Posted By Renny Thomson Hi Taff, I used to work in the haulage industry and spent a few years operating powder tankers. As per the WAH Regs, PPE should be seen as a last resort. A suitable workplace should be provided. This could be achieved by a work platform on the top of the tanker with a suitable hand-rail. This could be used with a harness to limit the driver from moving across to the other unguarded side if the platform is only on one side of the tank top. If the operation is at a loading point where there is limited headroom and it is not possible to deploy a handrail on the vehicle, suitable access could be from a fixed platform (with guarding). If in the open, where do your drivers attach the harness from? A movement limiting harness and short lanyard should be used in preference to a fall arrest system. Another system used at a flour mill that I used to load from had an overhead travelling inertia reel system that the driver clipped on to. If there was a fall, it would slowly lower the driver to ground level. This was open to abuse though as it was a quicker and easier method of returning to ground, than the proper method of returning to the loading platform and descending via the stairs.

Posted By Renny Thomson Hi Taff, I used to work in the haulage industry and spent a few years operating powder tankers. As per the WAH Regs, PPE should be seen as a last resort. A suitable workplace should be provided. This could be achieved by a work platform on the top of the tanker with a suitable hand-rail. This could be used with a harness to limit the driver from moving across to the other unguarded side if the platform is only on one side of the tank top. If the operation is at a loading point where there is limited headroom and it is not possible to deploy a handrail on the vehicle, suitable access could be from a fixed platform (with guarding). If in the open, where do your drivers attach the harness from? A movement limiting harness and short lanyard should be used in preference to a fall arrest system. Another system used at a flour mill that I used to load from had an overhead travelling inertia reel system that the driver clipped on to. If there was a fall, it would slowly lower the driver to ground level. This was open to abuse though as it was a quicker and easier method of returning to ground, than the proper method of returning to the loading platform and descending via the stairs.

Posted By Robert K Lewis Renny I think your system, only worked with slow falls or was badly set up, as most inerta reels lock out at sudden loading. However you are absolutely right about using restraint harnesses rather than fall protection. Many harnesses only fully deploy after approx 4 metre drop, at which point most people have hit the groundfrom the average tanker, althogh not all. Taff You do appear to have opted for harnesses in a situation where they are unsuitable - if you are using them you must have a rescue plan implemented BEFORE the task is commenced. This means equipment and practice and a risk assessment. I do not think an automatic remote alarm is acceptable, think of Buncefield and the problems of remote signalling failures for tank levels. I would go for either a walk deck affixed to the tankers or one on the offloading gantry. Bob

Posted By MT I suspect it wasn't an inertia reel that was being used, but an auto belay, which is a device which will lower someone slowly to the ground. They are commonly used in climbing, often on climbing walls where novices are learning. http://www.modneyconcepts.co.uk/autobelay.html

Posted By Robert K Lewis Taff Typical HSE - question something in one place and recommend it in another. I am surprised at the lack of walkway on the tanker tops themselves as this has been a longtime common feature, even back in the 70s. The recent change, which is relatively easy as a retro-fit, is the fold down handrails for use during offloading. I think you need to challenge the delivery companies on their risk assessments for their operatives and/or the use of their equipment in the provision of a safe place of work. I would have thought you would have enough clout with the delivery companies to make them concerned at the prospect of being barred from site that they would respond positively without the stick actually striking a blow. Without their assistance I cannot see any option but two persons for offloading. Think of the cost of maintaining a remote automatic system and when it fails the HSE will be quite ready to prosecute for lack of a safe system. Bob

Posted By Richard Hinckley Can I suggest that you take a look at www.rescue-genie.com for a very suitable remote rescue device for the retrieval of workers in suspension. We recently installed a safety system in an aircraft hangar which used an inertia reel fall arrest block that had an in built controlled descent, maybe this could be a solution. Please email me richard@totalaccess.co.uk if you would like any further information.

Posted By Granville Jenkins At most you would have 15 minutes but this is an average time some people may have inherent health problems that put them in imminent danger in such situations, also what happens if the person goes into cardiac arrest - is anyone going to get to them in time to be of any use!! As this cleaning is a regular occurrence you should give serious consideration to using a small mobile elevated work platform (MEWP), which will also mean getting your guys trained/certificated in its use. You should not use ladders as there is no way of maintaining 3 points of contact when working at height. Lone working is a separate issue. Regards Granville