Snorkel Guard secondary guarding solution

Aerial work platform maker Snorkel will introduce its Snorkel Guard safety system on all new boom lifts with platform heights of 40 ft. (12.1m) and above.

Unveiled at The Rental Show 2015, Snorkel Guard is the company's secondary guarding solution. Designed in-house by Snorkel's engineering team, the simple, mechanical system features a spring-loaded rail that sits above the upper control panel which cuts out machine operations when compressed; for example, in the case of the operator being involuntarily pushed against the controls.

The operator can override Snorkel Guard using a switch in the platform in the event that the system is activated in error. Additionally, when Snorkel Guard is activated, the lift can be operated from the lower control panel.

Snorkel Guard has undergone extensive field-testing and has already received high praise from a major global contractor, who favors the simplicity of Snorkel's design over other more complex systems on the market.

Matthew Elvin, Snorkel CEO, says "Snorkel Guard is a robust and simple design which does not add any complexity to the lift, yet offers an additional level of protection for the operator. Operator safety is paramount, which is why we have rolled out the system as a standard feature globally, as well as offering it as a retrofit solution."

While the system is now being fitted as standard, it can be easily retrofitted to most Snorkel booms in the field.

According to OSHA, the major causes of fatalities from aerial lists are falls, electrocutions, and collapses or tip-overs. "Employers must take measures to ensure the safe use of aerial lifts by their workers if they are required to use this equipment in the course of their employment," the safety agency advises.