Workstation for working at heights, storage chest and protective cell

Abstract

A workstation for working at heights, the workstation including: a frame, the frame including a seat support frame and a power ascender mount disposed above the seat support frame; a seat for an operator, the seat mounted on the seat support frame; a foot support for the operator, the foot support operatively mounted on the seat support frame. There is also provided in preferred embodiments a desk module including a containment chamber for containing debris, the containment chamber including spaced apart walls mounted on a floor frame for mounting the operator support module thereon, the floor frame including, one or more receivers for receiving storage containers to contain debris, and a desk for providing a working space thereon, elevated from the floor at a chest height of an operator.

Description

Workstation for working at heights, storage chest and protective cellTechnical Field

[0001] The present technology relates generally to working at heights. Embodiments of the technology find useful application in elevating and lowering cradles and apparatus, self- propelled aerial work platforms, to support workers while painting, cladding, recladding, facade repair and maintenance and cleaning.Background Art

[0002] Working at heights on building facades can be dangerous, dirty, exhausting work, for those doing the work. There are potential dangers for workers and passers-by below, from the workers above. The dangers for both increase if the workers at height are ill-equipped and tired.

[0003] Elevating, lowering, and general control of work platforms using known devices is cumbersome and slow.

[0004] Wind loading is generally higher on workers at heights, than those below, and temperatures are also more variable - the highs are higher, and the lows are lower. The variability occurs more rapidly than at ground lever. This increases fatigue and mistakes, reducing productive time at heights.

[0005] Worker comfort offered by known systems is low: BMUs are slow, and as a consequence, worker retrieval in emergencies such as weather events and injuries is difficult and painstaking.

[0006] Abseiling has been proposed as a way to maintain building facades but that kind of apparatus increases worker exposure and discomfort, likelihood of tool drops, and fascia pieces falling.

[0007] Some operators work out of a confined bosun chair. These are uncomfortable, restrictive and are not designed to carry tools, supplies or heavy equipment, let alone to spend eight hours working out of.

[0008] Known cramped work positioning in conventional rope access arrangements causes high levels of fatigue, stress and strain on the user, which ultimately reduces safety, production, quality and a worker’s overall wellbeing.

[0009] Working at heights is often hot , sweaty and stressful or cold and potentially miserable.

[0010] Workers exposed in this environment have increased chances of risk to their comfort and safety and it creates an environment where accidents are more likely to happen.

[0011] Working at heights includes building facade remediation. This can requires sometimes that portions of, or the whole of, facades be removed. This sometimes demands that facades be removed in panels, and / or chipped away or broken up or drilled or ground away. Dust and debris can fall from the facade and land, stories below, on the street or road. This is dangerous for passersby, pedestrians, or in cars, or even in occupants of lower stories in the same or nearby buildings.

[0012] Using known systems, operators’ legs are hanging or suspended in air with no support whatsoever and for long periods of time. They have no footrest. Therefore added pressure is placed on a worker’s back. This is further compounded by the fact that with no back support, operators are stressing their backs all day long so it’s not surprising that after years of use so many Abseilers end up with back disability of some sort.

[0013] The present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages, or at least present a new alternative to present systems and apparatus for working at heights.Summary of Invention

[0014] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a workstation for working at heights, the workstation including: a frame, the frame including a seat support frame and a power ascender mount disposed above the seat support frame; a seat for an operator, the seat mounted on the seat support frame; a foot support for the operator, the foot support operatively mounted on the seat support frame.

[0015] In an embodiment the foot support is pivotally mounted to the seat support.

[0016] In an embodiment the frame includes a post for elevating the power ascender mount above the operator.

[0017] In an embodiment the power ascender mount is a horizontal bar including a plurality of spaced apart holes along the bar and an eye for receiving a power ascender coupler.

[0018] In an embodiment a desk module including a containment chamber for containing debris, the containment chamber including spaced apart walls mounted on a floor frame for mounting the operator support module thereon, the floor frame including, one or more receivers for receiving storage containers to contain debris, and a desk for providing a working space thereon, elevated from the floor at a chest height of an operator.

[0019] In an embodiment the desk module further includes a plurality of desk plates including a first hinged platter and one or more fixed plates, as well as edge rail keepers disposed at a periphery of each desk plate.

