Posted By Paul Crump Has anyone come across fall arrest systems that can be erected/assembled for working at a height of approximately 4 metres? I have carried out a web search and the only system I have found is called “Wingrip”, used for aircraft maintenance. This system costs around £12000, which is above our budget. Thanks Paul

Posted By Mark Eden You don't say what type of work you are doing- a safe working platform is the first priority ie a mobile access tower, a MEWP spring to mind. Remember if you use fall arrest equipment you must have an emergency rescue plan in place in the event of some one falling

Posted By Paul Crump Thanks for the responses. The type of work we are doing is air conditioning maintenance on rolling stock (trains). The air conditioning modules are fitted to the roof of the train (two per car, 3 cars per train). The roof structures and modules are curved. The height from the roof of the train to the floor is approximately 3.5 metres. The duration of the maintenance tasks is no longer than 15 minutes per module. There is a raised platform one side of the train and limited clearance (between the train and the building wall) at floor level on the other side. The use of MEWPs is not practical as the technicians have to get inside the modules, the maintenance tasks cannot be carried out from platforms or ladders. If we were to go for a fixed fall arrest system it would need to be at least 200 metres in length in order for us to access the modules at any position in the maintenance sheds. A fixed system has been deemed to be impractical because of the cost and also due to the fact we have shared occupancy (we being the contractor), at the end of the contract we could not be able to take a fixed system away with us. Cheers Paul

Posted By Richard Norwood Hi Paul, Sounds like a problem. All the usual solutions wont work in your case. Anyone who has used the Mansafe roof anchor will know that it's a heavy old donkey and needs 2 people to set it up. Great idea.....useless practically......by the time its set up its time to go home. Sounds to me like repetitive work on a continuous scale? This in mind your opo's will soon get cheesed off with setting up loads of kit each time...resulting in not bothering....leading to fall from height....etc. My advice would be go for something as simple as possible but with maximum effect. From what youv'e told me I would go for a drilled fixed eyebolt into the train or air con structure. Failing that get a 2 Tonne strop (Try Rope & Marine Services.... £20) round the roof mounted plant or anything strong enough and attach each person with a roofers kit (Fall arrest rope, harness & lanyard) this is then adjustable, fits many applications, and can be taken away after the job is done & dusted. For Roofers kits, check out HSS (About £100)....for good priced harnesses(Under £40)and other kit check out SafeTecVision on the web. Good Luck with all that.......