Swing Stage Scaffold Market Notes Safety Benefits of Straightpoint Load Shackle

Straightpoint Inc. is targeting manufacturers and end users of two-point (swing stage) adjustable suspension scaffolds with a load shackle that will measure the combined weight of personnel and tools prior to use.

The Camarillo, California-based force measurement, load monitoring and suspended weighing load cell manufacturer, provides load shackles for a myriad of applications in a range of markets. They are available in capacities 3.25t through 120t but Straightpoint is offering its lower capacity units to the suspended scaffold market.

Featuring industry leading wireless technology and range, the wireless load shackle is supplied with an update rate of 3Hz and can be easily configured to run at speeds of up to 200Hz. Available from stock, lower capacity units are manufactured from Crosby’s 2130 Carbon and 2140 Alloy Bolt Type Anchor Shackles.

John Molidor, the general manager of Straightpoint’s U.S. subsidiary, said: “The success of our products in enhancing safety and efficiency in applications that use cranes and other lifting equipment demonstrates to us the potential for products like the load shackle to play a role in raising safety in other sectors. Users and providers of swing stage adjustable suspension scaffolds are a prime candidate to benefit from that potential and versatility.”

The most common hazards associated with the use of two-point suspension scaffolds—they typically comprise a work platform, guardrail and suspension system—are presented by the inherent dangers of working at height. Accidents include over-turning due to an imbalance or collapse caused by overload.

“A Straightpoint load shackle would be a straightforward installation onto suspension scaffolds that could provide valuable, indeed life-saving, information about the weight and its distribution across the swing stage,” Molidor said. “We would urge manufacturers and users to consider the benefits before they supply, or go to work on, two-point scaffolds.”

The manufacturer has noted potential for applications related to buildings; ships; wind turbines; power plant boilers; pulp storage tanks; petrochemical plants; ship-building and repair; window washing; masonry; high-rise window replacement; and more.

Molidor added: “Think of the safety benefits of implementing load shackle technology that can provide an actual weight or load for a fully-loaded scaffolding including personnel, tools and other equipment before descent or assent.”

A Straightpoint load shackle would be a straightforward installation onto suspension scaffolds.

Straightpoint welcomes requests for product demonstrations from the two-point (swing stage) adjustable suspension scaffold industry and is looking for end users with which to collaborate on the production of educational case studies for distribution to existing and prospective customers in the sector.

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