[0020] In an embodiment there is provided a cage frame mounted on the desk module, the cage frame module including an open front wall and provision for mounting side walls on side frame elements for containment of debris.

[0021] In an embodiment the workstation modules are assembled removably with removable fasteners or welded to be assembled.

[0022] In an embodiment there is provided bumpers or seals on a front of the desk assembly and / or cage assembly for containment of debris and sealing of the area in which the operator is seated.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage chest for a workstation for working at heights, the storage chest including:a housing for housing tools and items for working at heights, the housing including a plurality of spaced apart walls to provide a void for storing the tools therein, wherein one or more of the plurality of walls includes a closure operable to move between an open and a closed position, such that in an open position the closure facilitates airflow to reduce wind loading on the workstation.

[0024] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a storage chest for a workstation for working at heights, the storage chest including: a housing for housing tools and items for working at heights, the housing including a plurality of spaced apart walls to provide a void for storing the tools therein, wherein one or more of the plurality of walls includes mesh to facilitate airflow through the housing to reduce wind loading on the workstation at heights.

[0025] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a workstation for working at heights, the workstation including: a frame; a seat support for an operator, the seat support mounted on the frame; a foot support for the operator, the foot support mounted on the frame, wherein the frame includes a cage to protect the operator, the cage including a peripheral frame which includes side frame elements extending rearward and downward from an upper crossmember, to an intermediate crossmember, and then forward to a foot support frame portion, to provide a protective cell for the operator.

[0026] In one embodiment there is provided a storage chest disposed on the frame. The storage chest may be to facilitate readily accessible tool storage, so it may be disposed at seat height, so that an operator may readily dip their hand into a handily -located storage box to store and retrieve tools.

[0027] In one embodiment the storage chest is suitable for storing tools and other devices for facilitating work on the building facade.

[0028] In one embodiment the storage chest includes a closure to control access.

[0029] In one embodiment the closure includes a sliding door.

[0030] In one embodiment the closure includes a sliding lid. The sliding lid may include a tray with sides to temporarily store items for ready access. There may be a secondary cover on the tray with a fist-sized aperture to keep the temporarily-stored items on the tray, and from falling onto the ground, which may be far below.

[0031] In one embodiment the storage chest includes storage cells of varying sizes to receive and store different-sized items. The cells may include closures to inhibit items falling out or blowing out.

[0032] In one embodiment the storage chest includes a side closure movable between an open position and a closed position to facilitate airflow to reduce wind loads.

[0033] In one embodiment the side closure may be disposed on the front, outside, back and inside faces of the toolbox. The side closure may be a rolling door, a hinged door, a removable door, storable on the floor frame element to form a platform, or sectional door.

[0034] There may be provided a mesh wall on one or more of the side walls of the storage chest. The mesh wall may allow wind through but inhibit tools and fasteners and other elements through. The floor of the storage chest may be mesh or solid or any suitable thing to inhibit dropping of contents to the ground, and / or allowing airflow therethrough.

[0035] In one embodiment the storage chests are disposed beside the chair at seat height, with an inside face providing a walled operator cell or station with an increased level of protection from impacts, some side weather elements such as wind and sun.

[0036] In one embodiment the storage chests extend from chair seat height, or slightly above, about 300mm down, or 600mm down, or down to the foot support, depending on whether there is desired some foot clearance or more snug walled operator station.

[0037] In one embodiment the seat support includes a flip up seat to facilitate working space on the frame.

[0038] In one embodiment the foot support includes a base frame member.

[0039] In one embodiment the foot support includes a platform to facilitate walking along.

[0040] In one embodiment there are provided a plurality of seat supports mounted on the frame to facilitate a plurality of operators working in the same workstation.

[0041] In one embodiment the seat supports are disposed alongside one another in a row so that operators on the seat supports can all operate on a flat face of the building fascia at once.

[0042] In one embodiment the seat supports include a chair.

[0043] In one embodiment the chair is mounted on a frame cross member. The cross member may be at an intermediate position on the frame. The chair may be height adjustable; it may be rotatable; it may have a tilting back; it may be reversible to face the rear of the frame.

[0044] In one embodiment the elevator drive is mounted on an upper cross member.

