Steel workers have one of the most dangerous jobs on a construction site and, while safety has significantly improved in the past few decades, it often comes with a productivity decrease or cost increase. Depending on the job site, the use of ladders or lifts could be a safety hazard itself.
Now, you can get a shoe attachment that can turn a steel column into a ladder, allowing steel workers to work directly on a column and provide a standing platform for comfortability. The Column Climber, which grips the flanges of the column, is constructed out of high strength 514 steel and can hold up to 900 pounds per foot. The manufacturer claims that the use of the Column Climber can allow steel workers to work 5 times faster than with ladders, 3 times faster versus lifts, and perform welding 2 times faster. All that can lead to some major cost savings on a project, if true.
As for safety, Column Climber touts itself as a fall prevention solution, rather than a fall protection solution. Instead of simply saving a worker’s life after falling from a high area, Column Climbers aim to stop the fall from happening all together. It has been reviewed by OSHA’s Directorate of Construction, as well as NCOSH, so it can be used in accordance to fall protection standards.
Column Climber is available to purchase through their own website in 2 different flange thickness sizes: up to 7/8” ($299.70 for a limited time, original $405) and 1” to 1-7/8” ($314.50 for a limited time, original $425).
Enjoy the video below:
Those that follow tool news may have heard about a new Makita tool platform that launched in several other countries a few months ago and have been waiting for the news of it finally being released in the United States. Well, the wait is over, as the teal tool brand has finally announced the release of their 40V and 80V XGT system in the US.