Falls from heights are a significant hazard in Australian workplaces, contributing to annual injuries and fatalities. According to Safe Work Australia, falls from a height were the second-highest contributor to worker fatalities, with a 71% increase from 17 to 29 deaths between 2022 and 2023. 1
Non-fatal falls also impose substantial financial burdens, with each incident costing employers downtime, medical expenses, and recovery costs. This underscores the critical need for robust height safety measures, with personal fall arrest systems playing a pivotal role in mitigating these risks.
The Australian Height Safety Landscape
Australia maintains a comprehensive legislative framework for workplace safety, particularly for working at heights.
A range of standards employed within this framework include:
- AS/NZS 1891 (series); and
- AS/NZS 5532:2013.
AS/NZS 1891 (series)
This standard series offers detailed guidance on the various aspects of personal fall arrest systems, including selection, use, and maintenance of industrial fall-arrest systems and devices.
AS/NZS 5532:2013
This standard specifies manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor devices used in harness-based work at height. It outlines the design, testing, and performance criteria that anchor devices must meet to ensure reliability during fall arrest scenarios.
The Role of Personal Fall Arrest Systems
Personal fall arrest systems are critical safety measures for workers operating at heights. Their effectiveness depends on proper selection, installation, and use, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive training. Personal fall arrest systems should serve as a final line of defence when other preventative measures, such as guardrails or safety nets, are not feasible.
Importance of Training
Workers utilising personal fall arrest systems must receive thorough training on the following:
Equipment Selection: Choosing appropriate personal fall arrest systems based on specific tasks and environmental conditions.
Proper Donning and Doffing: Ensuring correct fitting and adjustment for optimal function and safety.
Routine Inspections: Conducting regular checks to identify any damage or defects that could compromise safety.
Emergency Procedures: Being prepared to respond effectively in the event of a fall, including rescue operations and equipment handling.
RUD: Leading with Anchor Points
RUD offers a range of personal fall arrest system anchor points compliant with Australian standards:
PSA VRS-STARPOINT: A 360-degree rotatable anchor point designed for permanent installations on buildings and wind turbines.
PSA INOX-STAR: Similar to the VRS-STARPOINT but constructed from stainless steel, making it suitable for harsh environments.
Weld-on Anchor Points: RUD is preparing to release a range of weld-on anchor points with boltable plates, expanding secure anchoring options for various substrates.
All RUD fall arrest anchor points are tested and certified to meet AS/NZS 1891.4:2009 and AS/NZS 5532:2013, ensuring compliance with Australian safety regulations. A forthcoming weld-on duplex stainless steel anchor point will be suitable for corrosive environments.
Contact RUD for more information, applications and technical advice. Call 07 3809 1300 or email us here.
Article copyright to RUD Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
References:
- Safework Australia - https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/news/key-work-health-and-safety-statistics-2024
In the demanding world of construction and infrastructure projects, the safe and efficient lifting of heavy loads is critical. If you want to lift heavy loads from 85 tonnes upwards, look no further than the RUD WBPG, which offers safe lifting as a single product.
The amazing RUD WBPG is the best heavy-duty bootable lifting point in the market and can lift loads from 85 tonnes to 250 tonnes, which is a game changer for the construction and infrastructure industry!
RUD's Commitment to Safety and Efficiency:
RUD's decades of experience in lifting technology are evident in the WBPG hoist ring. The WBPG lifting point is designed for exceptional strength and durability, meeting and exceeding industry standards.
Benefits
- Exceptional Load Capacity: The WBPG is available in size M48 with a Working Load Limit (WLL) ranging from 85 to 250 tonnes, making it the best choice for heavy lifting in construction and infrastructure projects.
- Ball Bearing Mounted for Smooth Operation: The innovative ball bearing mounting ensures smooth operation even under heavy loads, reducing friction and wear on the lifting point. A crucial benefit for increased safety even with multiple uses.
- Shackle Pivoting and Swivel Bolt: The WBPG features a 180° shackle pivot and a 360° swivel bolt with ball bearings, allowing for flexible load positioning and manoeuvring.
- Removable Suspension Ring: The WBPG ring is designed to resemble a shackle, permitting secure attachment of hoops in heavy concrete sleepers. This makes it easier for your team to work faster and more efficiently.
- Multi-directional Loading: The WBPG can be loaded from any side in the direction of the pivot, making it ideal for lifting and turning heavy loads.
- Robust Design and Construction: RUD's lifting points are built to withstand dynamic loads of at least 20,000 cycles and are tested at an overload of 50%. All bolts undergo a 100% crack test, providing quadruple safety in every loading direction.
Selecting the Right Lifting Point
When choosing a lifting point for a construction or infrastructure project, it is essential to:
- Determine the Total Weight. Accurately calculate the weight of the load being lifted.
- Consider the Number of Lifting Points. The appropriate number of lifting points must be determined based on the shape of the load and installation position.
- Account for Reduction Factors. Refer to operating instructions to factor in reductions due to tilt angles and temperature variations.
