INSTALLING ELEVATORS WITHOUT A SCAFFOLDING SYSTEM
The installation of elevators in new buildings or during the refurbishment of older structures is a costly and time-consuming project. To improve those processes of installation, scaffold-less installation methods are now used to install or replace elevators.
Passenger and cargo lifts are supported by many rails on each side of a vertical shaft. These rails serve to guide de cabin and provide support for the jaw of the emergency braking system. Traditionally, these rails have been installed by constructing a scaffolding structure inside a vertical shaft to provide a working platform for the installation personnel. Aside from the expense, the assembly procedure is time-consuming. It also restricts the working space of the technicians and has workplace safety implications.
What is a scaffold-less elevator installation method?
The scaffold-less installation approach involves using a temporary working platform during the installation process. This is possible by using a “false car” as a platform or the use of the roof of a suitably protected new lift cabin as a base for technicians to work from.
There are a few ways for installing lifts without scaffolding, but two of the most prevalent are:
With a “False Car”
A " false car " is an adjustable platform composed of lightweight, high-strength aluminum for ease of handling and installation. The design allows for a wide range of guiding distances and depth measurements, making it compatible with practically all lift shafts and rail diameters. The operational controls and braking systems are designed according to the norm EN1808 in order to meet the safety standards. During the assembly process, a structure with a protective canopy is erected on the platform to protect technicians from falling debris within the lift shaft.
With the New Lift Cabin
In this method, the basic structure of the new lift cabin is constructed in the pit of the elevator shaft (with the first sections of guide rails already installed in the sides of the elevator shaft). The roof of the cabin shaft will be used as working platform were the technicians will install the new guide rails above the cabin. As new guide rail sections are installed the lift cabin is slowly winched up the shaft by the wire rope hoist like the UNILIFT hoist. This Hoist is certified by the norm EN1808 in order to elevate people and material. This method of installation save time and costs since we do not need to install and remove a “false car” or any scaffolding system, we use what will already be installed, the cabin lift. In the picture enclose you can find some variants of this method.
What is the installation process of installing elevators without a scaffolding system?
- The first set of guide rails are installed at the bottom of the lift shaft.
- A “false car” or assembly platform is installed in the pit of the lift shaft that runs on the guide rails
- The UNILIFT hoist ( a wire rope hoist that can carry people and material) is installed
- A “crash deck” is constructed at the highest point in the lift shaft
- The “false car” or lift cabin is hooked with the UNILIFT hoist (In a 1:1 or 2:1 method)
- A full safety audit is performed before operations can begin
What are Benefits of a scaffold-less lift installation?
- Safe and secure working environment for installation staff
- Improved available working space in the pit and shaft
- High level of independence from the building contractors progress
- Early commencement of lift installation before shaft construction is complete
- Savings of lift installation time up to 30%
- Unlimited operating height ( with scaffolding methods height increases cost and operation constraints).
- The concept can also be employed while removing existing lifts from buildings under renovated and in the installation of replacements
Conclusion
Installing a lift without scaffolding reduces installation times and offers considerable cost savings.
Our company FAS-TECH can provide the installations kits or the “false car” in order to help you to improve your process of installation.