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Australia When it’s critical The future of climbing
Australia
When it’s critical
The future of climbing
What is the HighStep® System?The Swiss-engineered HighStep® is an innovative modular climbing solution designed to meet challenging height access applications.
The HighStep® System comprises a simple-to-install, low maintenance rail system which is paired with climbing devices to facilitate:
» Mechanical Climbing with HighStep Easy®, a climbing device similar to a pair of shoe pedals, and HighStep®’s proprietary fall arrestor, Protector®
» Automated Climbing with HighStep Lift® — the world’s first portable, battery-powered elevator
HighStep® enables a completely revolutionary way of climbing that is:
» Exceptionally safe with 3 points of continuous contact with the system at all times. Risk of falls and mishaps are significantly reduced without compromising climbing speed
» Ergonomically friendly & efficient to climb thus reducing stress on the climber’s shoulders, arms and lower back. Climbing on the HighStep uses similar movements to climbing stairs with the height of each step determined by the user. Rests can be taken at any point on the System whenever the user feels fatigued — the need for rest platforms becomes redundant
» Simple to install with minimal engineering required compared with other climbing systems
» Cost effective thanks to increases in efficiencies, reduction in injuries, minimal maintenance requirements and other innovative design factors
» Future-proofed with the HighStep® System guaranteed never to become obsolete. All future HighStep® enhancements, new accessories and equipment will be designed to operate on the existing HighStep® Rail
HighStep’s versatility makes the System suitable for a wide range of applications. Some examples include, but are not limited to:
» Electricity pylons and power plants
» Telecommunications and broadcasting towers
» Tower cranes, mobile and overhead cranes
» Wind turbines
» Confined space / underground access - shafts and tunnels
» Refineries
» Stadiums and event venues
» Lighting towers
» Chimneys
» Elevator shafts
» Industrial buildings
» High rise buildings
» Storage and high rack warehouses
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HighStep® RailThe Rail is the heart of the HighStep® SystemThe aluminium rail extrusion consists of individual 6 m long segments that are securely connected together and bolted to the supporting structure to reach the desired climbing height. The Rail’s strong yet slender profile enables it to blend discreetly with architectural structures.
The HighStep® Rail is ingeniously simple to install and requires minimal maintenance. Its anodised surface makes it impervious to the elements — even severe weather. A heavy duty Rail is also available for corrosive environments such as in off-shore applications.
Portable HighStep® climbing devices are brought along to where access is required and are quickly and securely attached to the Rail, ready for use.
Future devices and accessories will be designed to suit the existing Rail design which will remain the centrepiece of the HighStep® System. Moving forward, this means all HighStep® Rail installations will remain current with its useability expanding as more accessories and devices
are added to the HighStep® range.
Advantages of the HighStep® Rail
SafetyDespite its elegant and streamlined design, the HighStep® Rail is
exceptionally strong and is designed for loads of up to 5 tons. When installed correctly using the correct fittings, the installed Rail is as strong as 15 mm diameter steel rope.
Prevents unauthorised climbingEliminate the need for cages, fencing and locks. The HighStep® Rail is impossible to climb without HighStep® climbing devices. This automatically prevents unauthorised access if the Rail starts at ground level. For additional security, an optional 3 m detachable bottom rail piece is also available.
Adaptable and cost effective The HighStep® Rail is extremely simple to install and can be applied to many structures from building walls, lattice towers, concrete poles, round masts, solid-web towers and ladders to name a few. Bespoke attachment adaptors can be designed and engineered to suit your situation.
The HighStep® Rail design allows it to be bent without compromising its strength. Coupled with the System’s selection of versatile connectors HighStep® is also suited to tackle overhanging angles. This significantly reduces the costs involved with customised engineering compared to traditional climbing solutions.
Only one climbing device, brought along by the user, is required to access all structures equipped with the HighStep® Rail. www.ferno.com.au
HighStep Easy® & Protector®HighStep Easy® is the mechanical device for manual climbing and may only be used in combination with the HighStep Protector® fall arrester which forms the third point of contact for fall protection. These two items form part of the user’s personal protective equipment (PPE) and are brought to the work site.