- Select a Lifting Point with Sufficient WLL. To ensure a safe margin, choose a lifting point with a WLL that exceeds the weight determined in step 3.
RUD's WBPG: A Solution for Heavy Lifting Challenges
The RUD WBPG hoist ring is the best boltable lifting point in the market. It offers an exceptional solution for heavy lifting in the construction and infrastructure industries. Its robust design, high load capacity, and multiple safety features provide peace of mind and efficiency, ensuring the safe and successful completion of even the most demanding projects.
Read how the WBPG helped the world's largest crane manufacturer build an enormous ship crane that would be used for offshore applications in the oil and gas sector and wind farm installation and disassembly. Click here for the full article.
RUD Australia has a ready stock of VWBG 200t. Call 07 3809 1300 or email us here for more details on how it can meet your heavy-lifting needs.
The INOX-ABA weld-on lifting point, which is part of the ABA family, provides a robust and corrosion-resistant solution for lifting operations in challenging environments. This lifting point is forged from duplex stainless steel 1.4462 and offers superior resistance to pitting and surface corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance even when exposed to corrosive elements like seawater.
Designed for Durability and Reliability
The INOX-ABA is forged from duplex stainless-steel 1.4462, known for its strength and resistance to corrosion. This material choice ensures that the anchor point can withstand demanding conditions often encountered in industries such as:
Paper and food processing: Hygiene quality control is very important in the paper and food industries to prevent contamination. INOX-ABA's duplex stainless-steel manufacturing prevents any potential leaching of coatings or particles, thereby safeguarding the process.
Petrochemical plants: The INOX-ABA’s resistance to corrosive chemicals and high temperatures makes it ideal for handling equipment and machinery in these challenging environments.
Maritime environments: The INOX-ABA is specifically designed to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater, making it perfect for use on ships, rigs, and offshore installations.
Addressing Common Challenges
Most weld-on lifting points, while doing a great job, fall short in challenging environments. The INOX-ABA, however, addresses these shortcomings with its robust construction and comprehensive design features:
Corrosion Resistance: The duplex stainless-steel forging and closed fillet weld provides superior protection against rusting and pitting, ensuring the lifting point remains functional and safe even after prolonged exposure to corrosive elements.
Load in All Directions: The INOX-ABA has full WLL in any direction, providing a secure and reliable lifting solution regardless of the load's orientation.
Enhanced Safety: The INOX-ABA has a 4:1 design factor for safety compared to traditional lifting points, ensuring a wide safety margin in critical lifting operations.
Wear Indicators: Patented internal and external wear indicators permit easy inspection and monitoring of wear and tear, enabling timely maintenance and ensuring continued safety.
Adaptable and Versatile
The INOX-ABA is available in three load capacities (0.8t, 1.6t, and 2.7t) to accommodate a wide range of lifting applications. Its operating temperature ranges from -40°C to 250°C, further expanding its versatility, making it suitable for a variety of temperature environments. The duplex stainless-steel 1.4462 used in the INOX-ABA allows electromagnetic crack testing to ensure the integrity of the anchor point.
Welding Compatibility and Diverse Applications
The INOX-ABA's duplex stainless-steel construction is compatible with various materials, including structural steel, permitting seamless integration into diverse applications. This makes it ideal for use in container construction, particularly in the food production and oil & gas industries, where its resistance to corrosion and contamination is beneficial.
INOX-ABA is also becoming popular for use on cruise ships. It can perform a range of lifting tasks while seamlessly blending into the ship's stainless-steel environment. Its versatility and adaptability make it an asset in diverse industries, ensuring safety and reliability in challenging conditions.
A Comprehensive Solution
RUD's INOX-ABA weld-on lifting point represents a significant advancement in lifting solutions for harsh environments. Its robust construction, corrosion resistance, and comprehensive design features combine to provide a safe, reliable, and versatile solution for a wide range of industries. From heavy-duty lifting operations to fall protection applications (Only 1.6t), the INOX-ABA is a dependable and durable lifting point, ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations in even the most challenging conditions.
References:
Content is taken from www.rud.com.au and technical websites as given below:
If you want more details of our lifting and lashing solutions, call us on 07 3809 1300 or email us here.
Welcome aboard Australia’s leading material lifting and handling technology company.
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Exciting 2 new products coming soon ...
- CCS-FASTLOX - The First-Ever Clickable Clevis Shackle.
- PIP-RAPIDO - The First-Ever Plug-In Lifting Point.
We will soon launch two innovative products - the clickable shackle CCS-FASTLOX and the pluggable lifting point PIP-RAPIDO for speedier and simplified load lifting.
In comparison with conventional fork-head shackles, the extremely robust CCS-FASTLOX can be used without any tools at all - i.e. without a separate bolt, nut and cotter pin. To assemble it, the user simply pushes the bolt through the shackle and clicks it into a safety mechanism attached to the side, automatically keeping it in position. This means it takes up to 80% less time to assemble and dismantle the shackle. The CCS-FASTLOX will be available in Grade 120 (ICE) and Grade 100 (VIP) and nominal sizes from 4 to 16 (ICE) or 6 to 22 (VIP).
