Local mining equipment provider Becker Mining South Africa has introduced the Tractelift climb and descent assist system to its range of Tractel personal protection equipment, which ensures the safety of labourers working at height during installation and maintenance procedures.

“The company’s Tractelift climbing aid decreases fatigue and increases safety while workers ascend and descend a ladder,” says Becker Mining product manager Charlotte Megannon.

“This climb-assist system, which is easy to install onto any kind of vertical ladder, does not require much operator training,” she notes.

The system, which has a long-lasting, reinforced synthetic belt, relieves the weight of workers, reduces effort and minimises injuries, thereby increasing productivity, adds Megannon.

“Features of this climb-assist system include a continuous loop of rope, which enables many workers to use the climbing aid without having to reset the system; an automatic start facility, which activates the system as ascent or descent commences; and an automatic stop facility,” she says.

Megannon points out that for increased safety, an emergency stop device is also available. She adds that Tractelift can be fitted with a fixed or detachable motor and control, depending on user preference.

There are two models in the range, with various features for different applications, including for confined spaces, elevated inspection stations, wind power turbines and communication towers.

The Tractelift 1 model – which is suitable for users who do not require the adjustable assist feature – provides traction relief in a pulling force of up to 40 dekanewtons (daN), which is equivalent to 40 kg, that is preset on the sliding clutch.

The Tractelift 11 model is controlled by an individual user remote, which enables workers to choose their own levels of assist, by adjusting the pulling force on site. This model has an adjustable pulling force of 75 daN – equivalent to 75 kg.

This remote, which features up to ten levels of pulling force to provide relief to the climber, has an illuminated liquid-crystal display, with a low-battery indicator. An adjustable speed control matches the level of assistance with the rate of the climber’s speed. This smooth running system, with soft stops and starts, alleviates the effort of climbing, says Megannon.

She further highlights the company’s range of Tractel equipment, which includes lifting and pulling equipment, as well as fall-arrest equipment and personal protection systems, which meet stringent inter- national safety and quality specifications.