top of page

[Road of SKYSQUARE-036-] It looks like you'll need to work at height ~Height~

[SKYSQUARE Road-036-] It looks like you'll need to work at height ~ High ~

Hello

This is Nakajima from AZSTOKE Co., Ltd.


It is the purpose of this project.

Installing streetlights requires working at height


So I started working towards getting a new qualification. In this day and age, qualifications are the first step to doing anything.

I'm preparing to get to the starting line, but I'm already familiar with the process of obtaining qualifications.

I immediately checked the available dates and applied for the shortest possible schedule.


Click here for a list of previous SKYSQUARE Road articles

SKYSQUARE

■Table of Contents


1. On the day of the lesson! Go to KOBELCO


The day of the lesson has finally arrived! We headed to Kobelco Driving School in Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture.

I was determined and set off to arrive at the site around 7:30am.

The early morning air was a little chilly, but I felt invigorated at the thought of all the new learning I was about to undertake.

Seeing the vast Amagasaki training center in front of me, I once again realized, "Okay, starting today, I'm going to study hard here."

In order to master the techniques of working at heights, and above all to complete the work safely, we will do our best to acquire the knowledge and skills.


Arriving at the driving school


2. There will be about 10 participants. We will start with a lecture!


There were about 10 people in the class this time, including me. Because it was a small class, the atmosphere in the room was filled with just the right amount of tension.


Special training classroom for high-altitude work vehicles

First, the training begins with a theoretical course that drills in the knowledge needed to work safely.

What was handed out was this textbook, packed with specialized knowledge.


Aerial work platform textbook

Although it is simply called a "high-altitude work platform," the course I am taking this time is classified as "special training."

This is a qualification required to operate a vehicle with a platform height of less than 10 metres .

For installing street lights and general maintenance, this range of "less than 10m" is very useful, and I decided to obtain this qualification as it will be sufficient for the work I will be doing from now on.


In the academic department, students learn about the structure of vehicles, how safety devices work, and most importantly, the relevant laws and regulations.

The most dangerous thing is to "think you know," especially when working at heights, as one wrong step can lead to a serious accident, so I concentrate on the textbook so as not to miss a single thing the instructor explains!


I think you asked the instructor questions here too and were seen as a highly motivated student.

Sorry, I'm not in the construction industry.


3. Enjoy your lunch break! Recharge your energy with a packed lunch


After a 3-hour intensive academic course, it's time for the long-awaited lunch break.

The driving school schedule is a 10-minute break every hour, with a 45-minute lunch break after three hours.

This regular rhythm reminds me of classes in my school days and makes me feel very nostalgic.

For lunch today, we will be having the lunch boxes we ordered in advance.


Recharge with a lunch box

In the afternoon, the class will continue, requiring more concentration.

I'll eat well, recharge my energy, and stay focused in the second half of the game.

This "time to eat your lunch and take a break" may be one of the hidden pleasures of obtaining a qualification.


4. Day 2 is the practical part! Fighting the fear of heights


On the second day, the participants finally had the practical training to operate the aerial work platform. This time, they used two different types of vehicles for training.


Aerial work platform 8M

First off, here's a slightly larger vehicle.

It rises to a maximum height of 8 metres.


Aerial work platform 4M

The other model is this compact 4-meter type.

"Just a few meters" is scary

When you actually climb up in the basket, whether it's 4 meters or 8 meters, the view is higher than you'd imagine! I'm not particularly afraid of heights, but the feeling of my feet leaving the ground still terrified me.


What surprised me most was the slight breeze.

Even a gentle breeze that doesn't bother you on the ground will cause the cage to sway slightly in the air. This unique swaying motion will make you feel even more scared...

We thoroughly confirmed safety by pointing and calling, and performed each operation carefully, but it was a day where I once again felt firsthand the responsibility and risks of working in high places. I will remember this feeling and continue to practice safety first when operating.


5. Let's try it! "Clothespin Mission" at high altitude


The instructor gave us a full lecture on lever operation, outrigger installation, safety checks, etc., and once we understood the basic operation methods, it was time to put it into practice.

The main task of this practical training was to attach clothespins to a high iron wire and return.


Clothespin Mission

First, make sure your surroundings are safe and move along the course. Then, it's time to ascend!

At first, the levers were a bit awkward to operate, but with the instructor's advice, little by little, the children were able to move them smoothly.

They climb up to the wire they want to reach and attach clothespins to the swinging basket.

It's just this simple movement, but it requires a completely different level of concentration and sense of balance than doing it on land.

The clothespin was safely attached and the robot slowly descended to the ground.

When I completed the entire process, I felt a great sense of accomplishment, and at the same time, I realized how profound working at heights is. Through this training, I was reminded once again of the importance of working safely and efficiently.

I was able to gain valuable experience that I can apply in the field!


6. And a new step!


After completing all the training and practical training, I was issued a certificate of completion! I am now officially qualified to operate aerial work platforms with a work platform height of less than 10 meters.

Through written and practical tests, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of safety when working at heights.

The knowledge and skills gained from this course will be extremely useful in my future work.


Towards a new step

I would like to use this qualification to safely and efficiently carry out high-altitude work. I also thought that I could install microphones even higher, so I think I can use that knowledge in the next step.

We must continue to move forward!!!


SKYSQUARE Article List



Comments

bottom of page