Nationwide shields workers from Covid-19

UK-based access rental specialist Nationwide Platforms has introduced SkyShield, designed to protect people working in truck-mounted platforms from the spread of Covid-19.

Developed by the company’s research and development division, BlueSky Solutions, SkyShield is a lightweight screen that provides a physical barrier across the entire width and height of the basket.

It ensures that the MEWP (mobile elevating work platform) operator and occupants in the platform basket do not cross-contaminate. The screen is transparent to maximise operator visibility and communication.

This allows workers to carry out tasks at height safely when they are unable to maintain a 2m distance within the confined space of the basket.

Alexis Potter, Director of Specialist Vehicles and Tracked Booms at Nationwide Platforms, said, “This is just one of many safety measures we are offering our customers to help protect them from the risks of Covid-19.

“Ensuring workers maintain two metre distancing when it comes to using MEWPs can be very challenging – especially when the majority of platform baskets measure less than two metres.

“The use of SkyShield when using our truck mounts is the perfect solution to this problem and once installed the customer is free and, importantly, safe to carry out the job at hand.”

Designed in line with the latest Covid-19 guidance from the UK government and the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF), the protective screen is made from a shatterproof polycarbonate material that weighs less than 15kg.

SkyShield does not affect the machine’s working wind speeds and it is compatible with other BlueSky Solutions products, such as the SkyTel antenna handling device.

SkyShield is currently available for Nationwide Platforms’ range of truck-mounted platforms with working heights from 22 to 90m, with plans to cover the remaining truck mounted models in the coming months.

Aside from SkyShield, Nationwide Platforms has also implemented a number of safety procedures to ensure its customers and employees are protected.

This includes thoroughly cleaning every machine in its fleet before and after each rental using the latest Quill Hurricane atomising sanitation system.