One possible application is using the CCS-FASTLOX in combination with the new pluggable lifting point PIP-RAPIDO with a self-locking fixing mechanism. It was developed to supplement boltable and weldable lifting points and is, in particular, intended for easy assembly on through-hole fixtures – such as flanges – and holes with undercuts. To fix it in place, the locking elements are unlocked at the locking bolt and the bolt is inserted into the through-hole fixture. As soon as the bolt is in position, the locking mechanism automatically engages, making a safe connection between the load and the lifting point possible.
Thanks to this mechanism, PIP-RAPIDO can be installed much more quickly than conventional boltable lifting points. It is also suitable for scenarios where a boltable lifting point is unsuitable because it is not possible to fit a nut from below - for example, when it is assembled on flanges that are stacked on top of one another.
CCS-FASTLOX - The First-Ever Clickable Clevis Shackle.
PIP-RAPIDO - The First-Ever Plug-In Lifting Point.
All RUD products are equipped with an integrated RFID transponder as standard, which allows users to retrieve the factory ID number using an NFC-based reader or smartphone. Stay tuned for more information.
RUD will exhibit at the Crane Industry Conference - CICA 2024 at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 17-19 October 2024. Visit our booth #2 to discuss our lifting and lashing solutions for the crane industry.
If you want more details of our lifting and lashing solutions, call us on 07 3809 1300 or email us here.
Welcome aboard Australia’s leading material lifting and handling technology company.
Click the button to read about us, our products, news, blog posts and everything happening at RUD in Australia and around the world.
Click here to read
When a foundry in Italy found itself in a hot problem, they turned to RUD.
Foundries are notoriously harsh environments. They get hot, insanely hot. Red-hot loads demand equipment that can withstand extreme temperatures while ensuring safe and efficient operation.
A foundry in Italy needed to move scorching hot steel bars that were long and weighed thousands of kilos. They were also square-shaped with a unique profile that required a unique lifting solution.
The Situation
The project had several challenges:
- Extreme Temperatures: The bars reached a staggering 300°C, requiring a heat-resistant lifting mechanism to protect operators and equipment.
- Weight and Size: Each bar measured 12 meters long and weighed a hefty 2,400 kg, requiring a robust lifting solution with a high working load limit (WLL).
- Square Geometry: The square profile of the bars (14x14 cm and 16x16 cm) demanded a unique clamping mechanism for secure grip and transport stability.
A Unique Solution
RUD has been in the lifting business for years and knows steel like the back of our hand. So, we took our knowledge of high-quality clamps and chains and devised a custom system to handle this hot situation.
- Built to Last: We customised a robust system that weighed 150 kg with a working load limit (WLL) of 2,500 kg. This was a rock-solid solution that provided stability and safety. The system's core component was a RUD VIP-2-strand sling, which hooked into the crane for a secure connection.
- Versatile Clamping: The clamping mechanism was versatile and could adjust to slight size differences (14x14 cm and 16x16 cm) without a problem. This ensured a secure grip regardless of minor size discrepancies, preventing potential slippage during transport - the last thing you need when dealing with red-hot metal!
- Safety First Followed by Efficiency: Safety is paramount in a foundry for both the employees and the equipment. Our safety-friendly design ticked all the boxes. We made it semi-automatic with a lever system for hooking and unhooking the bars. This kept the operators far away from the intense heat. The lever also controlled the rotation and locking of the clamps, ensuring the bars stayed put throughout the entire process. The clamps themselves were attached to super-strong 8mm RUD VIP Grade 100 sling chains - chosen specifically for their exceptional heat resistance and strength.
Game Change for the Client
This custom system has been a game-changer for the foundry, improving operations on the floor. It moves the steel bars with ease, keeping things efficient while prioritising operator safety. This project is a perfect example of how RUD combines high-quality lifting components with custom-designed solutions. This tailored approach sets RUD apart from the competition. We don't just sell products; we deliver solutions for even the most challenging high-temperature lifting situations.
This project shows our commitment to exceeding customer expectations. By combining our expertise in lifting with a dedication to custom design, we ensure safety, efficiency, and happy customers, no matter how hot the job gets.
If you want more details of our lifting and lashing solutions, email us or call us on 07 3809 1300.
Article copyright to RUD Group and RUD Australia. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are shown for illustration only.
Welcome aboard Australia’s leading material lifting and handling technology company.
Click the button to read about us, our products, news, blog posts and everything happening at RUD in Australia and around the world.
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Established in 2008 by now co-Directors Ben Rose and Mitch Atkinson, Hulk Lifting seeks to supply high-quality engineered lifting solutions to whoever engages its services. Collaborating with German manufacturer and global supplier RUD Chains, Ben goes in-depth about the quality of RUD’s products and their impact on the lifting and rigging equipment industry.
