5. Safety Facts The risk of injuries involving ladders is a well known fact. According to several recent studies which involved many large organizations such as Underwriter’s Laboratories, and The Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 100,000 ladder related injuries occur annually. The Bureau of Labour Statistics indicated that 50% of ladder accidents occurred while the worker carried materials in his /her hands as they climbed.
6. Injuries cause lost time. Lost time cause loss of revenue The following statistics are provided by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) of Ontario.The injuries noted are common to situations that require lifting and operating from a ladder. Sprains and strains 40,211 Lost Time Claims in 1999 Back Injuries 30,105 Lost Time Claims in 1999 Overexertion 24,673 Lost Time Claims in 1999 Falls 5,758 Lost Time Claims in 1999 These chronic injuries have provided the basis for why the TechMate was designed.To reduce personal injury to employees and lost revenue to employers.
7. THE TechMate ADVANTAGE Safety Ladder usage is greatly reduced by using TechMate . The unit is attached to a designated point on the overhead strand, remaining there for the duration of the job. Once attached, most handling is done from the ground, avoiding worry about the “three point contact” ladder safety rule. Falling incidents are reduced. By handling equipment on the ground, back injury is less likely.
8. THE TechMate ADVANTAGE Cost Efficiency TechMate speeds up the process of installing equipment or accessing existing equipment increasing productivity. Injuries from unsafe ladder operation are reduced, resulting in less time lost. TechMate greatly reduces the possibility of damaging equipment through unsteady handling. In certain situations, TechMate can eliminate the need for a second technician.
9. THE TechMate ADVANTAGE Practicality TechMate is a simple yet powerful tool to operate. It is light and versatile. This user-friendly concept translates to safer work practices and greater efficiency .
10. THE TechMate ADVANTAGE Adaptability TechMate improves work applications, including the installation and removal of optical bridgers, amplifiers, fibre optic enclosures, tool buckets, and various field equipment – from aerial to confined space situations.
11. Unsafe Method of Handling a FOSC Rope Method: To get to this point the technician is required to move the ladder at least 5-6 times. 1
12. 2 Unsafe Method of Handling a FOSC Rope Method: The technician is securing the rope to the FOSC and placing it over the strand. 2
13. 3 Unsafe Method of Handling a FOSC Rope Method : The following 3 photos demonstrate the hazards when using this method. 3
14. 4 Unsafe Method of Handling a FOSC Rope Method: Securing the FOSC with a rope and using a basic knot has the potential to prematurely release, dropping and damaging the FOSC while causing major interruption of service. 4
15. 5 Unsafe Method of Handling a FOSC Rope Method: The rope over the strand has a potential to damage any lashed cable. The rope will prematurely wear. 5
16. 6 Unsafe Method of Handling a FOSC Rope Method: Lowering the FOSC from a ladder may result in loss of balance and personal injury to the technician. 6
17. 7 Unsafe Method of Handling a FOSC Rope Method: Injuries may result from excessive back strain due to awkward positioning of technician on the ladder. 7
18. 8 Unsafe Method of Handling a FOSC Rope Method: Lowering the equipment from the ground eliminates the possibility of falling off the ladder, however the aforementioned hazards still apply. 8
19. 9 Unsafe Method of Handling a FOSC Hand Method: The initial danger occurs with the technician having to unbuckle himself from his safety line belt, making him susceptible to … 9
20. 10 Unsafe Method of Handling a FOSC being pulled off balance, thus resulting in an injury due to a fall… 10
21. 11 Unsafe Method of Handling a FOSC back and arm injuries due to excessive strain… 11
22. 12 Unsafe Method of Handling a FOSC ...and potentially dropping the FOSC resulting in damage and interruption of service. 12
23. Safe Method of Handling a FOSC No safety rules are compromised using TechMate. Both safety and efficiency are enhanced. 3-point contact is maintained as the technician climbs the ladder. 1
24. 2 Safe Method of Handling a FOSC The technician buckles in and fastens the TechMate to the strand and then to the FOSC. 2
25. 3 Safe Method of Handling a FOSC The following 2 photos illustrate the proper attachment of the TechMate to the FOSC… 3
27. 5 Safe Method of Handling a FOSC Using the TechMate’s locking mechanism, the rope is secured. 5
28. 6 Safe Method of Handling a FOSC The FOSC is removed from the strand and suspended securely by the rope. 6
