An Interview with Marcel Koen
In early October, we spoke with Marcel Koen, the Benelux representative of Skylotec, a leading company with a rich history in developing rescue systems and personal protective equipment (PPE) for working at heights. Marcel, who has been with Skylotec since 2013, has built up broad experience in the same sector with various companies since 2001. Marcel shared insights about Skylotec, particularly highlighting one of Skylotec's specialties: the wind energy sector.
We see wind turbines appearing everywhere, and although opinions may differ about them, one thing is certain: they are the workplace for thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of people worldwide. This makes it all the more important to explore what safe working at heights in this industry entails and how Skylotec plays a role in this.
Skylotec was at the forefront of wind energy developments, initially in Germany and later across Europe and the world. But before diving deeper into that, let’s first take a look at the company’s history.
The History of Skylotec
In 1947, Eduard Kaufmann founded the company Eduard Kaufmann GmbH, which produced rescue baskets/stretchers, primarily for the mining industry. At that time, there were no regulations for working safely at heights, and when the first safety harness was developed, it was more of a sturdy safety belt. From 1969 onwards, the company produced safety harnesses for the fire brigade, and in 1973, the first aluminum scoop stretchers followed.
Eduard Kaufmann sold his company in 1982 to Wolfgang Rinklake, and it was renamed Eduard Kaufmann Neuwied GmbH. Under the leadership of Wolfgang and later his son Kai, who took over in 2000, the company steadily grew. Due to international expansion, the company was renamed Skylotec GmbH in 2005. In the following years, the company expanded with a mountaineering division and the ‘Vertical Rescue College’ training center.
In 2019, Skylotec acquired the Swedish company ActSafe, a producer of powered ascenders, followed by Climbing Technology, an Italian manufacturer of climbing equipment, in 2021. Since then, Skylotec has been active not only in industrial safety but has also become a significant player in the wind energy sector. As of 2022, the board consists of Kai Rinklake and Alexander Merl.
Safety in Wind Energy
From the beginning, Skylotec has worked closely with wind turbine manufacturers to develop the right PPE and safety systems for working and evacuating at great heights. Wind turbines, with their confined spaces and limited access, create a challenging work environment. Therefore, a comprehensive package of safety measures is essential, along with protocols to protect workers in emergency situations.
One of Skylotec's innovative solutions is the Milan, a rescue and evacuation device that allows two people to descend simultaneously through an evacuation hatch. Thanks to the bidirectional system, the rope can be used alternately, and this system has now become standard with almost all major wind turbine manufacturers.
In addition to equipment, Skylotec also offers specific training to ensure that employees can evacuate safely. These training courses, offered worldwide by the Global Wind Organization (GWO), have now become the industry standard.
Innovation and Development
Over the years, Skylotec has continuously developed its products. As turbines grow larger and taller, for example, the Milan 2.0 was developed—a more advanced version of the evacuation device that can even be powered upwards using a cordless drill.
The Deus One, another personal evacuation device, has become standard for companies like General Electric in the US. It is designed to withstand temperatures up to 400 degrees, which can be crucial in extreme evacuation conditions.
Where the company once started with developing a stretcher for the mining industry, they have now also developed a specific stretcher for wind energy: the Conrest. This stretcher is extremely compact, making it suitable for use in the small and confined spaces of wind turbines during complex rescue situations. The stretcher is unique because it is equipped with an integrated harness in accordance with EN361.
The products must comply with strict safety standards, which may vary by region. Before a new product is brought to market, it is thoroughly tested by a Notified Body. A Notified Body is a government-designated inspection or testing institute responsible for testing products to ensure they meet the applicable standards. Only after these tests and documentation can Skylotec receive a conformity certificate and offer the product to the market. These procedures can take years.
Sustainability and Product Lifespan
Skylotec is also working towards sustainability. They have extended the lifespan of their textile products from 6 to 10 years after the initial use. An additional 2 years may be added for the period between production and first use, allowing the total lifespan to reach up to 12 years. The Milan is delivered in UV-, dirt-, and moisture-resistant packaging and can be returned for a full inspection and overhaul after 15 years. After this overhaul, the device can last another 15 years.
Future Developments
Skylotec continues to innovate and is looking to the future. At this year's Hamburg WindEnergy fair, they presented a prototype of the new Deus One. Compared to the current Deus One, it is designed for heavier loads, supports a greater temperature range, and offers a maximum rope length of 300 meters. It can now also be used for rescue operations in addition to its existing personal evacuation function.
This is another great development with many advantages for the market.
We thank Marcel for his time and thorough explanation of Skylotec's products and specialties.