Dietikon ZH/Berlin – 50Hertz will work with the HighStep Systems AG. The Berlin-based transmission network operator plans to equip around 2023 masts with the Swiss fall protection system in 850 alone.
The HighStep Systems AG, based in Dietikon, is the contractual partner of the German transmission system operator 50Hertz, based in Berlin, for a further four-year period, according to a press release. HighStep Systems offers a fall protection system that allows employees to climb up and down power pylons efficiently, safely and ergonomically. According to sales manager Gregor Wylenzek, several hundred existing high-voltage pylons have already been equipped for 50Hertz since 2018, and new major projects will follow in the coming years. "We are very much looking forward to continuing our collaboration," says Wylenzek.
Systems are expected to be installed on around 2023 masts in 850 alone. This includes, among other things, new buildings in which the HighStep fall arrest rails are installed in the middle of the mast wall. These can then be accessed or climbed using one of the HighStep-Lift or HighStep-Easy systems.
The basis for the cooperation since 2018 is that HighStep Systems won an EU tender. In this context, the fall protection system was certified to be the safest, most user-friendly and most economical in comparison. For 50Hertz, it was particularly important that the system basis of the permanently installed HighStep rail was maintenance-free and that safety was guaranteed by multiple connections.
The HighStep system consists of two components: an aluminum rail as a system support and a selectable climbing device. HighStep Easy works with the help of two independent pedals, while HighStep Lift can be viewed as a mobile service lift. In terms of application, the focus is on electricity pylons, wind turbines, transmission towers and industrial facilities. There are several thousand installations in operation worldwide - primarily in Europe and also Asian countries. In addition to 50Hertz, customers also include the Swiss transmission system operator Swissgrid, the European high-voltage network operator TenneT and the Chinese energy company State Grid Corporation of China.