Local high-pressure jetting equipment manufacturer Werner Pumps has invested in new devices for its rental combination of jetting and vacuum trucks to improve operator safety in the field.

Werner’s rental units are often used in “tricky” conditions and applications, such as for cleaning out blocked sewers or spillage clean-ups, says Werner Pumps MD Sebastian Werner.

“This means our operators may need to get into a manhole or an oil pit to get the nozzle to reach where it needs to go, which can be a safety risk. Werner has invested in a special tripod device for every truck to more safely lower or lift the operator.”

The uniqueness of the tripod resides in its ability to withstand unsafe conditions when lowering and lifting an operator, he adds.

It is designed specifically for vertical descent in confined spaces, with sturdy but lightweight aluminium legs that automatically lock in the open position. The legs are telescopic, so they take up less space in the truck once packed down.

The tripods are also equipped with a winch system, therefore eliminating the need for a separate pulley and/or bracket assembly.

The hoist attaches directly, making setup and pack-down quick and easy, and there’s a fall-arrest bracket that can be attached to one of the legs, says Werner.

There is also a maximum height indicator for ease of use in confined spaces extending to a maximum height of 2.45 m.

Werner purchased the tripods from a third party specialist safety company.

Further, an operator sets up the tripod above the hatch that needs to be entered, and can be lowered into the hole slowly and safely. There is also an accessory pulley attachment that can be fixed to the tripod head, should the operator require tools to be lowered or lifted, notes Werner.

“This makes jobs much safer for operators and gives customers peace of mind when they are renting a Werner Pumps unit.”

Werner is the first local business to include such a device in its rental unit, he adds.

“If there is interest from customers in purchasing these tripods for their own trucks, we will investigate stocking them in future.”

The company is continually looking for ways of improving its customer offering.

With its new welding machine installed and operating, Werner says the business can reduce lead times for its 100% locally manufactured jetting and vacuum trucks.

Aside from its in-house manufacturing capabilities, Werner Pumps specialises in the supply and maintenance of high-pressure jetting equipment, German high-pressure pumps, high-pressure sewer cleaning hoses, Swiss-engineered nozzles, and high-pressure guns, lances, and cleaning equipment.

The company looks set to double the number of trucks that it manufactured last year and is appreciative of how many customers are repeat customers, Werner concludes.