[0045] In one embodiment the frame includes a peripheral frame portion to facilitate operator protection from bumps and strikes in a sideways wind event, or an elevation drive failure.

[0046] In one embodiment airbags are mounted on or in the frame elements for reducing impact on workers in a strike or crash event. The airbags may be mounted on the peripheral frame portion and base frame portion and overhead cross member.

[0047] In one embodiment the peripheral frame portion forms a cage to protect operators from impacts. The cage may be formed from lateral frame members.

[0048] The cage in one embodiment is formed from rearward-sloping side frame elements, extending from adjacent the elevator drive to a lower frame portion. The floor support frame portion may then extend forward to provide an operator cell inside which an operator is generally protected from impacts. There may be various frame arrangements to provide the operator cell. The side frame elements may be angled downward and rearward from the top cross members to a rear of the chair and then forward to about directly under the elevator cross member mount, then the foot support portion may extend forward. In the event of an impactwith the fascia or some other thing, the operator will be protected by being behind the line formed, extending between the foot support portion and the elevator mount cross member.

[0049] In one embodiment the frame and / or storage chests include fasteners for fastening to the fascia. There may be hooks or bolts or suction cups or receivers or other coupling elements disposed on front walls of the storage chests or on the foot support frame portion or the foot support platform.

[0050] In an embodiment there are provided one or more fans mounted on the frame, the fans configured to push the frame against a building facade.

[0051] In an embodiment there is provided one or more suction pads which fasten to the building facade.

[0052] In an embodiment there is provided one or more vacuum feet which are configured to fasten to the building facade.

[0053] It is useful to fasten the frame to the building facade so that when the users are working on the building facade, the frame is not pushed away from the facade and also, facade dust and chips are less likely to fall to the ground; rather, they are more likely to be caught inside the frame for temporary storage, say, in a bin onboard, or in a liner.

[0054] In an embodiment the vacuum feet are operatively mounted on the frame for ambulating or translating or sliding movement across the building facade. In an embodiment there is provided a leg on which a vacuum foot is mounted.

[0055] In an embodiment there is provided an articulated leg for mounting the vacuum feet.

[0056] In an embodiment there is provided four articulated legs.

[0057] In an embodiment there is provided a control system for controlling the articulated legs.

[0058] In an embodiment the control system includes a computer processing system, a memory, a data storage system, and sensors for sensing pressure in the vacuum feet. In anembodiment the controller implements a type of walking motion so that in operation one or two vacuum feet are fastened to the building facade while one or two other vacuum feet are caused to release their grip on the building facade from one point on the facade and moved to another nearby point on the facade.

[0059] In an embodiment the frame includes a peripheral frame extending along a front edge to facilitate the mounting of the fastening devices being the vacuum feet or suction feet.

[0060] In an embodiment there is provided a cutout in the peripheral frame at the front region to allow for the passage of a cladding panel.

[0061] In an embodiment there is provided a winch on board for lowering and raising the cladding panel through the cutout.

[0062] In an embodiment there is provided a sleeve for the cladding panel to protect the sleeve while it is winched into position through the cutout.

[0063] In an embodiment there is provided a seal disposed on the front periphery of the frame.

[0064] In an embodiment the seal is an automotive P-seal to seal a volume inside the frame.

[0065] In an embodiment there is provided a carriage on an upper portion of the frame. The carriage may include rollers to cooperate with a track which may be mounted under an overhead surface such as a bridge or overpasss.

[0066] In an embodiment there is provided a storage bay underneath the operator’s seat. In an embodiment the storage bay includes a rope carrier in the form of a wire basket.

[0067] In an embodiment the storage bay is disposed at a rear face of the frame below the frame.

[0068] In an embodiment there is provided a horn for attracting attention in an emergency.

[0069] In an embodiment there is provided a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.

[0070] In an embodiment there is provided a camera for providing safety observations of the workers on the workstation and for monitoring and training in high quality work.

[0071] In an embodiment there is provided a heating and cooling system onboard for worker comfort.

[0072] In an embodiment there is provided an onboard power system in the form of a battery.

[0073] In an embodiment there is provided a refrigerator connected to the battery.MODULAR CONSTRUCTION

[0074] In an embodiment the workstation is provided in modules, the arrangement being such that portions may be fastened on to other portions to build structure and functionality for different work tasks.

