Suspended Access Equipment
SUSPENDED ACCESS EQUIPMENT (SAE)
The IWH’s Suspended Access Equipment Chamber represents all Companies, Partnerships, or Individuals engaged with suspended access platforms.
Suspended Access Equipment (SAE) is the generic term that covers two specific forms of suspended work platforms namely:
- Building Maintenance Units
- Temporary Suspended Platforms
A BMU is normally installed on a permanent basis on a building structure where ongoing maintenance of the façade is required. A multi-story office building with large areas of flush glazed windows that need regular cleaning is a good example.
A TSP appears at first glance to be the same as BMUs but there are some differences between them, notably;
- These units are normally used on construction sites and are more robust, carry heavier loads and are bigger.
- The suspension ropes and power cables hang freely down to the ground
- The sides of the platform are normally open
- The units are installed for short duration work
- Are normally suspended from static overhead fixing points
Temporary suspended access equipment has been a cost effective and safe form of access used throughout the building / construction industry world-wide for more than 50 years. The erection, relocation, dismantling and maintenance of TSP work operations must be properly planned, supervised and undertaken by competent persons. For all suspended access equipment there are two distinct roles that exist to ensure they are used properly and, in the manner, intended:
- The supplier of the equipment
- The user of the equipment
The following SANS standards apply to the Suspended Access Su Industry:
SANS 51808 – Safety requirements on suspended access equipment
Design calculations, stability criteria, construction – Tests
SANS 1903 – Front end specification – Safety requirements on suspended access equipment
Design calculations, stability criteria, construction – Tests
SANS10295 parts 1 and 2 Suspended access equipment
The IWH Professional Body will issue licenses to individuals for recognition to work as
- TSP User/Operator
- TSP Erector
- TSP Supervisor
For Suspended Access Equipment related enquiries, please email any of the following: