A specialist supplier of suspended access systems, Riggers Steeplejacks makes extensive use of fischer construction fasteners, Milwaukee power tools, and Stabila measuring tools, all distributed exclusively by leading local supplier Upat, to enable it to offer complete solutions to its clients.

Riggers Steeplejacks was established in 1970, with offices in Alberton North in Gauteng, Pinetown in KwaZulu-Natal, and Cape Town in the Western Cape. It is a market leader in permanently-installed systems, commonly known as building maintenance units (BMUs).

The company’s systems are designed, manufactured, installed, and maintained in compliance with a number of industry codes and regulations, namely SANS 51808, SANS 50795, SANS 1903, SANS 10295, Driven Machinery Regulations DMR 18, and Construction Regulations 2014.

Riggers Steeplejacks Project Director Hentie Wessels reveals that the company has to date installed over 2 000 anchor points for rope access suspension using the fischer M12 express anchor, which can hold up to 1.2 t.

“Our engineer specified the fisher brand due to its strength and ease of installation. We also use fischer M10, M12, M16 and M20 anchors extensively on the brackets of our units.” Wessels adds that the correct installation of high-quality anchors is essential for safety-critical operations such as rope access and working-at-height.

The company also uses the Milwaukee M18 CHPX cordless hammer drill, which delivers up to 4.5 joules of blow energy, and which can drill up to 28 mm in concrete and 13 mm in steel for safe and speedy installations.

The M18 CHPX has a four-mode operation comprising rotary hammer, hammer only, rotation only, and Variolock for maximum versatility. It also features the FIXTEC system for keyless chuck changing, while the all-metal gear case makes for optimum seating of the gears for enhanced service life.

In addition, Riggers Steeplejacks uses the Stabila LD 520 laser distance measurer to determine heights. “This tool is also invaluable in determining rope lengths and for general measurement purposes. It definitely makes our lives a lot easier all around,” Wessels comments. The Stabila LD 520 enables precision measurements up to 200 m, both indoors and outdoors.

Upat Industrial Technical Representative Bartus Oosthuizen adds that the company provides Riggers Steeplejacks with regular training and dedicated aftermarket support for all its fischer, Milwaukee and Stabila products. “This is testament to the complete solutions we can offer our customers, based on the highest-quality products and best brands available globally,” he concludes.