Pneumatic actuation and isolation specialist Air Springs Supply is introducing a pneumatic protection shield that is easily and quickly set up to guard against cave-ins during excavation work.
 
Supplied as a kit comprising of four cushions measuring 2000mm high and 1440mm wide, the Blindeo shield is designed to secure excavations up to two metres deep. Made out of vulcanised rubber, the abrasion-resistant Blindeo cushions are equipped with handling straps, a quick air connector and a safety valve to avoid the risk of bursting.
 
The cushions require air volume of 400/660 litres with a maximum pressure of 650 mbar. Inflated by standard workplace compressors or from compressed air/gas cylinders at remote locations, the standard kit is complemented by an inflation line with safety valve for quick coupling and a vent for quicker deflation.
 
Air Springs Supply National Sales and Marketing Manager Mr James Maslin explains that the pneumatic protection shield is designed as an alternative to existing wooden and metallic shoring devices, which can be difficult and time-consuming to set up, and also involve the transport of cumbersome material to remote sites.
 
He adds that the Blindeo shield is a highly practical and robust product engineered in response to a global safety issue relating to excavations including pits and trenches. Pronal is a globally reputed supplier of extensive ranges of environmental and workplace protection products, including tough inflatable elastomer pipe stoppers used to prevent pollution and to protect staff during pipeline inspection and maintenance.
 
Key features and advantages of Blindeo pneumatic protection shields:

  • High resistance construction with anti-burst design
  • Reusable and easy to maintain
  • Lightweight at only 13kg per cushion – allows easy handling and setup
  • Flexible and foldable
The Blindeo shield from Pronal was developed in response to European labour legislation requiring excavations deeper than 1.3m with vertical walls to be secured. Australian State and Industry Codes of Practice – evolved from the OH&S Act – govern excavation safety in this country, with different provisions applying to excavations typical in such areas as architecture, building and construction, electrical and telecommunications, mining, energy and  petroleum sites, pipeline installation and maintenance, road making, manufacturing and food and beverage and primary production pits and pipelines, plumbing and sewerage as well as water and wastewater infrastructure.