Shisham Stanley

We are finding that there is occurring in the field a habit to drop large prop/panel braces from height and the mass/velocity of the outer section impacting onto the inner section is damaging the shaft of the bolts which retain the feet on the panel brace. The impact can also cause damage to the welds retaining the sockets and the adjustable thread. This may cause a problem in the field if the units are not inspected after each use as described in the AS3850 standards.

We have always taken the position that all plant items in use should be accessed on the site and in conjunction with the design engineers program for the erection of the panel braces and after the panel braces are permanently positioned they should be lowered from height, with the shear pin in position using mechanical lifting equipment.

After the plant is on the ground then the shear pin is removed and the panel brace is closed and stacked for removal from the site.

Please refer to our product chart for the weight of the model panel brace which you are using or designating for use on your work sheet.

Currently we use the following inspection sheet to check our hire units after each use and suggest that owners and personnel who are involved with the use of panel braces in both erection and removal of the units from the panels after use should follow the procedure if the units are to be reused on site again or not being returned to workshops or to our premises if they are under hire for checking and servicing.

As an additional safety procedure we are also recommending that the 2 bolts which hold the feet in position be replaced every 12 months as a normal operation in your product check.

All bolts must comply to AS1110 standard as outlined in the AS3850 Standard to which the units are made and their use is defined.

If you require further information in relation to our products and their use please contact us at
(03) 9791 4622 or Fax (03) 9792 4854. All data on our product can be found on our web site.