FEATURE HEALTH & SAFETY SAFE AND EFFICIENT ACCESS
Access gantries and platforms can make a huge contribution to industrial site safety and operational efficiency. Andy Sheddon of A&J Fabtech discusses their design and maintenance
restricted spaces and long routes will present difficulties so a well designed system will include carefully planned emergency exit routes. The laws and regulations that govern the
workplace are many, varied and constantly changing. Keeping up with them is a major task in itself but professional access system manufacturers make it their business to always be on top of current and pending legislation so are able to design safe, legal systems. They may offer advice on topics such as the Working at Height regulations, indoor/outdoor safety and placement of emergency equipment. Some manufacturers sit on the
A
ccess gantries and platforms are so much a part of the industrial
landscape that they are often taken for granted. However, they can make a massive contribution to site safety and operational efficiency and provide access to difficult to reach areas. When gantries and platforms replace ladders and scaffolding site safety invariable improves. There are fewer major falls and minor
slips if people take a misstep and reduced injuries from having to handle awkward loads with inadequate footing. Significantly, there are usually productivity gains because personnel can move around more freely and efficiently. Typically, access systems are made of
galvanised mild steel or painted carbon steel but stainless steel is preferred in hygienic or corrosive environments and glass reinforced plastic materials are becoming increasingly popular. Most installations are custom designed
to meet particular site and machinery layouts; they are made up of standard walkways, stairs, ladders and roof access units plus custom made parts where necessary. All sections will be fitted with handrails, non-slip surfaces and often with anchor points for use with fall arrestors and abseiling ropes. The design process for access systems
14 FEBRUARY 2017 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT
often uses CAD technology and may incorporate drawings from the architects who designed the building and/or the engineers who designed the plant and machinery. Almost certainly the first stage is a comprehensive site survey and detailed discussions to establish if the structure is compliant with current regulations plus details such as the frequency of access required to particular areas where large or awkward loads may need to be carried; the need for lighting, frost and ice protection. However, safety will always be the highest consideration.
WELL PLANNED EMERGENCY EXIT ROUTES An important concern that is easily overlooked is that a situation may arise when it is necessary to evacuate an unconscious or injured person from an access system. In such cases ladders,
Most installations are custom designed to meet particular site and machinery lay outs
committees that develop regulations and standards which heightens the insight and expertise they are able to offer clients. They are proficient at using risk assessment techniques to identify potential health and safety hazards and design them out or develop appropriate solutions. This may include the fitting of extra safety equipment, providing training courses and installing lockable gates to restrict access to particular parts of the access system.
SECURING THE ACCESS SYSTEM An important detail to consider is what the access system will be secured to. Typically this is the masonry of the building, part of the production plant or dedicated steel supports. Naturally appropriate fixings have to be used in each case. Special considerations may be required if for example, the building is old and listed or the production plant runs at an elevated temperature. Ensuring the safety of personnel while
working at height is absolutely essential; failure to do so can have major consequences including large fines and even prison sentences. Access systems must be properly designed, installed and maintained with due consideration given to all possibilities beyond everyday use. Therefore, it is always best to seek
expert advice and use reputable companies that fully understand all aspects of the subject and can carry out risk assessments then manufacture rigorously designed systems and ensure proper installation.
Typically, access systems are made of galvanised mild steel or painted carbon steel
A&J Fabtech T: 01924 439614
www.ajfabtech.com
/ FACTORYEQUIPMENT
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