Plug-In Safety Drive Connecting With Electricians

SALISBURY - October 15, 2008: A joint effort is being launched to spark fresh interest in vehicle safety.

Industry body the National Industrial Council for Electrical Installation Contractors, van racking specialist Sortimo, and vehicle manufacturer Ford are hoping to connect with electricians and other trades during the Interbuild show for the construction industry at the NEC between October 26 and 30.

The NICEIC, Sortimo and Ford have jointly developed a racking solution for electricians and Ford is supplying a Transit Connect to be equipped for Interbuild, illustrating the possibilities on a vehicle that already finds widespread favour in the construction and allied trades.

Sortimo is installing a series of plug-in modules to the Transit Connect that require no drilling of the vehicle body. This would help enhance resale values on customer vans as there is no damage from the racking installation or the possibility of unsecured equipment moving around. The durability of the Sortimo fittings means they could also be reused in replacement vans, making them even more cost-effective.

“When we were asked to get involved by the NICEIC we were pleased to accept the challenge,” said Chris Jones, Sortimo’s UK sales director.

“As well as enhancing safety, the racking and chests we are showing on the Transit Connect also improve working efficiency as engineers can always find the tool they want in its right place rather than just lying somewhere on the floor of the van, meaning they have to rummage around to find it.

“The equipment is easy to install or remove and can be created in a bespoke way to suit individual users’ needs without involving a long lead time. Sortimo is able to receive vans from most manufacturers, fit equipment, and carry out pre-delivery inspections before then taking the van to the user, which makes the whole process very efficient.

“Our high standards achieved in crash tests are finding increasing appeal and this quality also makes the units extremely durable, allowing them to be reused in future vehicles, extending their lifetime and reducing overall costs. They offer the best protection should the worst happen and the van be involved in a major incident. Even an emergency stop, and not just a collision, can result in the load shifting and the front seat occupants being crushed, with potentially fatal consequences, if no racking is installed.”

Tony Cable, spokesman for the NICEIC, commented: “Employers have a duty of responsibility for those who work for them but, equally, the self employed and those running one person businesses should realise that they have the same duty to themselves.

“NICEIC is determined that as well as ensuring high standards of skill for those who employ electricians the electricians themselves also get the best protection.”