[0075] For example, a first module, a passenger support module, includes a frame and a seat support, the frame for supporting the seat support thereon.

[0076] Another module, a workdesk module, includes a workdesk and storage unit disposed on a frame for mounting to the passenger support module frame.

[0077] A third module is a cage module which includes a cuboid frame which includes peripheral horizontal base elements, peripheral legs and peripheral horizontal roof elements for mounting on the workdesk module.

[0078] The workdesk module may include one or more storage chest

[0079] In embodiments the modules are fastened to one another by bolts or tabs or pins to make the modules removable and selectable for different work tasks.

[0080] A fourth module is a rebate module for providing a rebate for a cladding panel to pass through between the fascia and the cage module. The rebate module includes side bosses or frames to extend the workstation from the fascia and to leave a gap between them to allow the passage of a cladding panel.FIXED CONSTRUCTION

[0081] The modules may be fixed together in a unitary construction by welding the frame elements to one another.Storage / tool chests / bins

[0082] The storage chests may be removably fitted in the workdesk module.

[0083] The workdesk includes a base for containing dust and debris which in use falls into the cage.

[0084] The workdesk base is formed from a base frame which includes one or more apertures or holders for holding the storage chests. The storage chests may fit into a cooperating aperture to catch a flanged lid, which forms the floor to contain debris.

[0085] The apertures are disposed beside the operator and the storage chests can be readily lifted out to remove heavy debris and replace with a fresh or empty storage chest.

[0086] The workdesk also may provide an elevated desk plate on which tools may be placed. The elevated desk plate includes a hinged or slidable or removable platter to temporarily hold tools and keep the operator in the seat support. The platter is configured to be folded away or slid away to allow the operator to get in and out of the seat support.

[0087] The elevated desk plate and platter include peripheral edge keepers in the form of elongate frame elements to inhibit parts and bolts and other pieces rolling off or sliding off.The cage

[0088] The cage may be configured to include an open front face to allow the operator to work on the facade in front of the seat support.

[0089] The cage includes side walls and rear walls to contain dust and debris. The walls may be corrugated plastic, or textile, or sheet metal or plastic, stretched or fastened to the peripheral edge frame elements.

[0090] The cage may also include bumpers on the front face frame elements to facilitate vacuum dust removal and containment of debris.

[0091] The bumpers may be p-seals or foam noodles.The power ascender

[0092] The Power Ascender may be similar to those manufactured by MODE, and may be capable of lifting 200kg, and battery powered, with a hot swap battery.

[0093] The Power Ascender may be mounted on a post above the operator seat.Brief Description of Drawings

[0094] To enable a clearer understanding the invention will be described by reference to an embodiment shown in the attached drawings, and in those drawings:

[0095] Figure l is a perspective view of a workstation for working at heights, showing an operator in a protective cell;

[0096] Figure 2 is a front elevation view of a workstation for working at heights with a pair of spaced apart storage chests;

[0097] Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the workstation shown in Figure 2;

[0098] Figure 4 is a rear elevation view of the workstation shown in Figure 2;

[0099] Figure 5 is a plan view of the workstation shown in Figure 2;

[0100] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a multi-user workstation;

[0101] Figure 7 is a front elevation view of a prototype workstation;

[0102] Figure 8 is a side elevation view of the prototype of Figure 7;

[0103] Figure 9 is a plan view of the prototype workstation of Figs 7 and 8;

[0104] Figure 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of workstation, showing a cutout for accommodating a facade panel for manipulating and positioning;

[0105] Figure 11 is a side view of the prototype of Figure 7 but only showing an operator support module for clarity - the operator support module includes a seat support, a frame formounting the seat support, the frame including a post for elevating a power ascender support above the operator;

[0106] Figure 12 is an isometric view of a prototype desk module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the desk module including floor frame for mounting operator module, apertures / supports for storage bins disposed to sides of the operator module, side walls for containment of debris that falls over the desk from the front edge, the desk module including desk supports with hinged central platter and side plates, and edge keepers;

[0107] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a cage frame module for mounting on the desk module, the cage frame including an open front wall and provision for mounting side walls on side frame elements for containment of debris;

