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Maintaining a C-17A Globemaster III is no small task. These aircraft are enormous, complex, and absolutely essential to military logistics operations. Keeping them in peak condition means maintaining their engines efficiently and safely—something that, until recently, was more cumbersome than it needed to be. At RAAF Base Amberley, the process for servicing C-17A engines had long involved a maintenance stand system that was known to be outdated. It required four separate jacks, multiple operators, and a fair amount of time just to set things up. Adjustments were slow and repetitive and left plenty of room for inefficiencies and user error. So, Defence Australia and Boeing Defence Australia, working with SafeSmart, set out to modernise the system—making it safer, easier, and more effective. Identifying the Problem The primary challenge was clear: engine maintenance was taking longer than it should. The old stands supplied by the aircraft manufacturer weren’t just inefficient; they also introduced safety concerns, requiring careful manoeuvring and multiple hands on deck to position the behemoth. Not exactly a model of efficiency. A new stand was needed that could fulfil all the tasks the old one was capable of, including: Work for both inboard and outboard engines Be adaptable to accommodate ladders and smaller platforms Meet strict safety regulations. This wasn’t just about making life easier for maintenance crews—it was about ensuring safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. The goal was clear: make something that was faster, safer, and didn’t require an entire committee just to set up. From Lumbering Behemoth to Nimble Giant The new C-17A maintenance stand ditched the manual jack setup and introduced electronic actuators across the board. With a simple push of a button, a single operator could adjust the height. No more endless cranking, no more synchronising four different jacks. Just press, adjust, and get on

Why CEA Looked for a Change Traditional ladders and makeshift platforms had begun to slow routine maintenance and invite unnecessary risk. CEA wanted a solution that reduced set‑up time and let technicians work at height with genuine confidence. CEA adopted a six‑step BridgeDeck fitted with a 900 mm adjustment pack, giving a working‑height range from 1.7 m to 2.6 m. A 2.5 m bridge span lets staff walk directly over machinery into the service area instead of leaning or climbing around it. Bottom‑Line Impact Time saved: Faster transitions between jobs translate into more productive hours each week. Less downtime: Stable footing means fewer dropped tools and fewer injuries. Morale boost: Technicians prefer equipment that helps them, not hinders them. BridgeDeck turns access equipment from a necessary evil into a productivity tool. For workshops still juggling ladders and scaffold frames, replacing them with a single, height‑adjustable platform is a straightforward win—safer for the team and smarter for the business.

A Comprehensive Guide Underground Mining is a major mining industry in Australia, and mine operators across the country have refined the science of extracting minerals from beneath the earth’s surface. It’s a complex process involving various techniques and Underground Mining Equipment designed to reach, extract, and transport valuable minerals efficiently and safely. This guide explores in depth the various methods and equipment used in underground mining, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and adherence to industry standards. SafeSmart Access’ Role in Underground Mining SafeSmart Access has become the go-to provider for height access solutions in the mining industry. Known for engineering custom solutions that put safety and compliance front and center, SafeSmart meets the growing demand for reliable, adaptable access equipment tailored to the unique challenges of mining. For a closer look at SafeSmart’s impact on mining operations, check out their real-world success stories in these case studies. For a complete list of access solutions, visit our Underground Mining Solutions page for products and examples of mine safety success. Visit our Mining overview page for a quick snapshot of who we’ve worked with and our solutions. Accessing the Ore Body In underground mining, reaching the ore body isn’t just any old step—it’s the big one. This crucial phase is where everything kicks off, setting up the pathways and access points that miners will rely on to safely extract the hidden ore and minerals deep below. Depending on factors like how deep the ore is, its shape, and what kind of rock is around it, mining teams choose different methods to get down there. Each approach goes beyond functionality; it’s a feat of engineering. Surveyed, analysed, and built to handle the massive pressures of the earth and the weight of heavy machinery rumbling above each shaft, adit, and ramp. 1. Shafts