Each HighStep Easy® set comprises two pedals - one each for the left and right foot.
HighStep Easy® resembles a set of two foot pedals which are mounted to the Rail. The user’s foot is securely encased and the foot completely supported by the foot plate at all times while on the System.
The Easy® fits a wide range of feet. Extra large or small feet can be accommodated by changing the binding position.
Climbing with the HighStep Easy® requires significantly less effort than traditional methods of climbing and is similar to ascending a flight of steps. Each Easy® pedal has a working load limit of 150 kg.
How does HighStep Easy® work?
The Easy® pedal incorporates a clamping bracket which secures to the Rail. The clamping bracket is designed so it cannot be accidentally released. Three guide rollers guide the Easy® along the Rail. Using HighStep Easy® is like going up and down stairs.
When the user stands on the foot plate, brake blocks hold the Easy® on the Rail. When the user lifts his or her heel, the brake blocks release to enable the Easy® to run freely along the Rail. When the user’s heel is lowered at the point where the step is ended, the brake blocks once again deploy to securely hold position on the Rail.
How does HighStep Protector work?
HighStep Protector is a fall arrester. Attached to the front of the user’s harness and to the Rail, the Protector® forms the third independent connection point that is continuously attached to the Rail system.
The Protector® consists of a carrier body, guide rollers, a movable double catch and a mechanism for inserting the device into the Rail.
The Protector® embraces the Rail and travels freely along it following the user. Detaching the device from the Rail is a two-handed operation to eliminate accidental detachment. The double catch is securely connected to the shock absorber and the karabiner by a pivot joint in the
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carrier body. When the shock absorber and karabiner are pulled upwards (i.e. when climbing), the device moves freely up or down the Rail following the user’s
movements. If the downwards motion is too fast (i.e. in a fall), the spring force engages the double catch into the Rail slots, quickly locking the Protector® in place. The efficiency of the device means that falls are arrested in a very short distance.
The Protector® is designed to a working load limit of 150 kg. It can also be locked in position on the Rail to prevent upward or downward movement and is ideal when the user wishes to remain stationery for a period.
Advantages of HighStep Easy® and Protector®Improved safety » The user’s feet, encased within the pedals, never
physically leave the climbing system while in use making it impossible to slip, make a wrong step or fall unlike traditional climbing systems such as ladders and pegs
» The user is continuously attached by three points to the climbing system.
Ergonomically better for users » Because climbing with HighStep Easy® is like climbing
stairs, the user maintains an upright posture while ascending and descending. Arms are used for balance rather than support thus significantly reducing strain on the upper body and lower back.
» Unlike ladders and pegs, the HighStep System lets the user adjust the height of their step to match individual comfort and conditions.
» The Easy® foot pedals can be used as a resting platform at the user’s convenience, anywhere along the Rail system.
» The above ergonomically and user-friendly benefits combine to reduce physical stress on the user and preserving their energy. It provides those who are less physically fit with the capacity to continue climbing.
Cost effective » HighStep Easy® and Protector® are portable and form part of the
user’s PPE. One climbing device enables the user to access all structures equipped with the HighStep Rail. The more Rails you have installed on structures, the greater the savings.
» The cost of incorporating rest platforms along the System is eliminated as the HighStep Easy® fulfils this role.
» The Easy® and Protector® are Swiss-made from quality components for robust use and durability. They are designed with very few wear parts resulting in low maintenance costs.
Visit Ferno Australia’s website for more information and videos about HighStep’s revolutionary method of manual climbing.
www.ferno.com.au
HighStep Lift® The HighStep Lift® is the world’s first portable, fully-automated climbing device for access to high work places. Like every other device used on the Rail, the HighStep Lift® can be brought to any location where the Rail is installed.
The Lift is electrically driven for fast and easy access to high altitudes and workplaces. Its compact design and detachable transport wheels allows it to be easily attached to the Rail by one or two persons. As the Lift does not require rope hoists, cable or other external auxiliaries, it can be unloaded from a vehicle, taken to the Rail and be ready for use within minutes.
