Economical solution
July 12th 2007 Safesite has devised an effective and economical solution to the problem of using inertia/fall arrest blocks with anchorage points over a horizontal plane.
Last year the HSE issued a warning concerning the use of such products over a horizontal plane as interim findings of their research project indicated that the block/cable could fail in the event of a fall.
As a result of this Safesite commissioned independent testing into the effects of steel cable, webbing and rope rubbing against different edges whilst arresting a falling person. Using the loading criteria stipulated in BS EN 795, Safesite determined the effects of a 100kg load falling through a distance of 2.5m. This represents an average person falling through their own height, plus a margin to indicate the potential final position of the rear dorsal D ring of a harness. The outcome of these tests were concerning as they demonstrated the extent of the problem highlighted by the HSE.
Following these tests, Safesite was able to prove the compatibility of shock absorbing rope grab devices with 14mm twisted rope when used in conjunction with the Safesite Mobile Man Anchor over horizontal planes. This has now lead to Safesite recommending that for any fall arrest situation, only these devices be used with its Mobile Man Anchor.
Full technical information including results of the tests can be found on the Mobile Man Anchor product section on Safesite's website.
For further information, just  click here.
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