In 2006, Ben Rose worked alongside his two colleagues Mitch Atkinson and Dan Bell in the gear locker for P&O Ports. The trio, doing their time in the stevedoring industry maintaining and inspecting lifting equipment, worked hard to keep all the products that came across their path up to a high standard while constantly seeking new ways to further develop the equipment on the Queensland port for cargo handling.
“Of course, it was at P&O Ports that we brainstormed and developed a self-equalising flat chain,” said Ben. “That was the inception of Hulk Lifting.”
Officially beginning in 2008 and now run by Ben and Mitch in the Brisbane suburb of Newmarket, the duo has expanded Hulk Lifting to distribute its lifting solutions across Australia. Designed predominantly for cargo handling in the stevedoring industry, Hulk Lifting products are capable of standing up in any environment: or, as Ben said, “to whoever wants to engage in our services and finds value in what we do”.
“We pride ourselves on creating innovative, engineered lifting solutions that are dependable, durable, and quality,” he said.
To supply the market with high-quality, bespoke lifting solutions, Ben is well aware that the foundation products need to come from high-quality manufacturing. As luck, fortune, serendipity, or - most likely - the importance of maintaining good relationships in the industry would have it, the team at Hulk Lifting already held a relationship with one such manufacturer: RUD Chains.
Globally renowned for its technical expertise in manufacturing and recently receiving a high appraisal from SureLift Crane Hire owner Mark ‘Chopper’ Read in the October issue of Cranes and Lifting as the “only products” he’ll use for lifting and lashing solutions, the German-based manufacturer’s product range features more than 700 lifting slings and lashing points. For Ben, the introduction to RUD’s products came in 2004 through Product Manager Stuart Nolan.
Since then, akin to SureLift’s experience, Hulk Lifting has consistently turned to RUD for any lifting and lashing solutions it needs, according to Ben.
“Knowing that we’re using RUD’s products provides us with a sense of comfort and reassurance,” he said.
“RUD really is ‘best-in-show’ for us: through the design, manufacturing and final build stages, everything is simply top-notch.”
Supplying its products across the country and, in some instances, globally, Ben is well aware of the importance of providing equipment that is structurally and physically sound, not least because of the safety element involved in the lifting, stevedoring and bulk-handling industries.
At the forefront of its products is the “globally renowned” flat chain sling that inspired the inception of Hulk Lifting; at the core of its flagship product is RUD’s Grade 120 chain.
RUD’s ICE Grade 120 chain carries 30 per cent less weight than the next nominal grade chain and a 60 per cent higher breaking force than a grade 80 chain, which offers a significant safety
advantage to anyone using its products. Designed and manufactured back at the company’s home base in Germany, the chain slings are then assembled and proof load-tested at its Australian facility in Brisbane, where the products go through a rigorous testing process to ensure the chains meet Australian Quality, Environmental and OH&S standards. On top of this, the global manufacturer also holds LEEA and NATA accreditation, ensuring it is part of the movement in the lifting and rigging industry that focuses on supplying the market with internationally accredited, quality products. For Ben, this gives the team at Hulk Lifting better peace of mind.
“We sleep easier at night with RUD’s engineering because, in our experience, it really is the safest,” he said. “We’ve worked with other products, and we’ve seen RUD’s chains consistently exceed others in their performance.”
Supplying the Australian lifting and rigging market with high-quality, durable, sustainable products comes at a price compared to its single, two-time, and maybe three-time use counterparts. The price, however, is one well worth paying, according to Ben, with the environmental, financial and operational benefits all paying large dividends to those who decide to invest.
“People who’ve worked with high-quality lifting and rigging equipment know the value of manufacturing such as RUDs,” he said. “Safety needs to be paramount in the lifting and rigging industry, which RUD’s chains provide to anyone using them.”
It’s not, however, just the ICE Grade 120 chains that put Ben and Mitch’s minds at ease. As a manufacturer, RUD also designs and creates a host of lifting beams, spreader beams and lifting and lashing points, with over 700 tested boltable and weldable lifting point variants featuring load ranges all the way up to 250 tonnes. Working with RUD to provide customised lifting solutions,
Ben points to the first production lug in the world, which was the 31.5-tonne capacity ABA, which the manufacturers shipped to Australia for Hulk Lifting to weld onto a lifting beam. As Ben was
quick to highlight, it’s that high level of commitment to anyone using RUD’s products and services that ensures the German manufacturer remains a high-quality partner, from product through to post-sale service.
“Whenever we get something in from RUD, there’s always an engineer coming afterwards to inspect the product and ensure that it’s performing exactly as it should,” he said. “RUD gives a top-end
service supplied by top-end people providing a top-end product to the Australian market.”
Have you checked our YouTube videos? Click here to visit the RUD YouTube channel.
Article copyright to Cranes & Lifting; this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. Some pictures are for illustration only.
For more details on how RUD can help with your lifting requirements, please call us on 07 3809 1300 or fill out an enquiry form here.
