Innovation

HighStep is a new invented access method for high working places on all kind of buildings, pylons, masts, wind turbines etc. The system consists of 2 components: the aluminium rail and the portable climbing gear.

The rail is installed over the total height of the building. After mounting the rail, it remains permanently at that building. The user brings his portable climbing gear along and is able to fix it on the rail very quickly and easily.

While the rail - same as the railway line - is unchangeable, climbing gears will be developed further. Currently we have an apparatus for a safe climbing, the HighStep Easy with Protector and the worldwide first portable elevator, the HighStep Lift.

Besides these two types, other apparatus will be invented in future, covering more or different functions, for example material transporter, cabin lift or working platform. Moreover, self-operating devices can run on the rail for special purposes, for example bringing a camera to the top of a mast for inspections. In that case no person has to climb up.

In the 19th century the railway line had the potential to replace horses and carriages, and over the years did so. How will our likewise rail based system change the access to high working places?

Advantages and Benefits

HighStep offers the user the following advantages:

Safety

Although nowadays a lot of people die because of slipping or falling off a ladder, nothing really changed in the thousands of years old ladder principle. HighStep is a totally new invented climbing system, on which the user is multiple secured through permanent connections to the rail. Slipping or losing one’s footing is impossible. Furthermore climbing is only possible by using the HighStep gear.

Ergonomics

The ancient ladder is not suitable for a comfortable climbing. The user can’t climb upright, hangs on his arms all time and always has the same stepping height of around 28 cm, which exhausts him very fast. HighStep avoids all these disadvantages, because the user always stands upright on a resting platform, is able to choose his individual stepping height and doesn't need his arms to hold on something.

Sustainability

HighStep offers the user a lot of possibilities – now and in future. Besides HighStep Easy there will be the full featured HighStep Lift. Further apparatus e.g. material-, fire fighter- or rescue lift will run on the same rail. The rail stays unchanged forever. With this, the user gets an unbelievable sustainability.

Demography-effect

The industry confirmed a lack of young worker for any high workplace. Elder persons often have problems with their hinges or their back and even though they bring a lot of experience along, they have to be removed from any field work. The HighStep system prevents, due to its ergonomical advantages, hinges and backs from damage. Due to this there is also a prevention potential and health-care costs can be reduced. The German professional association (Berufsgenossenschaften), who is responsible for the legitimate accident insurance, came to this conclusion. This prevention-advantage won't be settled rapid, but in long term it can be very considerable - and therefore can be a significant return-on-invest for companies which are able to let their employers work in the field for a much longer time.

Investment costs

HighStep System gives you the opportunity to reach high workplaces for less money. Several technical issues have an impact on investment costs. E.g. for the material we use aluminium because it's cheap and easy to handle. Also the rail is connected to the building in an average distance of 3m, so less installation material is needed. With the easy installation you save installation time and money. Due to the maintenance-free rail you save cost of operation. Also money can be saved due to the relation of many rails to less climbing gear per project or customer.