Getting Hitched

Midlands-based demolition specialists the Armac Group has responded swiftly and decisively to recent changes in the regulations governing the use of semi-automatic quick hitches to speed up the changeover of buckets and attachments. And Pirtek Birmingham was there to lend a helping hand.

Following several on-site deaths that were attributed to semi-automatic hitches causing excavator buckets and attachments to fall unexpectedly, a number of the UK’s major construction companies took the decision to ban the devices. Determined to become the UK's first fully-compliant demolition company, Armac responded immediately, upgrading its 22-unit excavator fleet that covers the 13 to 70 tonne operating weight range, and running a series of Quick Hitch Safety training workshops.

“This significant investment demonstrates our commitment to health and safety and best practice,” says group operations director Adrian McLean. “It represented a significant capital outlay, but we felt that it was a worthwhile investment considering some of the high profile fatalities associated with semi-automatic hitches.”

McLean reports that Pirtek Birmingham played a key role in the fleet upgrading programme, MSST Wayne Woods replacing and standardising all the new 2.5 metre Quickhitch hoses that now incorporates a non-return value. This has simplified all the hoses throughout the Armac fleet, ensuring they can be replaced quickly and efficiently in the event of damage or failure. "We always use Pirtek. They are fast, efficient and on the ball. The health and safety issues concerning the new Quickhitch assemblies were dealt with very quickly by Pirtek Birmingham,” concludes Armac site manager Richard Taylor. “The standardisation of the fittings and hoses has saved us a considerable amount of time and money as they can be pre-manufactured and kept on site for future use."