[0108] Figure 14 is a side perspective view of two of the workstation modules assembled: operator support module and desk module;

[0109] Figure 15 is a side perspective view of a workstation with three modules assembled together: operator support module and desk module and cage frame module with walls; and

[0110] Figure 16 is a side perspective view of a workstation with three modules assembled together: operator support module, desk module and cage frame module without walls shown for clarity.Description of Embodiments

[0111] Referring to the attached drawings there is shown a workstation for working at heights, generally indicated at 10. A first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 is indicated by numbers 10, 20, etc, while a second embodiment is shown at Figures 7 to 16 the features of which are described with similar numbers in a second series: 110, 120 etc, but the numbers in the series are intended as far as possible to indicate similar features across the two embodiments.

[0112] The workstation 10, 110 includes a frame 20, 120 and a seat support 30, 130 for an operator 5. The seat support 30, 130 is mounted on the frame 20, 120. Further mounted on the frame is a foot support 40 for an operator, the foot support mounted on the frame 20; an elevatordrive 50 for elevating the frame along a fascia of a building, the elevator drive 50 mounted on the frame 20.

[0113] There is provided a storage chest 60 disposed on the frame 20; two, actually. The storage chest 60 facilitate readily accessible tool storage, so the chest 60 is disposed at seat height, so that the operator 5 may readily dip their hand into a handily-located storage box 60 to store and retrieve tools. The storage chest 60 is suitable for storing tools (not shown) and other devices for facilitating work on the building facade. The tools may be tethered to the chest 60 so they don’t fall down to the ground.

[0114] The storage chest 60 includes a closure 65 to control access. The closure 65 includes a sliding door 66. The closure 65 includes a sliding lid 67. The sliding lid 67 includes a tray 68 with sides 69 to temporarily store items for ready access. The storage chest 60 further includes storage cells 70 of varying sizes to receive and store different-sized items. The cells 70 may include closures 71 to inhibit items falling out or blowing out.

[0115] The storage chest 60 includes a side closure 72 movable between an open position and a closed position to facilitate airflow to reduce wind loads. The side closure 72 may be disposed on the front, outside, back and inside faces of the toolbox. The side closure 72 may be a rolling door, a hinged door, a removable door, storable on the floor frame element to form a platform, or sectional door.

[0116] There may also be provided a mesh wall (not shown) on one or more of the side walls of the storage chest 60. The mesh wall may allow wind through but inhibit tools and fasteners and other elements through. The floor of the storage chest may be mesh or solid or any suitable thing to inhibit dropping of contents to the ground, and / or allowing airflow therethrough.

[0117] The storage chests 60 are disposed beside the chair at seat height, with an inside face providing a walled operator cell or station with an increased level of protection from impacts, some side weather elements such as wind and sun. The storage chests 60 extend from chair seat height, or slightly above, about 300mm down, or 600mm down, or down to the foot support, depending on whether there is desired some foot clearance or more snug walled operator station.

[0118] The seat support 30 includes a flip up seat 35 to facilitate working space on the frame.

[0119] The foot support 40 includes a base frame member 41. The foot support 40 includes a platform 42 to facilitate walking along.

[0120] There are provided in Figure 6 a plurality of seat supports 30 mounted on the frame to facilitate a plurality of operators working in the same workstation. The seat supports 30 in Figure 6 are disposed alongside one another in a row so that operators on the seat supports can all operate on a flat face of the building fascia at once.

[0121] The seat supports 30 in all embodiments include a chair 34. The chair 34 is mounted on a frame cross member 36. The cross member may be at an intermediate position 37 on the frame 20. The chair may be height adjustable; it may be rotatable; it may have a tilting back; it may be reversible to face the rear of the frame.

[0122] The elevator drive 50 is mounted on an upper cross member 51.

