Avanti Wind Systems USA has announced the issuance of an AECO Certificate for its Shark Work Cage/Elevator for use in wind turbine towers by Underwriters Laboratories (UL). An AECO certification in North America represents completion of a complete review by a third party certification body whose authority stems from ISO Guide 65. UL is one of three recognized third party test labs for AECO (Accredited Elevator/Escalator Certifying Organization). It has tested the Shark Work Cage and sub components and reviewed the assessment for the product and the installation.
“After a thorough review, Underwriters Laboratories has issued the certificate validating the model and certifying the design complies with the Global Essential Safety Requirements of A17.7/B44.7,” says Kent Pedersen, general manager of U.S. operations.
The certification allows the jurisdictions where A17.7 is adopted an easier route for permitting of Work Cages in wind turbine towers. They do not have to develop their own state-specific code requirements.
Avanti Wind Systems will still have to go through the state (United States) or province (Canada) permitting process for each wind power project where an Avanti Shark Work Cage/Elevator is to be installed in a wind turbine. But with the AECO Certificate it is easier and faster to get the permit from the State/Province authorities. “The next step is to get the new ASME A17.1/CSA B44, requirement 5.11 implemented so that each state can adopt them as soon as possible when new wind turbine projects are constructed in their jurisdiction,” Pedersen says.
Avanti Wind System is a leading world market producer of service lifts and other personal safety systems to wind turbine towers. It was founded in Denmark in 1885 and was originally a ladder factory. The company still produces ladders but is now focusing on developing and producing safety equipment for the service technicians working in wind turbine towers. Avanti has developed a complete range of safety products for moving up and down in wind turbine towers. Products such as service lifts, ladders with built-in fall safety rails, and climbing assistance have been approved in accordance with official standards in the European Union, Australia, and the United States. Avanti Wind Systems has installed more than 16,000 service lifts in wind turbine towers throughout the world. That is more than half of all those installed. Avanti Wind Systems’ headquarters is in Denmark and it has offices, training centers, and factories in the United States, China, United Kingdom, Spain, China, Germany, India, and Australia. Later this year Avanti will open an office in Brazil. To learn more contact Pedersen at (262) 641-9101, kp@avanti-online.com, or www.avanti-online.com.