29. 7 Safe Method of Handling a FOSC The technician descends while following proper ladder safety rules. 7
30. 8 Safe Method of Handling a FOSC The ladder is then moved to the opposite side of the FOSC. 8
31. 9 Safe Method of Handling a FOSC The tie wraps holding the cables are removed from the strand. 9
32. 10 Safe Method of Handling a FOSC Generally, the technician needs only to position the ladder 3 times to get to the point of lowering the FOSC. 10
33. 11 Safe Method of Handling a FOSC From the safety of the ground, the technician releases TechMate’s locking mechanism … 11
34. 12 Safe Method of Handling a FOSC and guides the FOSC effortlessly to the ground… 12
35. 13 Safe Method of Handling a FOSC ...without risk of personal injury or damage to the FOSC. To re-attach the equipment the entire process is simply reversed. 13
36. Unsafe Method of Handling a Load Carrying equipment by hand compromises many of the safety rules of proper ladder usage. 1
37. 2 The 3-point contact rule is compromised causing potential loss of balance. Unsafe Method of Handling a Load 2
38. 3 Unsafe Method of Handling a Load This makes the technician susceptible to personal injury… 3
39. 4 Unsafe Method of Handling a Load ...and exposes equipment to potential damage. 4
40. 5 Unsafe Method of Handling a Load As with the FOSC, the inherent dangers of handling an amplifier or other heavy equipment are the same if not greater. 5
41. 6 Unsafe Method of Handling a Load Regardless of the manner in which the equipment is handled, without TechMate, the danger of falling or inadvertently dropping the equipment is obvious. 6
42. 7 Unsafe Method of Handling a Load As shown in this and the previous photo, back, shoulder and arm strain is quite evident. 7
43. 8 Unsafe Method of Handling a Load The friction caused by repeated motion of the rope on the strand and/or cables can cause severe damage to system plant. 8
44. Safe Method of Handling a Load After positioning the ladder and installing TechMate onto the strand, the amplifier is placed into the TechMate bag. 1
45. 2 Safe Method of Handling a Load The rope is secured to the bag via the Snap Hook and O-Ring. 2
46. 3 Safe Method of Handling a Load From the safety of the ground, the technician hoists the bag containing the load. 3
47. 4 Safe Method of Handling a Load One of the dynamic features of TechMate is the ability to lock and release the equipment at any point . 4
48. 5 Safe Method of Handling a Load Once the amplifier is in place, the technician engages TechMate’s locking mechanism from the ground. 5
49. 6 Safe Method of Handling a Load At this point, the technician can ascend the ladder while maintaining all necessary safety rules. After buckling in, the technician installs the amplifier easily and safely. 6
50. 7 Safe Method of Handling a Load To lower the load, the technician simply steps back, and with steady pressure on the rope releases TechMate’s locking mechanism. This allows for a controlled descent of the load to the ground. 7
51.
52. TechMate Inspection Procedure Bag Webbing, Strand Strap Webbing Inspect the entire surface of webbing for damage. Watch for excessively frayed edges, broken fibers, pulled stitches, cuts or chemical damage. Replace if webbing appears questionably unsafe.
53. TechMate Inspection Procedure Rope Rotate the rope and inspect from end to end for fuzzy, worn, broken or cut fibers. Weakened areas have noticeable changes in original diameter. Replace when the rope diameter is not uniform throughout, following a short break-in period. The older a rope is and the more use it gets, the more important testing and inspection become.
54. TechMate Inspection Procedure Bag Follow the regular procedure for inspecting webbing. Inspect the bag for any tears, holes, rips, frayed fragments. Replace bag if there is any doubt to the safety of the bag.
55. TechMate Inspection Procedure TechMate Pulley Assembly Inspect the shackles for any visible signs of damage. Examine the threaded pin to ensure full penetration through the shackle. Check to ensure there is no sign of wear on the bar. Inspect the sheaves (pulley wheel) for wear. Ensure the sheaves spin freely and are not excessively loose. Replace any component if safety is in doubt.
56. TechMate Inspection Procedure Locking Blocks Inspect the screws fastening the locking blocks to the housing. Ensure they are secure. Examine the teeth of the locking blocks to ensure they do not appear excessively worn. Ensure the locking blocks swivel properly but maintain a secure seat on the housing. Replace any component if safety is in doubt.
57. TechMate Inspection Procedure Fastening Hardware (Snap Hooks, O-Rings) Inspect all hardware components for any signs of wear, distortion or cracks. Ensure springs in the snap hooks are working properly with adequate tension. Replace any component if safety is in doubt.
