Managing Director of Altitec. “Our sales and service agreement with the Rampion team will ensure they are using the most up-to-date ascender equipment, perfectly suited to work on offshore turbines.”
Altitec has been supplying ActSafe ascenders in the UK, Europe and South Africa since 2011.
The 400 MW Rampion project is being built by E.ON, the UK Green Investment Bank plc and Canadian energy infrastructure company Enbridge. It is due to be complete and fully operational in 2018.
Image: From a screenshot of Altitec's video of the ActSafe Ascender
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