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Executive Report: In good repair Youngman’s new repair service is designed to ensure that components in its popular Boss aluminium tower system remain in safe condition throughout their life. The Work at Height Regulations require employers to choose the safest and most appropriate pieceof access equipment for the task being carried out, and that it is in good condition. Mobile access towers form the bedrock of any typical hire fleet, being versatile enough to create platforms for work at a range of heights and in many locations, and these high-demand components are subjected to frequent use and abuse, making damage virtually inevitable. Youngman, which claims to be the UK market leader in the supply of scaffold towers, has introduced its Boss Repair Centre in a dedicated 8,000ft2 facility adjacent to the factory at the company’s headquarters in Maldon, Essex. The service guarantees that components are repaired using procedures that ensure compliance with the relevant quality standards. “The Boss system meets BN EN 1004, the European standard for mobile access and working towers made of prefabricated elements, governing materials, dimensions, design loads, safety and performance requirements,” states Dave Elson, Youngman Group’s Safety, Health, Environmental & Quality Manager. “Components are also tested to satisfy the BSI (British Standards Institution) kite mark requirements and, as Youngman is the licensee, any repair or modification to the product must be carried out by us or an appropriately approved body, using the correct components in order for compliance to be maintained. It must also be remembered that just one unsafe component in a tower renders the whole assembly unusable, and hirers need the peace of mind that, when parts are inevitably interchanged on site or in the yard, safety will be maintained.” Youngman says there are other companies who offer to repair Boss products, but points out that these have not been authorised by it, and further states that, because Youngman does not supply any weldable Boss components to any third party repairers, these companies cannot be using genuine replacement Boss components. Under the new repair initiative, Youngman collects products and components from the customer’s premises and delivers it to the Maldon centre, which is run by Repair Centre Manager Carl Harris. He and his team, who are appropriately trained in welding and other key disciplines, make a thorough inspection of components and assemblies, from weld seams and tube integrity, to faulty locking mechanisms and wheel brakes. A report is produced detailing what can be rectified, along with the cost, enabling customer authorisation before work proceeds. Indelibly marked A price list, presented on a menu basis, which details the cost of every type of repair, is available from the company. Should any equipment be found to be beyond economical repair, Youngman will offer to scrap the product and credit customers with the scrap value. Alternatively, a trade-in price can be offered. Once work is completed, the equipment is indelibly marked as repaired and sent back within ten working days. Only a customer’s own equipment is returned to them, avoiding any need to re-paint or re-brand it. “The new Repair Service means Youngman can control the quality of Boss systems and components throughout their working life,” contends Dave Elson. “Hirers and customers will know that products continue to meet the appropriate standards and that they are fulfilling their obligations under the Work at Height Regulations and the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. The components that make up Boss towers leave our factory fit for purpose on initial purchase, and the Repair Centre ensures they will remain so.” • T 08700 130360 Executive Hire News › Archives › October 2007 › Executive Report › In good repair
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