Sources:
Welcome aboard Australia’s leading material lifting and handling technology company.
Click the button to read about us, our products, news, blog posts and everything happening at RUD in Australia and around the world.
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This is taken from the article published in Cranes & Lifting Oct 2023 issue. Click here to read the original article.
Director of SureLift Crane Hire Mark ‘Chopper’ Read discusses his business and why the company consistently chooses RUD.
“They’re the best chains in the industry,” says Chopper. “All of RUD’s lifting and lashing equipment consistently performs on safety and durability measures; it’s because of the way we’ve seen RUD’s products perform that we don’t buy anything but RUD.”
Chopper himself holds an extensive career in the mining industry; working in and around shutdowns in the mining industry before starting Surelift; he’s seen it all; and that’s why when he labels RUD’s chains and slings as the “best”, he’s worked with, there’s an added element of legitimacy to his words.
SureLift Crane Hire was conceived in the mining town of Moranbah and began its operations with just one 20-tonne Franna crane. Since then, the Queensland-based company has expanded its fleet to include seven Franna P&C cranes, seven all-terrain cranes, a 280-tonne crawler crane and a variety of truck and trailer combinations.
“Initially, when I started the business, I reflected on my time in the shutdown industry and I saw the potential for more crane hire in the market,” he says. “I decided to try it out, and we’ve eventually grown into the business we are today.”
At the core of its operations, SureLift provides crane hire and transport services to businesses and individuals in Moranbah and its surrounding regions. Frequently employed by contractors working in the mining, construction, maintenance and industrial sectors, Surelift’s team of 48 full-time employees is well-versed in the crane and logistics industry, thanks to the company’s 17 years of experience.
“The biggest problem that we experienced when starting SureLift was just attracting the work,” says Chopper. “But we kept our heads down and worked hard, and eventually, things fell our way; today, we own over 16 cranes and operate across a range of projects.”
Part of working across a range of projects in the crane industry requires versatile, durable, safe lifting and rigging equipment.
“Although we’re general hire, the chains consistently stand up for us no matter what environment they’re placed in,” he says. “I initially came across RUD’s chains early on in my career and they have not disappointed me.”
The other blatant testimony to the working capacities of RUD's products is the industries in which they appear. According to Chopper, working with a range of clients in the defence, infrastructure, energy and engineering industries, RUD’s chains offer “capacity, versatility, and unique features” that other chains “just don’t have”.
RUD ICE Grade 120 range of lifting chains weigh 30% less than the next nominal grade chain but possess 60% higher breaking force than the Grade 80 chains. Also, when used with a balancer, a RUD ICE 16mm chain can lift up to 48 tonnes, the highest in its class.
“The balancer is a huge point of difference when compared to other options on the market,” says Chopper. “It allows us to lift at a higher capacity with the same level of safety.”
Aside from using its range of lifting chains and slings, Chopper is also highly complimentary of the lifting and lashing points that RUD supplies to SureLift. The German manufacturer offers more than 700 tested boltable and weldable lifting point variants with load ranges all the way up to 250 tonnes. Stringently tested and certified according to LEEA and NATA standards, Chopper says the versatility offered by the products is “incomparable”.
“Working in the shutdown industry, it’s imperative to get things right with dependable, durable products,” he says. “The weld on lift-points that we use are exactly that; having versatile gear that holds many applications at many ranges is essential.”
All these products collectively feature for Chopper are safety and excellent post-sale service and support. Talking about his relationship with RUD Chains and its after-sale service, Chopper says no stone is left unturned for RUD when it comes to ensuring the company supplies the right product according to Surelift’s needs.
“Their post-sale service is excellent; anything you need to talk to them about – whether it be the maintenance of the product, a new range that’s just come out, or different lifting solutions – they’re there,” he says. “Additionally, if we need any advice for setting up new slings or purchasing any new items, RUD are always on the other end of the phone, ready and willing to give us a helping hand – or, in this case, a sling.”
For the team at Surelift, since RUD’s products are manufactured, tested and maintained in accordance with Australian Quality, Environmental, and OH&S standards, including LEEA and NATA accreditations, this is more important than RUD’s high-quality post-sale service. Chopper believes RUD’s products tick all these boxes.
“At the start of the day, everyone’s got a right to go to work; at the end of the day, everyone’s got the right to go home safely,” says Chopper. “We feel that using RUD’s chains embodies that message of safety.”
RUD will be exhibiting at the Crane Industry Lifting Conference - CICA 2023 from 26-28 Oct 2023. Visit us in Booth #27/28 at the Perth Convention Centre to discuss our Lifting and Lashing Solutions for the crane industry.
Article copyright to Cranes & Lifting; this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
Read More Articles on the Cranes & Lifting portal:
The CICA (Crane Industry Council of Australia) Conference is one of the biggest crane industry events in the southern hemisphere. CICA 2023 is being held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre from Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 Oct 2023. RUD will be showcasing solutions for lifting, lashing and engineering requirements of the crane industry.