58. TechMate Price List Small Vinyl Bag TM - SBDV2 Large Vinyl Bag TM - LBDV1 Rope - Per Foot TM - RD516 Web Strap W/ Snap Hook TM - WS247 Cam Cleat TM - R3640 Block With CamCleat TM - R7428 TechMate Hoist (Kit) TM - TMH01 Price Component Part Number
59. Specifications COMPONENTS M.W.L M.B.L BLOCK #7524 1900lbs 3500lbs 1 INCH NYLON WEBBING 1500 4500 LBS SNAP HOOK #2451-080 500 LBS 1000 LBS 5/16 INCH POLYESTER ROPE 750 LBS 3000 LBS S.T. S.T. RING #470-0630 N/A N/A 22 OUNCE VINYL BAG WITH 1 INCH SUPPORT WEBBING 1500 LBS 4500 LBs BAG MATERIAL CONSTRUCTION BASE FABRIC POLYESTER FILAMENT SIZE 1000 DENIER CONSTRUCTION 23/in x 21/in BASE FABRIC WEIGHT 6.00 oz FINISHED WEIGHT 18 oz (actual bag weight) (22 oz) SAFETY NOTE : ALTHOUGH THE SPECIFICATION RATING FOR THE RESPECTIVE COMPONENT FAR EXCEEDS THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE APPLICATIO INTENDED FOR USE OF THE TechMate,IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE MAXIMUM WORKING LOAD NOT EXCEED 100 LBS.
60. Disclaimer The user of this product hereinafter referred to as “TechMate" is advised that there are inherent risks of injury and damage involved in the use of this product. TechMate is a tool designed to lift objects weighing no more than one hundred (100) pounds and no other function, specifically not the use of lifting or securing persons. The operator must inspect the product for wear and discontinue its use immediately if any parts show signs of wear and tear. TechMate must be used strictly in accordance with operating instructions contained in the user manual provided with the product. Fusiontech Communications Inc. disclaims any and all liability for any claims, demands whatsoever in law or in equity which any user, his heirs, executors, administrators or assigns can, shall or may have against Fusiontech Communications Inc. by reason of the use of TechMate for any purpose for which it was intended to be used or for the use of a TechMate tool which by reason of wear or tear or defect has become unsafe to use. Fusiontech Communications Inc. is not the manufacturer of this product and shall not be responsible for injuries arising from a manufacturer's defect.
61. Testimonials “ By all accounts our technicians are very happy with the way the TechMate works out in the field. With your demonstration we can see the safety value in it for our technicians. A couple of our lighter weight Tech's were down right excited about being able to use a device that can assist them in raising an enclosure that weighs as much as 80 lbs. Myself, and the Techs feel that this is one of the best safety devices that we have seen in a long time ”. Nick Conforti (Contractor) Operations Manager “ I recently had the opportunity to see in action a piece of equipment that demonstrates the concept, that there is a better and safer way to install / remove equipment from an overhead strand. The procedures performed were the removal and subsequent re-installation of a fiber-node and then using another technique, an amplifier was raised, locked into position and then attached to the strand. Knowing very little about the equipment, it didn’t take me long (with some expert instruction) to feel confident with the process. The piece of equipment I’m referring to, is the “TechMate”, and based on its many attributes, such as safety, job efficiency and versatility, I’m quite certain that those working in the Telecommunications industry will be well pleased. From my viewpoint the TechMate will certainly have a positive impact based on all its features. In addition to my assessment, I’m aware that R.E. department did some thorough testing and the TechMate was deemed a success ”. Bruce Proctor Safety Professional
62. Testimonials “ I’ve been using that aerial lift device a lot and finding it very helpful. It saves me from having to lift the FOSC enclosures too and from the strand by hand which in today’s fiber world means a lot because these enclosures are getting pretty heavy. It also saves you at least two climbs up the ladder, which is a good thing. The unit itself is very tech. friendly As a tech. in the field I would absolutely use this product and feel strongly that other techs. will do the same. Thanks for the opportunity to give this thing a whirl. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call ”. Ken Roberts Fibre Technician “ The response from the field is very positive on how efficiently the TechMate works. It reduces ladder climbing which translates to increased production. It can also prevent potential accidents by allowing the tech’s to lift heavy equipment from the ground as opposed to carrying the load up and down a ladder. We are very pleased by this product ”. Rick Bennett (Contractor) Field Manager
63. To purchase TechMate contact: 75 First St., Unit 237 Orangeville, Ontario L9W 5B6 Office: (416) 657-4293 Cell: (416) 277-3714 Fax: (519) 942-9109 Toll: 866 787-4293 Website: www.fusiontech.ca e-mail: info@fusiontech.ca
