Posted By Eric Burt I have recently had a demonstration of a new type of mobile access platform / ladder called an ESCA 2000. It's fairly new so I was wondering if anyone else has had experience of using it or had any problems with it? Cheers, Eric

Posted By George Wedgwood Details on this ladder/platform can be found at http://www.esca2000.co.uk/. On looking at it, it seems to be very tall,3-4 m, in relation to its width, making it vulnerable to sideways overturn unless stabilised. From my experience, this platform would need two things: means of securing it from falling over (either outrigger legs or a method of attaching to the structure being worked on) and a method of attaching a person's fall arrest or safety harness to get round the risks of work at height. I would not suggest the use of such work equipment unless all other methods fail but it does appear better than working off a ladder (which should not really be allowed except for access or a quick one-off job). It would be interesting to see what standards applied and any risk assessment associated with typical work, in reference to the Draft Work at Height Regs.

Posted By Eric Burt Thanks for the responses. The ESCA 2000 looks like a good bit of kit, and it meets the relevent standards. However, there is always the human element to consider, and with the ESCA 2000 there is a lot for the operator to remember when putting it together e.g. remembering to hand-tighten various parts etc. During the demonstration, I went to the top of the equipment to see how sturdy it was and surprisingly it felt quite safe. However, it did feel quite strange (and against my instincts) when I used the mechanism to move it while I was still at the top. I was also concerned about the small working platform and the absence of toe-boards, although I was told by the company that these are available as an optional extra. It sems that this piece of equipment is ideal for small lightweight jobs at height, such as adjusting stage lighting, but if any colleagues are considering it's purchase I would suggest that a very thorough risk assessment is undertaken first and the range of jobs that it can be used for are spelled out quite clearly to operators, as it would not be suitable for certain jobs where a tower scaffold may be more appropriate. If anyone has purchased this kit I would be interested to hear from them. Thanks, Eric

Posted By Eric Burt Mike Thanks for the information on the Tallescope. Have you used it? It does look quite sturdy but I notice that the operator would be climbing a vertical ladder. I couldn't make out from the pictures whether there is a platform at the top. Cheers Eric