The HighStep Lift® carries loads up to 150 kg. On one full battery charge the Lift is capable of ascending a total vertical distance of 1,000 m with a 150 kg load on board. It can move at a speed of 0.4 m per second bringing a user to the top of a 100 m tower in four minutes.
The Lift can also be operated with a remote control which enables it to be operated by a second person if desired. While it’s primarily designed as an elevator for people, it can also be used to transport tools and goods.
The Lift is designed with a modular battery platform and uses the latest generation lithium batteries which function at extreme temperatures from -20°C to +50°C. Batteries automatically recharge during the Lift’s descent and can also be trickle charged in the motor vehicle en route to the next site.
Advantages of the HighStep Lift®Ergonomically friendlyThe Lift provides the ultimate climbing experience with practically no physical exertion. This gives the user the opportunity to reach high-level workplaces fresh and rested. It also enables workers who find it difficult to climb long distances, continued access to high workplaces.
Enhanced SafetyThe remote control function enables the Lift to haul tools and gear thereby significantly reducing the instances of manual lifting and strain on the individual. This also eliminates the inconvenience and enhanced danger of slips and falls during this strenuous activity.
Cost EffectiveUsing the HighStep Lift® results in significant gains in time spent climbing while simultaneously ensuring personnel safety and minimising their physical tiredness and body stress. User’s work performance is generally improved. Instead of one traditional lift per site, one HighStep® Lift is taken by the user to access multiple sites.
More information and videos are available on Ferno Australia’s website.Australia
www.ferno.com.au
Technical SpecificationsHighStep Rail®Purpose Climbing system base
Standard length 5,995.2 mm
Weight 3.4 kg per metre
Profile Open U-shaped
Material Anodised aluminium
Standard colour Nickel-Silver
Other colours Refer colour chart
Certification CE 0123 with Easy® and Protector®
HighStep Easy®Purpose Mechanical climbing device
Measurements (H) 230 mm x (W) 230 mm x (L) 265 mm
Weight 2.2 kg per pedal
Working load limit 150 kg per pedal
Space Requirement 265 mm x 230 mm
Clearance required to side of Rail 180 mm
Clearance required in front of Rail 240 mm
Clearance required behind Rail 45 mm
Certification MRL 2006/42 EG; VG11 RfU 11.073; EN 353-1:2002; EN 358 / EN 361; EN 362; EN 795/B:2012; 98/37/CE; 89/686/CE; EN 365:2004
HighStep Protector®Purpose Fall arrester
Measurements - Carrier Body (W) 150 mm x (H) 80 mm
Weight 1 kg
Working load rating 150 kg
Rescue load rating 300 kg
Maximum height of fall 47 cm
Certification MRL 2006/42 EG; VG11 RfU 11.073; EN 353-1:2002; EN 358 / EN 361; EN 362; EN 795/B:2012; 98/37/CE; 89/686/CE; EN 365:2004
Certification - Attachment Point EN 795
HighStep Lift®Purpose Personnel & material transport device
Measurements - Motor section (H) 1620 mm x (W) 345 mm x (L) 215 mm
Weight - Lift Column Lift column: 30 kg Standard Battery/Standing platform: 20 kg
Operating modes Lift operation for 1 personRemote control for empty runs or transporting material up to 150 kg maximum
Operating temperatures -20°C to +50°C Suitable for indoor and outdoor applications
Travel speed Up to 0.4 m/second or 24 m/minute
Battery performance Up to 1,000 m elevation with 150 kg load on fully charged batteriesOver 1,000 charging cycles with full dischargeInterchangeable batteries
Certification Machine directive MRL 2006/42 EG
Head Office11 Johnstone RoadBrendale Qld 4500Australia
Call toll free (Aust)
1800 804 647t +61 7 3881 4999f +61 7 3881 1125
VIC18 Damosh AvenueCarrum Downs VIC 3201t +61 7 3881 4999f +61 3 9775 1360
WA22 Casella PlaceKewdale WA 6105t +61 8 9353 2300f +61 8 9353 1169
Australia
www.ferno.com.au
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