Workplace protection
August 1st 2004 Construction is Britain's biggest industry but also one of its most dangerous. Falls from height are the most common causes of fatal injury and the second most common of major injury, to employees.
Most falls are preventable with the use of the right PPE, available from suppliers like Bacou-Dalloz. Its range includes the Miller range of fall protection equipment, the acclaimed Miller Barracuda scaffolding lanyard, the Miller Scorpion personal fall limiter and the Miller Falcon self-retracting lifeline.
The Miller Barracuda scaffolding lanyard provides a fall protection solution for scaffolders who have, until now risked considerable fall-arrest forces because of their connection to a horizontal bar below their foot level. It increases the safety and, consequently, the productivity of the users while erecting, dismantling, altering and working on scaffolding.
Designed to grip onto vertical scaffolding tubes with a diameter of 48.3 to 50mm, the Miller Barracuda is a practical system that allows anchorage above waist height during the erection and dismantling of scaffolding, thus significantly reducing the risk of injury from a fall. With an anchorage clamp that is easily fitted with one hand and a polypropylene grip for easier handling, the Miller Barracuda allows the user to keep one hand free for carrying tools or for steadying themselves while working. The elasticated Manyard lanyard reduces the risks of tripping or snagging and uses a woven shock-absorbing inner core for reduced fall arrest forces. The outer jacket is treated with TEFLON fabric protector for a hi-tech protection against the effects of water, oil and cement dust. However, lanyards should be subject to: pre-use checks, detailed inspections; and (as appropriate) interim inspections. These should be carried out by competent persons to identify defects or damage.
The Scorpion Personal Fall Limiter (PFL) is a feature-rich, affordable alternative to shock absorbing lanyards. It is designed for personal issue and increases worker safety and productivity while reducing the overall cost. The Scorpion PFL arrests a fall within centimetres and so reduces the risk of the worker striking a lower level. Shock-absorbing lanyards require up to 6.75m fall clearance. In the event of a fall the worker can be rescued more easily, because he will not fall as far as he would with a shock-absorbing lanyard. The Scorpion PFL is a combination of the shock-absorbing lanyard with the best features of a self-retracting lanyard. Its automatic retractable lifeline enhances safety by reducing the tripping hazards, while its compact, lightweight design makes the unit almost undetectable, using smooth, quiet technology. The Scorpion can be directly connected to the harness dorsal D ring and is readily available, thus increasing operator mobility and productivity. A working capacity of 2.8m offers an additional 80cm mobility over a 2m shock-absorbing lanyard. The unit has an increased service life due to its high-impact thermoplastic cover over a stainless-steel/aluminium body. A TEFLON fabric protector on the webbing helps protect the unit from the elements.
The new Miller Falcon Self Retracting Lifeline (SRL) sets a new standard as the lightest, safest, most robust retractable lifeline available. It is one of the first blocks on the market to be certified for use horizontally. With no anchorage points above the wearer, the Falcon can be anchored from the back enabling the lifeline to be used horizontally. It should be used in conjunction with a steel sling. Its corrosion-resistant stainless steel and aluminium internal components extend service life and reduce replacement costs, while its nearly indestructible, high impact-resistant nylon housing comes with a lifetime guarantee when used under typical working conditions. It is light and easy to handle and transport to and from jobsites. The units side payout design reduces wear on the entry guide and cable for smooth operation with less drag on the worker to improve productivity and reduce fatigue. A quick-activating braking mechanism stops the fall within a few centimetres for a quick and safe rescue, and a highly visible load indicator at the snap hook identifies when the unit needs to be removed from service. The Miller Falcon is available in four lengths to suit all applications (6.2, 10, 15 and 20m). Used in conjunction with the Miller DuraFlex elasticated harness, the system offers excellent comfort, durability and increased productivity.
The new Miller Relief Step has been developed to provide a short-term solution in preventing suspension trauma. Personal fall protection system will minimise the effects of a fall. But if the victim is left suspended in a vertical, motionless position, they can very quickly develop the symptoms of orthostatic intolerance or suspension trauma as blood pools in the legs, away from the brain.
Fatal suspension trauma can occur within minutes while waiting for rescue after a fall, the Relief Step provides support and enhances blood circulation until rescue enabling the victim to move and flex their leg muscles. The Relief Step can be easily attached to any brand full-body harness and when released the fallen person can insert their foot into the loop step, adjust and stand. Two Relief Steps provide added support, balance and comfort.
With the importance of construction worker safety high on the agenda, Bacou-Dalloz provides effective solutions for head-to-toe protection in the workplace. More articles from Sperian Protection (UK) Ltd: | 
