Invention Helps At Height
Newcastle Herald
Wednesday November 26, 2003
FORMER Hunter Region roofer Bob Richards has designed a new product, the Safety Pole, to protect people working at heights.
Recently launched by NSW Minister for Small Business David Campbell, the product is being marketed by a Newcastle firm Life & Rescue International (telephone 49276240), with the aim of putting an end to deaths and injuries of workers falling from heights.
``With the right products and training, the safety of all workers is increased substantially," Mr Richards said.
He knows first-hand the trauma involved in falls, having once revived a mate who fell 20metres from a roof at a work site.
This prompted the invention of the Safety Pole and the affiliation with Wickham-based Life & Rescue International to sell and train people in the use of the pole.
``The Safety Pole can be used on houses and buildings and, with simple permanent installation, connects to stink pipes and is designed to suit the architecture of the building," Mr Richards said.
``It can also be used for the construction industry by means of the transportable tradesman's version and therefore can be used from job to job.
``Made of light aluminium outer with a strong stainless inner, all components are replaceable and interchangeable.
``For the person that makes a living working from roofs and at heights, the Safety Pole is the smart, safe choice.
``There is no excuse for not being attached, you wear a harness and attach it to the Safety Pole, and it is that simple."
Mr Richards said most professional workers agreed that the greatest risk of a fall was down through the roof trusses.
``With the Safety Pole workers can be lowered using appropriate equipment attached to it as an anchor," he said.
``This provides an effective solution for rescue and it meets the demands of the height industry."
The Safety Pole can also be used for household chores such as removing leaves from gutters, minor leak repairs and basic installation of equipment such as antennas.
``The Safety Pole reduces the need for outer railings and the roof can be enclosed without the need for scaffolding," Mr Richards said.
``It also means that an internal fit-out can be carried out sooner due to time-saving in placing roof coverings.
``This saves time and money."
Life & Rescue International is a local company, based at Wickham, that provides training in working in confined spaces, height safety, harness/height rescue, industrial rope access and other courses.
The firm, which was founded by Peter Tranter in 1987, also sells all types of safety equipment from gas monitors, tripods, davits, ropes and winches to breathing apparatus and now the new Safety Pole.
Life & Rescue International is now offering its services to the public by programming courses out of hours to allow those in need to access an appropriate course in public safety at times to suit their busy schedules.
``Emphasis on safety and life support will always be focused at the workplace, though not enough focus is placed on those working on their home," Mr Tranter said.
``When working at home, shortcuts are often taken, and it only takes one fall to maim and kill.
``Life & Rescue International has developed a sound reputation as being a leader in the field of safety, training sales and hire."
Inquiries may be made to Life & Rescue International by telephoning 49276240.
© 2003 Newcastle Herald
