Windcrane Weather Monitoring for UBS Hoists and Access LTD

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UBS Hoists and Access LTD (UBSL) have more than 30 years of experience providing material and passenger hoists for residential, commercial and institutional projects. They have a patented common tower system, which minimises interference with the construction process by concentrating all hoisting equipment. The following are some major projects where UBSL have provided hoisting solutions:

• Swiss Re Tower (The Gherkin)

• Canary Wharf

• Beetham Tower

• Bishopsgate Broadgate Tower

• Pan Peninsula Towers

Hoists have a critical role in high-rise constructions, allowing efficient movement across vertical distances. The UBSL common tower system can hoist materials and passengers up to 300 m, and it can be used in new constructions and renovation projects alike. All hoisting equipment is contained by a single aluminium structure, which minimises the number of cladding panels that must be left off during construction.

Since 2018, UBSL have been using Windcrane to provide weather monitoring data at various project sites:

• Using live weather data, project managers and other key personnel can identify dangerous site conditions and pause lifting operations when necessary.

• Wind data accessible to anyone involved in the project

• Accessed remotely via phone or computer

• Site specific recorded live, historical and forecast at height wind speeds

• Assists with lifting operations, safety and planning

Using Accurate Wind Data to Meet LOLER Regulations

The wind data helps UBSL comply with the requirements of LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998). LOLER mandates weather monitoring devices to detect dangerous conditions, in all projects where lifting equipment or their loads could be affected by high winds. 

USBL are committed to project site safety, and their accreditations and training include:

• CHAS - Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

• Achilles BuildingConfidence Advanced Member

• Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) Member

• FORS Silver - Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme

• Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) Registered Member - CQMS Safety Scheme

• Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)

LOLER does not allow lift and hoist planning based only on general weather forecasts, since they provide limited accuracy for specific sites. LOLER requires an onsite monitoring system capable of measuring exact wind conditions at all times, such as Windcrane. Weather forecasts provide a general idea of what to expect, but gusts and other hazardous conditions may arise without warning.

The hardware installed on the hoist machine is a Windcrane Mini system it is a compact and lightweight system that can be mounted directly on hoisting equipment. The device is protected by an impact resistant and weatherproof IP67 enclosure, which includes mounting loops for heavy-duty straps or lanyards. The system also includes an AC power supply and a 40m cable.

 The device is frost resistant and suitable for temperatures ranging from -30°C to +60°C. The anemometer can be combined with an optional LCD display for the operator cabin, which updates wind speed data every second.

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