[0123] The frame 20 includes a peripheral frame portion 25 to facilitate operator protection from bumps and strikes in a sideways wind event, or an elevation drive failure. Airbags (not shown) are mounted on or in the frame elements 25 for reducing impact on workers in a strike or crash event. The airbags may be mounted on the peripheral frame portion 25 and base frame 41 portion and overhead cross member 51. The peripheral frame portion 25 forms a cage 26 to protect operators from impacts. The cage 26 may be formed from lateral frame members. The cage in one embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 is formed from rearward-sloping side frame elements, extending from adjacent the elevator drive to a lower frame portion. In Figures 7 to 9 the cage is built from various frame elements to form a conventional cage in a cubic or rectangular prism form. In Figures 1 to 6 the floor support frame portion may then extend forward to provide an operator cell inside which an operator is generally protected from impacts. There may be various frame arrangements to provide the operator cell. The side frame elements may be angled downward and rearward from the top cross members to a rear of the chair and then forward to about directly under the elevator cross member mount, then the foot support portion may extend forward. In the event of an impact with the fascia or some other thing, the operator will be protected by being behind the line formed, extending between the foot support portion and the elevator mount cross member.

[0124] The cage, or frame and / or storage chests include fasteners (not shown) for fastening to the fascia (not shown). There may be hooks or bolts or suction cups or receivers or other coupling elements disposed on front walls of the storage chests or on the foot support frame portion or the foot support platform.

[0125] There may also be a shroud surrounding the cage or inside the cage to suit the fascia work application to inhibit falls of fascia material or tools or fasteners.

[0126] In Figures 7 to 16 there is shown a second embodiment which is shown to be constructed in modules, which can be fixed together with welds form a unified workstation 110, or a modular workstation support 110, the latter of which can be assembled and dismantled by hand or with simple tools.

[0127] There is a prototype workstation assembly shown in Figures 7 to 16 and in Figure 11 there is shown separately an operator support module 130 for clarity. The operator support module 130 includes a seat support 131, a frame 120 for mounting the seat support 131, a foot support 140 (folded away) operatively mounted by a hinge to the frame 120, wherein the frame includes a post 132 for elevating a power ascender connector 150 above the operator (not shown). The power ascender support is a horizontal bar 133 and eye 134 which can be selectively fastened to one more spaced apart holes 135 along the bar 133 to suit the centre of gravity of operator and cargo.

[0128] A second module of this embodiment of the present invention, is the desk module 180 which including floor frame 181 for mounting operator support module 130, apertures / supports 182 for storage bins 160 disposed to sides of the operator module 130, side walls 183 for containment of debris that falls over a desk 185 from a front edge 184, the desk module including desk supports 186 with hinged central platter 187 and side plates 188, and edge keepers 189.

[0129] The desk module 180 provides an enclosed containment chamber bounded by the plane of the floor frame 181, the side walls 183, and rear walls 183c, and the desk walls 183b. The plane of the floor is closed by storage bins 160 which fit into the apertures 181 to contain falling debris and hold tools.

[0130] A third module 190 is a cage frame module 191 for mounting on the desk module 180, the cage frame module 191 including an open front wall 192 and provision for mounting sidewalls 193 on side frame elements 194 for containment of debris. The post 132 extends above the cage frame 191. The cage frame walls 193 effectively raise the sides of the containment walls 183 and 183c on the desk module 180.

[0131] The workstation modules can be assembled removably with removable fasteners or welded to be assembled, the former so that modules can be added or removed in use to provide a flexibility for different fascia work tasks: removing fascia often requires a floor to contain debris that is removed, while observation requires operator support only, or desk addition (without cage walls).

[0132] In Figure 14 the operator support module 130 and desk module 160 are connected, while in Figure 15 there is shown a workstation with three modules assembled together: operator support module 130 and desk module 180 and cage frame module 190 with walls 193.

[0133] There are bumpers or seals 195 for containment of debris and sealing of the area in which the operator is seated. One or more fans 199 are provided to drive the workstation toward a fascia so that it may be fastened to the fascia at the front edge. Suction pads or other fastener assemblies such as hooks or catches are provided at 198 to fasten the workstation to the fascia once the fans have pushed the workstation against the fascia. Fans 199 are about 300 to 600mm in diameter, and driven by a motor about 150W to 1500W.Advantages

[0134] Using embodiments of the present invention, trade works such as inspection, stage set ups, dilapidation reports, painting, welding, plumbing, glazing, rendering , waterproofing, tiling, concrete repairs, pressure cleaning and most other construction, maintenance and remedial building works can all now be done with much greater ease, efficiency & productivity.

