Manitou makes asbestos work tray with open front

Manitou has developed an open-front work tray for asbestos removal. What is special is that the work platform can be operated from the telehandler cabin - under strict conditions. 

An area cordoned off with special tape and men in white suits with breathing masks. It is clear: asbestos is being removed here. The men work a few meters above the ground in a telehandler bucket that is twice as wide. What is striking is the open front of the asbestos work box. Fortunately, the men are secured by safety cables, because occasionally they hang outside the tank to do their work. The fact that this is allowed is due to the many safety measures that have been built into this special telehandler work box.

Special Manitou platform for asbestos removal

The special work basket was given the type number by Manitou: NAC 3300/1000, where the 3300 indicates the width and the 1000 indicates the maximum capacity in kg. With an open front the depth is 2.4 meters and with a folded, i.e. closed, front 1.2 meters.

		It only becomes special when the bucket is connected to one of Manitou's rotating telehandlers

It only becomes special when the bucket is connected to one of Manitou's rotating telehandlers. The manufacturer has developed a patented control for the telehandler-work basket combination.

Software-update

A coded chip in the coupling piece of the machine automatically recognizes which work basket is connected, causing the corresponding driver program to come into operation. This means that the workbench is connected to a machine ex-factory. Of course, it can also be used on other machines afterwards, but they will require a software update.
The work trays delivered under the CE marking comply with HHC/DRS (an inspection company recognized by the Council of Accreditation) and also comply with machine guideline EN 280:2013+A1:2015.

Open or closed?

When the platform is folded, it can be used like any other telehandler platform. However, if it is opened to a work surface twice as large with an open front, various safety systems are activated. In that situation, the work platform can only be operated from the MRT cabin if no one is in the front part. In addition, the built-in chip ensures that the telehandler switches to an adapted control program. This, among other things, limits the operating speed.

		Another strict requirement is that both men working at the open front are attached to a safety cable at all times.

The more than three meter wide work platform is also equipped with release switches on both sides. Both persons in the work basket must confirm by pressing these switches that they are in the safe zone and are aware that the operator is going to operate the machine. Another strict requirement is that both men working at the open front are attached to a safety cable at all times. The work platform also contains an original Manitou aerial work platform control, which can be used to take over the operator's controls if necessary.