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CATWALKS
Page 43
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SB Components provides safety-conscious devices Wisbech, Cambridge-based SB Components (International) is right in the heart of traditional 'aluminium fabrication' territory.
Having started some 20 years ago as a modest manufacturer of aluminium catwalk tanks, SB (the company gets it name from chairman and founder Steve Bushell's initials) Is now the biggest manufacturer of bespoke bustom diesel, AdBlue and hydraulic tanks in the UK, as well as an accredited OEM supplier of fuel tanks to truck-makers in Sweden and Germany.
However, over the past 18 months, SB has found itself being increasingly asked by safety-conscious operators to help prevent drivers injuring themselves when working at the back of a tractor—typically when coupling or uncoupling a trailer.
Bushell explains: "If your foot slips down between the chassis rail and battery box, or off the catwalk and down between the chassis rails and prop-shaft, you could be looking at a serious injury like a broken ankle or leg. Fleets don't want this happening."
Such fleets include Tesco and John Lewis and consequently SB has fitted a large number of their distribution tractors with a full chassis 'in-fill' of non-slip punched aluminium decking, which can include access hatches far fuel tanks or other components.
Bushell admits it's somewhat ironic that what originally started off as a customising accessory is fast becoming a health and safety must-have. However, he reckons there are other benefits too. "By filling in the sides and top, you get better mpg, as the air is deflected away from under the trailer so it runs more smoothly," he says. "And we do so much more, such as raised A-frames for cable connectors, which are easier for the driver to use, sliding susie rails, non-slip tank covers and extra grab handles and steps."
For a full decking (which weighs around 50-70kg) you're looking at around MOO£1,000 depending on the work and superstructure, says Bushell. However, set that against a serious injury to a driver from a fall, and a possible claim for compensation with all the lost working time from an employee and management time taken up with handling the claim, and it's hardly surprising that more and more fleets are waking up to the need to cut down the balancing act on the back of an artic.
"We've done a lot of fleet deals with chassis walkways and in-fills and step-ups in the battery box too," confirms Bushell. "You've got to keep an eye on what you're doing these days when it comes to health and safety." For more information contact 01945 475234.