Reducing manual handling risks when terminating data cables

Tech Innovations, an Australian company, has designed, developed and launched Tech Table to help alleviate many challenging manual handling and safety issues confronted by technicians when terminating data cables. The product allows technicians to perform the task on a stable, height-adjustable working platform that is lightweight and easily transported.

“The task of terminating patch panel cabling is a tedious one and is currently performed in awkward, and sometimes dangerous, positions for prolonged periods of time,” said David McKenzie-McHarg, Director, Tech Innovations. The company recently exhibited the Australian patented Tech Table (global patents pending) at the BICSI South Pacific 2012 Conference and Exhibition. Tech Table is expected to be available for companies and technicians in August this year and will be distributed by Anixter.

McKenzie-McHarg came up with the idea while working as a technician. Soon after entering the data communications industry six years ago, McKenzie-McHarg began to experience back and neck pain on a daily basis. Commenting on his experience as a technician, McKenzie-McHarg said, “I was surprised to see how many other technicians dealt with this and so I decided to design a solution. With the help of a large number of technicians over several years, as well as an OHS consultant and ergonomist, we have successfully designed, developed and implemented a practical solution to this industry problem.” Feedback from the thorough field testing undertaken with the Tech Table has been extremely positive, he said.

David McKenzie-McHarg, Director, Tech Innovations demonstrates the Tech Table.

“Working within a communications cabinet presents several problems for our technicians,” said Adrian Whittaker, business development manager, Multisystem Communications. Multisystem participated in the field testing of the termination table and found the “table to be invaluable.

“The OHS benefits were immediately evident as we were able to remove this part of the operation, usually carried out inside the cabinet, to outside, allowing the technician to stand or be seated,” he said. This reduced fatigue amongst employees and contributed to an increase in productivity,” added Whittaker.

“With a removable hard top available for the Tech Table, the apparatus is also proving very useful in terminating fibreoptic cables as well as the testing of fibre-optic and copper cabling. In addition, a detachable cable holder has been specially designed for the Tech Table to contain individual cables while terminating, further increasing productivity and ease of the task,” said McKenzie-McHarg.

In an industry that has grown dramatically over the past 10 years and continues to grow at a rapid rate, the safety hazards associated with the manual task of terminating data cables appears to have been overlooked until now, not only in Australia but also abroad, he said. Tech Table has already bagged a Safe Work ACT Award and was a finalist in the Annual Safe Work Australia Awards.

By Mansi Gandhi