ing to be Smarter, Safer and Stronger


intelligent use of its trackers and the CESAR registration system that allows law enforcement to check on the ownership of machines that come to its notice. CanTrack also has its own team of investigators that monitors the trackers 24/7 and they are ready to go at a moment’s notice. Despite the popularity of


tracking devices, these are by no means an infallible way of


ensuring that machines can be tracked. Thieves and hirers have become involved in an “arms race” to develop measures and counter measures to neutralise each other. Many trackers are wired into the machines and well hidden, but in some cases their signals can be “jammed” or the wiring cut if the thieves can find the trackers. Even a spell in a concealed barn waiting for the tracker battery to run out is a simple tactic used by thieves. At the moment, “bullet proof” solid state tracker devices and long lasting batteries are holding their own against thieves, and at the same time these devices also allow hirers to monitor things like damage, over-use and unintended uses of their machines. These more comprehensive functions soon make it worthwhile for hirers to invest in the devices and the software needed for the scheme. As would be expected, several companies who


supply the hire industry were represented at the Convention. Many of these had machines and tools to demonstrate that fed directly into the Safe Hire initiatives – things like working at height, dust control and lifting and handling. There is a review of the Makinex from Morris Site


Machinery in this issue – if lifting and moving weights is needed, then the Makinex is definitely a machine to consider. It has the virtue of great simplicity combined with great ability to do the job. It seemed to be getting a lot of attention from potential users – I can’t think of a machine that I have used that would be better at loading heavy bundles, machines etc onto lorries and vans. Staying with the moving, lifting and handling theme, BISAF Ltd had a great video demo of its innovative conveyor belt systems for moving and loading spoil etc. Having watched a conveyor system at work in the basement of a London flat – literally delivering spoil into a skip as fast as it could be dug out, I don’t think it will be too long before these conveyor systems


will become required.


It sure beats barrowloads of stuff run up a wobbly plank into a skip. The Hire Supply Company showed a range of lights that fully exploited the


growing uses of LEDs in site lighting. LEDs have wrought a wonderful change in lights because they are bright, use a lot less power and are cool to the touch. The result is that cordless site lights that last a full working day, and more, are possible. They are also lighter and more portable than previous incarnations and users can choose between diffused


telephone 01444 440188


or more focused lights to suit the job. When it comes to dust, regulations are becoming tighter and consultations with


dust experts can be eye-opening as I have discovered. Dustcontrol UK has a range of easy-to-use machines that take control of dust control. Used properly, even one-man bands can become dust safe, and hire companies can have easy recommendations for hirers on dust collection machines. Makers of the much-loved Henry


vacuums, Numatic, also have a range of M-Class Vacuums with loads of suck and lots of capacity. Still British manufactured too! Husqvarna is another power tool


brand closely connected with the hire industry. Most well known, I guess, for its innovative disc cutting and drilling machines they are big on safety and dust suppression. I am looking forward to getting my hands on a couple of their new machines for review in future issues. HAE Convention sponsors,


Birchwood Price Tools, had a big stand with loads of hire essential on it including their Site Safes and Van Vaults - huge steel constructions that provide safer places to lock expensive kit and tools on site and in vans. Bona Ltd specialises in floor sanding – a job I hate, but I examined with interest


their new rotary floor sander that is apparently so docile in use, that it is possible to drink a coffee and sand a floor at the same time. I hate the chase round the floor that most belt floor sanders entail, so I fancy a review of the rotary sander, perhaps my chasing days are limited! I left this year’s HAE Convention both cheered and also very thoughtful. It is clear that the Safe Hire initiative is a very ambitious one and will take huge commitment on members and HAE to deliver – but when it is delivered the benefits for the hire industry and its users will be massive. Linked to this is the HAE’s list of initiatives to improve apprenticeships and recruitment. If hire can be seen as a modern, safe and exciting career choice with responsible employers it will become a place to be.


Brexit and other legislative issues still need to be navigated to a satisfactory


conclusion, but I am hopeful that Conventions like this one will allow all in the hire industry to make good solutions possible.


ToolBUSINESS+HIRE 21


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