Speedy way of communicating

3 July 2023

One of the most impressive aspects of tool hire is where a hire company takes proactive measures to help a customer work more effectively. A good example is a new, specially designed van that has been introduced by Speedy to act as an on-site communications hub. 

Rajiv Sharma, National Technical Manager with Speedy Asset Services, tells me that the vehicle will help manage communications equipment such as two-way radios, cellular phones, headset cameras and respirators which rail contractors and other users might have on site. 

The adapted long wheelbase Mercedes Sprinter has bespoke shelves, charging points and cleaning facilities, and items are barcoded so that their movement and location can be tracked. 

Speedy can also provide personnel to manage and clean the equipment between shifts, again removing a task for the customer. 

Facilities are provided onboard so that communications between personnel can be recorded and retained for reference. 

Rajiv and his team fitted out the impressive vehicle and he says that the initiative will help optimise the use of equipment and resources on site because individual items can be kept in use for longer between shifts, minimising the quantity needed. 

The van also has a microwave, kettle, air conditioning and a cool box powered by an onboard battery. And when it was displayed at the recent Rail Live exhibition in Warwickshire, all the power to charge it and to run all other equipment on the stand was provided by a hydrogen fuel cell system (pictured below) from Hydrologiq, meaning that no emissions were created at the point of use. 

The van has been permanently booked out on hire for long-term projects since Speedy commissioned it a few months ago and there are plans to add more such vehicles in the future. 

Photos: Alan Guthrie