RUD Australia is a certified supplier to the crane and infrastructure industry, providing solutions such as:
-
- Lifting & Lashing Points
- ICE 120 Grade Chains
- Pre-Cast Concrete Hoops
- Wire Protection Pulleys
- Industrial and Hoist Chains
- Lifting and Spreader Beams
- Engineered Solutions
Check our blogs on the Lifting Kits for Cranes, Lifting & Lashing Solutions for the Wind Energy Industry and lifting the largest and heaviest lattice cage for a bridge pier in Berlin.
Read why Mark Read from SureLift Crane Hire Services based at Moranbah says RUD chains are the best chains in the industry and consistently perform on safety and durability measures. And why you need to consider RUD Chains for your next lifting purchase.
Read the original article on Cranes & Lifting October 2023 issue here.
Visit us on Stands #27 and #28 from 26-28 Oct 2023 at the Perth Convention Centre to discuss our Lifting and Lashing Solutions for the crane industry.
For more information on RUD Solutions for the Crane Industry, click here to send us an enquiry.
Part 2 of the 2-part article. Click here to read Part 1.
Delivery Stage
RUD's lashing solutions are used to secure wind turbine components during transport. For example, the L-VLBG M36 lashing point is ideal for securing a nacelle.
Jens adds, "When it comes to reliable solutions for safe transport, you can depend on RUD technology. Poor quality load-securing products are the major contributors to accidents in the wind power industry. The cost of a new nacelle or postponing the commissioning of a turbine is costlier than investing in the right load-securing product”. ICE Grade 120 lashings reduce weight while keeping safety paramount. Products such as the ICE-CURT-GAKO ratchet tensioner prevent accidental release, which can happen from vibrations while driving.
Installation Stage
RUD offers custom lifting and handling solutions when installing heavy tower segments and rotor blades. Jens explains, “For lifting and erecting large and heavy tower segments, special attachment points are attached to the flanges of the segment. The RUD T-FRB (FLARIBO) flanged load ring was specially developed for such an application and features a patented thrust bearing washer incorporated into the lateral bearing for 90° loading."
Four FLARIBOs are mounted to the top of the segment and two FLARIBOs to the bottom to erect a tower segment. The segment is then lifted using two cranes and erected in the air. The sling chains move over the deflection rollers of the RUD VIP Chain Block (VCB). The VCB allows load balancing for the segment to be positioned vertically. The flange to flange can then be bolted together. When the four FLARIBOs are removed from the top of the tower segment, the deflection rollers of the VCB prevent the unloaded side of the chain from slipping through and falling.
After the tower is assembled from its individual segments, the next step is to mount the nacelle and hub assembly. "A lifting beam is used to lift the pre-assembled rotor blades for the hub assembly. The lifting beam has two generators and two hydraulic systems, which ensures safe assembly of the hub in the event of a partial failure of the system”.
Operation and Maintenance Stage
It is crucial to ensure personal safety mechanisms are in place while conducting maintenance operations. At such dizzying heights, there is no compromise on risk. The PSA-VRS STARPOINT has been specially developed to secure people by connection with the safety harness.
A RUD PSA-VRS STARPOINT can carry up to two persons, offering the advantage of safe securing of the victim and the rescuer in the event of an incident. The PSA can be rotated 360° and forms a compact securing unit with its special non-removable screw.
“The stainless-steel variant, PSA INOX-STAR, is designed for permanent outdoor use in challenging weather because of its corrosion resistance," says Christiansen.
Decommissioning Stage
Like installation and delivery, the same products can be used during dismantling and removal. For example, the flange load ring T-FRB (FLARIBO) and the VCB can be used to safely lift pipe segments. The L-VLBG M36 lashing load block, ICE-CURT-GAKO ratchet tensioner and ICE 120 lashing chains can be used during loading and transport.
Offshore plant?
Onshore wind turbines require products that are resistant to corrosion and challenging weather. The RUD ROV-HOOK, designed for subsea applications, is the first of its kind that can be operated with only one robot arm of a robot-operated vehicle, handling loads of up to 25 tonnes. Due to its integrated unique locking mechanism, accidental unhooking is impossible, which is a big plus point for safety.
RUD’s products offer safe and efficient applications in a wind turbine's life cycle from planning, production, transport and installation to maintenance and dismantling.
If you are facing challenges in the wind energy industry, RUD can keep your operations safe and efficient. Contact us today for more details on how we can help you.
RUD will be exhibiting at the Crane Industry Lifting Conference - CICA 2023 from 26-28 Oct 2023. Visit us in Booth #27/28 at the Perth Convention Centre to discuss our Lifting and Lashing Solutions for the crane industry.
Article copyright to RUD; this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.
Sources:
This is a 2 part article.
Wind power is currently the cheapest source of large-scale renewable energy, which involves generating electricity from the naturally occurring power of the wind. Wind turbines capture wind energy within the area swept by their blades. The spinning blades drive an electrical generator that produces electricity for export to the grid.
