SAFETY
MSA Safety offers tailored fall protection solutions
• Static strength requirements - testing to check the overall strength of the system.
COMPLYING WITH SAFETY STANDARDS Safety standards vary across different locations and legislations, so it’s important to be aware of which standards you should be paying attention to. For example, for fall protection equipment certifications in Europe it’s EN standards. Te EN standard used to apply in the UK as well but, following Brexit, the UKCA mark is now required as of 1 January 2023. Even after initial selection consider
regular checks of your fall protection systems for elements that could include: the compliance certificates of your equipment and systems for expiry dates and that the life of your system is still in date; you have regular inspections scheduled, including to check wear and tear.
Having simple checks such as these in place will help you to increase your control over the systems used by your workforce. And if you’re in the UK and Europe, to enhance the health and safety of your
wind turbine workers, consider whether your safety equipment adheres to EN 353- 1:2018 (EN 353-1:2014+A1:2017) - the newest update to fall protection system requirements. Some key features of EN 353-1:2018 that companies can check, depending on their circumstances, are: • Dynamic performance testing – to check the maximum arrest force
• Cold condition testing – checking locking function in cold conditions
• Minimum distance testing – to replicate the user falling close to the anchor line
• Fall back testing – which replicates the user falling back and down
• Guide bracket testing – looking at the strength of the bracket and anchor line and the locking function of a fall arrester in the event of a fall
• Sideway fall testing – to replicate the user falling in a sideways direction
• Leaning angle testing – considering the locking function of the fall arrester with the anchor line leaning forward and sideways
As this list shows, the EU type- examination process for EN 353-1:2018 is rigorous and it incorporates several dynamic tests that covered many scenarios. Updating to this standard can help give your workers added confidence that their safety at height is a top priority.
EASE OF USE
Another element to consider when choosing fall protection systems for wind turbines, is how simple it is for workers to use. After all, there are advantages to systems that workers understand fully and will use. Tese fall protections systems should balance the users’ accessibility with their needs for relevant applications, such as considering whether a restriction or complex process reduces users’ risk. Keeping workers safe is a top priority and as safety professionals, it’s MSA Safety’s mission to help make sure that workers go home to their family at the end of the working day. Tat’s why compliance and product testing are at the core of what the company does.
Tim Bissett is technical manager at MSA Safety
www.msasafety.com
www.engineerlive.com 39
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