Posted By Garry Adams To All and Sundry, As part of a loss prevention strategy, I have been researching the feasibility of incorporating a torque limiter/regulator into the socket of a Scaffolding Spanner. I have been working closely with a leading tool manufacture, they tell me that it is possible to design and produce. I would appreciate your comment's, anybody else working on the problem, of over / under tightening of Scaffolding Fittings?. Regards, Garry...

Posted By Martyn Hendrie Is there any evidence that a torque spanner would improve scaffold Health & Safety? I would suggest that the standard "podger" spanner has been designed to ensure that when a person with the strength needed to be a scaffolder (stronger than average) tightens a clip it will be in the acceptable range of torque for the type of fitting. I doubt that industry would take up this new tool unless it solved a recognised problem or, it was the same price as the standard tool. I stand to be corrected if others know of cases where incorrectly tightened clips have lead to an accident. In 27 years I can't remember any.

Posted By Garry Adams Hi Rich,hows it hangin, Thanks for your reply,I can accept your concerns regarding costs and i recognise that fiscal considerations are a main stumbling block.However should money be allowed to retard the socio-economical benefits that may arise from the evolutionary advancement of the Scaffolding Industry?. Moreover, what are the costs to the Construction Industry and to the Wifes and Widows of those whom have been injured and died due to partial collapse and indeed catastrophic failures of the integrity of a Scaffolding Structure. The costs of research and development and the supply of spanners and all tools should be free of charge to the Scaffold Erector this provision should be funded by a levy, the costs born by what ever Industry that the Scaffolding Structures are Commissioned for,aftre all, dose a Rigger have to supply his won chain block,a welder his own rods,a mechi fitter his own shifter. with respect,Fraternal regards,Garry...

Posted By Garry Adams Hi Alan, The abuse of tools and equipment would be down to the Scaffolder,however, i have found that my brother Scaffolders(generally speaking) are extremely considerate towards their kit after all their lives may depend on on the Kits optimal operational ability,life expectancy of the tool will depend on its robust manufacture andmaintenance,the re-calibration regime would be to manufacturers recommendations. What evidence is there to support failure of Scaffold...as Answer to Martyn. Could produce more work than it would save...For Example???. The provision of a torque mechanism will ensure the uniformity of stresses applied to a Scaffolding Structure; Moreover, if we use the law of probability the torque provision will reduce the risk of partial collapse or indeed catastrophic failure of a Scaffolding Structure. This provision may be of particular interest to those whom have fiscal considerations as part of their remit. For example, When a risk is reduced, one would expect that the insurance underwriters would be obliged to reduce the premiums accordingly. this would result in considerable savings to small and large organisations alike. Best regards, Garry...

Posted By Garry Adams Hi Martyn, I agree totally with your comments, how indeed dose one convince potential customers (the Scaffolding Industry and Client base) of the merits and recognise the benefits of the product. There are many points open to discussion, firstly lets establish if the BS Regs Torque Values are compromised. Martyn may I pose a question...Scenario... (Q1) A risk assessment has revealed that, using the laws of probability and sighting the factor of human error as a likelihood, there maybe a risk of breach of BS Torque values resulting in the under/over tightening of Scaffolding component parts. Using the hierarchy of control measures/and or in conjunction with complementary loss prevention strategies. What reasonably practicable corrective or remedial pro-active measures would eliminate or reduce the breach. thanks for your participation. Best regards, Garry...

Posted By Garry Adams Hi Alan, Yes ,how dose one legislate against human error, Heinrick's domino theory is a classic explanation ,there are many causation's for Scaffolding failure,human error being at the top of the list in my opinion. The unauthorised removal of Scaffolding component parts in order to modify/alter a Scaffold structure is arguably one of the most dangerous of offences,however this offence can be addressed via induction training; inhouse-Health and Safety policies; step change Safety Culture philosophy, and if that fails, 3 rapid off the jaw behind the porta cabin. However, that said...the provision of a torque regulated spanner is provoking debate as I intended.It is not easy to breach the walls of the Status Quo,People are suspicious of change,like a doughting Thomas they want evidence, even may feel threatened. The manufacturing base is there,shurly the manufacturers of Scaffolding spanners could instigate exploratory a proto-type.This could be a self financing green light project..if only the hierarchy of decision makers and visionary design engineers would take an in-depth objective view regarding the benefits. and yes why not set up a calibration service...it could be licenced by the manufacturers...I tell you this...the first organisation to manufacture such a spanner,will have global demand...once the norm is established...how you gonta keep them down on the farm after theyv seen Pari. What Industry are you in Alan??? good luck 4 tue, Best regards. Garry...