The Australian renewable energy industry accounted for 35.9% of Australia’s total electricity generation in 2022, up from 32.5% in 2021. This is more than double before the boom started in 2017 (16.9%). While there is still a significant way to go if Australia is to meet its ambitious 82% renewables by 2030, there has nevertheless been encouraging progress.
There are currently over 3,000 wind turbines in operation in Australia, generating enough electricity to power over 2 million homes. Some of the largest wind farms in Australia developed over the last few years include the MacIntyre, Coopers Gap and MacArthur.
While the wind energy industry creates jobs and economic opportunities in Australia, employing over 10,000 people and an additional 10,000 jobs by 2030, it faces a lot of operational challenges, such as:
- Logistics and Transportation challenges, including intercontinental sea transport, handling and storage in local ports and transportation from the ports to the installation sites, several of which are in remote areas.
- Installation and Lifting challenges ensure everyone goes home safely from the project every day.
- Servicing challenges (20+ years) including end-of-life turbines and components.
RUD Solutions for the Wind Energy Industry
RUD is a world leader in lifting and lashing and offers a wide range of solutions for the wind energy industry to increase safety and efficiency in the design - manufacturing - logistics - installation and maintenance processes.
Reliability and Safety are Key in the Supply Chain
According to Jens Christiansen, RUD Slings Division Sales Manager for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, "Logistics already starts with the design. The designer must plan how the component will be assembled, transported on the road or ship, and installed on-site in the design stage itself. As we know, wind energy includes components that are large and very heavy, which makes the job complex. As the leaders in lifting and lashing technology, we offer versatile solutions for all stages in a wind turbine life cycle”.
Where can RUD help?
RUD’s products and services are used throughout the life cycle of a wind turbine, from the design phase to decommissioning.
Idea and Design Stage
RUD lifting points are reputed for top quality, ergonomics and safety in lifting technology and load securing for more than 35 years. We offer more than 700 tested boltable and weldable lifting points in load ranges up to 250t, which meet maximum safety requirements. Our engineers can work with wind turbine manufacturers to design lifting and lashing solutions that meet the specific requirements of each project.
Production Stage
Whether lifting or moving small components or huge rotors, RUD has a solution for every task in the production process. Lifting, handling, or moving during production can be made more efficient using standard products. For example, the VLBG-PLUS Load Ring is suitable for lifting, rotating, and turning operations due to its large load-bearing capacity, excellent material properties (temperature/corrosion resistance) and ideal design. A VLBG-PLUS can be rotated 360° or swivelled 180° in the direction of the load. This makes it extremely easy to hook the sling into place, saving time and money.
RUD has also developed a Tool Mover with a capacity from 2.5 tons to up to 64 tons. RUD tool movers are widely used and accepted safety devices to guarantee the safe rotating and turning of turbines and critical components. Click to read how Enercon, a German wind turbine manufacturer is using RUD Tecdos Tool Mover to lift, move and turn large rotors of wind turbines.
RUD will be exhibiting at the Crane Industry Lifting Conference - CICA 2023 from 26-28 Oct 2023. Visit us in Booth #27/28 at the Perth Convention Centre to discuss our Lifting and Lashing Solutions for the crane industry.
To be continued ...
Article copyright to RUD, this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors inadvertent or otherwise.
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Welcome aboard Australia’s leading material lifting and handling technology company.
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RUD is a world-leading manufacturer reputed for top quality, ergonomics and safety in lifting technology and load securing for more than 35 years. We offer more than 700 tested boltable and weldable lifting points in load ranges up to 250t which meet maximum safety requirements in the crane industry. Our lifting points are also integrated into the crane during manufacture by leading crane manufacturers.
Hence, it makes sense to invest in RUD products, not just for safety but also to comply with site specifications. For example, our ICE Grade 120 chains are 30% lighter than the next nominal grade chain which means you carry less weight when lifting loads. Our VIP Maxi Construction Kit offers a WLL (Working Load Limit) of up to 126 tonnes when used with a combination of VIP chains in a double-strand configuration.
With RUD, you can be assured that your operations are safe on-site and for the crane operator.
What can RUD offer as a solution for your investment?
- Customised Lifting Kit: We can customise our lifting and lashing chains to offer you a one-stop solution for your needs or site requirements. For example, a RUD ICE Grade 120 chain offers a 30% reduction in weight which means you carry less weight and thereby potentially reduce fuel consumption. Did you also know that a RUD ICE 16 mm chain when used with a balancer can lift up to 48 tonnes, which is the highest in its capacity?
- Increased safety: Many crane manufacturers offer RUD points integrated into the crane during manufacture. RUD ICE and VIP chains meet the highest safety standards, making them a safe and reliable choice for lifting heavy loads.
- Reduced downtime: RUD chains are designed to last for many years, which can help to reduce downtime and keep your business efficient.
- Increased peace of mind: Knowing that you are using quality lifting chains can give you peace of mind when lifting heavy loads. RUD chains are manufactured from high-quality materials, and you can be confident that your loads are being lifted and moved safely.