[0135] Embodiments of the technology can be employed in most industries where there is a need to lift or lower personnel, materials or equipment and include Construction and Civil works, Mining, Oil and Gas, Shipping, Airports, Wind , Nuclear, Coal , Rescue , Solar, Farming, Entertainment , Police , Fire , SES and the Army.

[0136] By testing prototype embodiments of the invention in secret, user comfort, safety, quality work outcomes and overall productivity has been shown to rise by up to 30 percent , resulting in similar increases in profitability. Given that many accidents happen in the workplace replated to stress and fatigue and the corresponding lack of attention they cause, embodiments of the invention are a useful piece of safety PPE.

[0137] Not unlike a workshop at a worksite, embodiments of the invention allow the operators to better organise their work area with ample space, tool boxes and a work bench to carry out their tasks.

[0138] Embodiments of the invention are a conceptual shift away from conventional rope access since it provides ample comfortable work positioning with built in ergonomic support for backs, bottoms and legs , including solid foot support. The risk of stress and strain on body parts has been reduced.

[0139] Embodiments of the present technology use vacuum and mechanical fasteners to maintain the frame in a fixed position for safe, easy, quality workmanship, with minimal stress , fatigue or safety concerns.

[0140] Embodiments of the technology provide shade for hot working environments. Furthermore, heating can be improved with battery driven heating systems and with added space operators can wear more insulated clothing. In embodiments, fire extinguishers can be installed as required for associated hot works.

[0141] In embodiments, advantageously, ample storage space can be created to carry water , food and miscellaneous items.

[0142] Advantageously, ropes, slings and other items that restrict movement are reduced when the embodiments of the invention are deployed. This is because in those embodiments, ropes descend behind the SPW. This clears the workspace for operators to operate.

[0143] It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0144] It is to be understood that any prior art publication referred to herein does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

[0145] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A workstation for working at heights, the workstation including: a frame, the frame including a seat support frame and a power ascender mount disposed above the seat support frame; a seat for an operator, the seat mounted on the seat support frame; a foot support for the operator, the foot support operatively mounted on the seat support frame.

2. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the foot support is pivotally mounted to the seat support.

3. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the frame includes a post for elevating the power ascender mount above the operator.

4. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the power ascender mount is a horizontal bar including a plurality of spaced apart holes along the bar and an eye for receiving a power ascender coupler.

5. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims further including a desk module including a containment chamber for containing debris, the containment chamber including spaced apart walls mounted on a floor frame for mounting the operator support module thereon, the floor frame including, one or more receivers for receiving storage containers to contain debris, and a desk for providing a working space thereon, elevated from the floor at a chest height of an operator.

6. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the desk module further includes a plurality of desk plates including a first hinged platter and one or more fixed plates, as well as edge rail keepers disposed at a periphery of each desk plate.

7. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein there is provided a cage frame mounted on the desk module, the cage frame module including an open front wall and provision for mounting side walls on side frame elements for containment of debris.

8. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the workstation modules are assembled removably with removable fasteners or welded to be assembled.

9. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims further including bumpers or seals on a front of the desk assembly and / or cage assembly for containment of debris and sealing of the area in which the operator is seated.

10. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the seal is an automotive P-seal to seal a volume inside the frame.

11. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims further including one or more fans to drive the workstation toward a fascia so that it may be fastened to the fascia at the front edge.

12. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims further including suction pads or other fastener assemblies such as hooks or catches to fasten the workstation to the fascia.

13. The workstation in accordance with claim 1 further including a power ascender mounted on the power ascender mount.

14. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the there is provided a cutout in the peripheral frame at the front region to allow for the passage of a cladding panel.

15. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein there is provided a carriage on an upper portion of the frame.

16. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the carriage may include rollers to cooperate with a track which may be mounted under an overhead surface such as a bridge or overpass.

17. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein there is provided a storage bay underneath the operator’s seat. In an embodiment the storage bay includes a rope carrier in the form of a wire basket.

18. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein the storage bay is disposed at a rear face of the frame below the frame.

19. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein there is provided an onboard power system in the form of a battery.

20. The workstation in accordance with any one of the previous claims wherein there is provided an extractor fan disposed on an outside wall of the cage frame.

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