Posted By Alan Nicholls Hi Garry Changing peoples attitudes can be a very difficult thing to achieve. I am one of the most awkward so and so's I'm always right too. Having said that the industry I'm in requires things to be done in a certain way, cross the I's and dot the T's (my little joke). We manufacture train braking systems, refurbish overhaul same equipment, station platform doors, safety gates etc. Most of the equipment is safety critical. So you can see torque settings are done checked and dusted. Then QA do an Audit and make life interesting, by making you do it all over again. Still that's life never a dull moment. By the way the job isn't H&S its for a Mechanical Systems Engineer, not too hopeful but got to go for it, sort of sideways move though. Thanks for the best wishes, good luck in finding someone to sponsor your idea. Regards Alan N

Posted By Garry Adams Hi Alan, I see that your a Mechanical Systems Engineer,thats a stroke of luck or perhaps lucks got nothing to do with it?...I have been working on a Mechanical Engineering project since 1997. I do not wish to be presumptuous nor waist your time, however I would really appreciate a professional Engineers critical opinion. In the interest of mutual time management I shall post a very Brief Summary Profile, in 1997 I was a candidate attending NEBOSH a Nat/Dip course. Whilst attending the Safety Technology module the tutor invited each candidate to submit an innovation that would enhance the Health; Safety; Quality and the Environment considerations within the candidates chosen Industry, I chose the Scaffolding Industry. The innovation involved the research and development of an efficient;effective and environmentally friendly hand held powered spanner. The quest,to capture kinetic energy; store the energy and liberate in a controlled manner. The capture of sufficient kinetic energy required to drive the mechanism may be achieved by the configuration; correlation;and permutation of planetary episilic gearing systems. The transmigration of kinetic energy expelled when the operative is in motion is gathered and transferred to the capture mechanisim. The captured kinetic energy is then stored in the afore mentioned episilic planetary gearing system, where it awaits liberation. Flow chart...Swing > Torque in > Ratchet uni-directional >episilic gear box > torsional spring > torque limiter pre-set > torque out. Little did I realise that what had started out as a theoretical exercise in 1997, may actualy be acheivable in the near future thanks to recent mechanical engineering advancement, in particular in the feild of micro and nano engineering technology. Please excuse this rarther leangthly posting, however i hope it has generated some interest, Regards, Garry...

Posted By John Murgatroyd By all means design the wheel again. After that design a means to remove the muck from the threads of the clamps before trying to tighten them. Preferably NOT diesel oil.....as used at present. Usually red diesel as well. Maybe, after that, the device may be useful. But tightening them with a ton of cement/sand/dents/paint on, with what is basically a torque wrench, would be a meaningless excercise in futility.

Posted By Garry Adams Hi Alan, Yes its quite an interesting concept, furthermore, it poses many challenges and thought provoking conundrums, However where would the human race be if we were to avoid a difficult challenge, Perhaps we would still be dressed in animal skins; rubbing two pieces of wood together and trying to invent the wheel. Man is driven by challenge, necessity is the Mother of invention, Man would have never landed on the Moon, now Man is preparing the way to the Stars i.e. the Mars Mission. I note that you have decided to re-engineer your career form the Electronic Industry in favour of Mechanical Engineering, a wise move in my opinion, given that Professor Richard feynman the father of nano technology predicted (in 1953) that the scale of nona would be the next Industrial revolution(the next big thing). I recently had a series of e-mail correspondence with Stephanie Getty of N.A.S.A. she is heading a massive research and development Department dedicated to Nano Engineering. Her work involves the capturing kinetic energy sources within Mechanical devices,to power the tools required to construct the fully encapsulated habitats on the surface of Mars. the pay load aboard a space craft will be limited, power generating systems are heavy items, alternative means of power are essential. Furthermore, there is a concern with Sun flares; mechanical devices will not be effected, however, Electronic have no defence against Sun flare attack, the Sun flare drains the energy and renders the electronics impotent. R.S.V.P. best regards, Garry...

Posted By Mr Bradley With reference to the Nano-Spanner that Garry spoke of, according to the Horizon Docu. that was on last night man is going back to the moon. It sounds to me like Garrys sonic spanner of groove may well be a consideration, as according to many sources, there are plans afoot to mine the moons surface in order to extract Helium3 (a gas that allows fusion reactors to stabilise). If this goes ahead then perhaps a tool that can store preset energy will be essential in constructing off-world structures... Time will tell...

Posted By Mr Bradley Oh ye of little faith! Wheres your soul man! Columbus proved the world was round did he not? Why can't the way of the nano work for us then? If they haven't got something like what Garry's spoken of going by 2020 I'll eat my spanner by the rude! or at least have a good chew!> Before mailing you one in the post! :)

Posted By Garry Adams P.S. just thought I'D get in first, Please no wise cracks, Like stick em where the Sun don't shine, he, he, Cos I would propose that we send back to the sourse ,i.e. the Sun...