- Lashing Solutions: When transporting your crane, it is critical to ensure that the truck or the trailer has specified lashing points with the appropriate tensile force Lashing Capacity (LC). Many truck and trailer manufacturers integrate RUD lashing points during the fabrication of the chassis.
RUD Solutions for the Crane Industry
RUD has been providing lifting and lashing solutions for the crane industry in Australia and around the world. RUD products are trusted by some of the biggest companies in the mining, construction, and quarry industries.
RUD Germany provided lifting solutions for the Filstal Bridges along the Stuttgart 21 on the Wendlingen-Ulm route in Germany. The Fistal Bridges are the third-highest railway bridges in Germany made from pre-stressed concrete and are 485/472 mts in length and 85 metres in height at some points to the bottom of the Fils Valley.
In 2022, RUD Germany lifted the largest and heaviest lattice cage in Berlin. The lattice cage which was part of the infrastructure for a bridge pier in Berlin’s City Centre was 25 metres long and weighed around 56 tonnes. Read the full project here.
RUD Pre-Cast Concrete Hoops
RUD also offers Philipps Pre-Cast Concrete Hoops to lift bridge girders.
In 2022, RUD Australia supplied Philipps Pre-Cast Concrete Hoops to Universal Cranes to lift bridge girders on the Exit 41 M1 Pacific Highway Upgrade in Gold Coast. The 2 x span bridge consisted of 7 girders per span and each girder was 85t with 14 girders in total. Read more about the project here.
How can RUD ensure the safety of your crane, equipment, and people?
Safety is of critical importance in any industry. Accidents involving lifting and lashing points can have serious consequences, including injuries and fatalities. This is why it is very important to use high-quality lifting chains and lashing points that are designed to meet the highest safety standards.
RUD lifting chains and lashing points are the safest choices for you. All RUD products are made from high-quality materials and are designed to perform to the highest safety standards. RUD lifting and lashing points are also available across many sizes, WLL and LC, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Summary
We know your investment is important for your business growth. This is why we are happy to work with you to offer custom solutions for your business requirements. All our lifting and lashing products are specified to LEEA and NATA standards. If you are looking for a safe and reliable investment to boost your business profile, RUD is the perfect partner for you.
Article copyright to RUD, this information is accurate at the time of publication and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors inadvertent or otherwise.
For more details on how RUD can help with your crane requirements, please call us on 07 3809 1300 or fill out an enquiry form here.
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The Safe and Versatile Lifting Solution for Small Loads.
The RUD Mini-Lifter is made up of a master link with an integrated shortening option which is specially developed for the 4mm RUD ICE 120 lifting chain. The mini-lifter is designed and manufactured by RUD Germany and with an ICE 120 chain is ideal for lifting small loads up to 800 kg with a single-leg lift and up to 1.4 tonnes with a 2, 3 or 4-leg lift.
The mini-lifter is made from high-quality material and is designed to meet the highest safety standards. It is marked with the RUD-ID-TAG® (RFID chip) for easy identification.
The mini-lifter with the ICE chain is a versatile lifting solution that can be used in a variety of applications and is ideal for lifting small loads in tight or confined spaces. It is easy to use and maintain, and it is backed by RUD's commitment to quality.
Read more on the ICE mini-lifter here.
How will you benefit from a RUD ICE mini-lifter?
- It is lightweight: The RUD mini-lifter using an ICE 4mm chain is lightweight (under 400 grams per metre) and is the smallest diameter lifting chain in the world. This is a major advantage for manual lifting in workshops that have limited or tight spaces.
- It is versatile: The RUD mini-lifter is ideal for lifting small loads up to 800 kg (single-leg) and up to 1.4 tonnes (2, 3 or 4-leg application).
- It is safe: The RUD mini-lifter is Grade 120, which is high-quality and designed to meet the highest safety standards.
- It is a quality product: The RUD mini-lifter is marked with the RUD-ID-TAG® (RFID chip) for easy identification and is backed by RUD's quality guarantee.
So, where can I use the RUD ICE mini-lifter?
- Workshops: Ideal solution for lifting small loads such as engines, gearboxes, and construction materials.
- Automotive Industry: Lifting automotive parts during the manufacturing or maintenance processes.
- Specialised Industries: Ideal for lifting delicate or sensitive goods.
- Waste Management: For lifting waste and hazardous materials.
Tips for Using Mini-lifters.
- When lifting loads, ensure that the weight is within the WLL (Working Load Limit)*.
- Adjust the chain strand to the required length.
- Inspect the mini-lifter regularly for signs of wear and tear. If the mini-lifter or chain is damaged, it should be replaced before use.
If you are looking for a versatile and reliable tool for lifting heavy objects in your workshop, a RUD ICE mini-lifter is a great option. Order your RUD ICE mini-lifter today and experience the RUD quality.
Call us on 07 3809 1300 or send us an enquiry here.