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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
A client is planning to use a work platform on a fork lift truck (as in PM28) and has specified an energy absorbing lanyard attached to a harness for the person doing the work. I explained the hierarchy of WAH and he agreed that a work restraint system is more appropriate. However, I am concerned about the positioning of the anchorage point, which is level with the top rail of the platform. I think that it should be on or close to the floor of the platform but have been unable to find any confirmation of my reasoning. Can anyone oblige, preferably with a reference to HSE or other authoritative guidance?
Thanks, Paul
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
If you follow the HSE guidance and if you really have to undertake this type of action the FLT is not permitted to move in any horizontal direction with any person on the platform. It should actually be scotch blocked in position and out of gear with the handbrake applied. The plant then operates similar to a scissor lift and harnesses would not be required. If anyone starts to talk of a need to reach out or climb on handrails than you have the wrong piece of kit to do the work - Which is correct in any case in my opinion.
Bob
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
PS
Yes I know that this is more than PM28 states but in my humble opinion the HSE have got this wrong and a higher standard needs to be applied. I would not want to be at the top of a mast with the FLT moving to make minor adjustments - The HSE get out is "if it can be done safely" - If it fails you are in breach automatically. This allowance for movement then creates the need for harnesses which brings further problems.
Bob
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Posted By David AB Thomas
The following may help:
BS 8437:2005, Code of practice for selection, use and maintenance of personal fall protection systems and quipment for use in the workplace
8.2.2 Lanyards and anchor lines for restraint systems
... A lanyard or anchor line for restraint should not be used for fall arrest purposes.
An energy absorbing lanyard of the correct length may be used for restraint provided that the situation in which it is to be used is such that it will not be subjected to a force that could cause the energy absorber to begin to deploy (i.e. a force in excess of 2 kN).
16.4.1 Anchor points for restraint systems
Anchor points for restraint systems should be strong enough and stable enough to restrain the user at the extremes of their range of movement. For single person use, it is recommended that the minimum breaking strength of the anchor point should be equivalent to at least three times the user’s body mass in the direction in which the load is to be applied in service.
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Thanks, Bob and David
You have provided some very useful information but I would still like to know where the anchorage point should be.
Paul
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
Normally this would be on the floor at the edge. If you use fixed length harneses of the right length then the operative cannot even climb onto the handrail.
Still think the whole concept is pretty poor though and I think the HSE have left the wording so open that they could easily find fault with any use, if they so choose, in the event of an accident.
Bob
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