Work Position supports the worker in the right location
When a worker is required to approach an unprotected fall hazard, the safest method of access is a Work Positioning System. A Work Positioning System uses equipment to restrict movement, creating a safe working zone and preventing the worker from reaching the fall hazard. Care should be taken when setting up the system to ensure that the safe working zone is effective, as once in place the worker’s level of awareness will decrease. An effective Work Restraint System provides an extremely high level of safety.
A basic SpanSet Work Position system is comprised of 5 parts. An Anchor Point, a Connecting Device that Supports the worker, a Connecting Device for Access and Backup, a Fall Protection Harness and the Knowledge, acquired through height safety training, to use them all safely.
It is essential to ensure that all the components of your system are compatible. The equipment you select may also be suitable for use in a Fall Arrest System or Work Restraint System. If you have any doubts as to the suitability of height safety equipment please contact SpanSet for advice.
If a worker is required to be in a location where there is no platform and they have to climb or be lowered into place to work, then the safest form of fall prevention is Work Positioning. A Work Positioning system uses equipment to hold, or suspend the worker in place to carry out the task, therefore reducing the potential for a fall.
If the worker is fully reliant upon a work positioning system for their primary support, then a secondary connection is recommended as a backup. The secondary connection should be selected using the hierarchy to provide a combined solution offering the highest level of safety. It is common for an industrial climber to use a fall arrest system for protection during a climb, but once at their work site they add in a work position system to enable them to carry out the task using both hands.
Work position systems when incorporated with a secondary system require staff with the correct aptitude and height safety training in order to operate them effectively.
Why choose SpanSet for Work Positioning equipment?
For over ten years SpanSet have been developing and presenting training and equipment solutions including rescue for the telecoms industry. SpanSet have a wide range of height safety training courses and equipment solutions specific to this field, for example the rigging and lifting at height training courses for telecoms riggers.
In addition to the range already in place SpanSet are working closely with customers to provide bespoke solutions where required.
SpanSet is a full member company of the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association as a manufacturer of equipment and a training organisation. As manufacturer SpanSet has worked with many IRATA operating companies to develop equipment solutions for a variety of applications. SpanSet also work with the Emergency Services and Military to provide bespoke solutions for their particular requirements in search and rescue.
Anchor
The anchor points chosen together with their position and their strength can have a substantial effect on the effectiveness of a work position system. The anchor should be unquestionably sound, possibly being a structural element or one tested / certifi ed to EN795. The chosen location of the anchor point or the use of a mobile anchor is important to allow the worker to position adjacent to the work task. Both the primary and secondary systems will require an anchorage and the strength of the anchor point must therefore be suffi cient for the primary system (positional) as well as the secondary (potentially fall arrest).
Connector (Support)
The primary connector for a work position system must be able to support the worker and hold them in the correct position to be able to work hands free. This means that the connector should be able to adjust easily to allow the worker to set the position effectively. The most common way to do this is with a work position lanyard. However many devices are available for work positioning that include different features suitable for specific applications.
Connector (Access and Back-up)
The Secondary Connector must be able to support the worker in the event of the primary system failing or when climbing the secondary connector must be capable of supporting the worker should they fall. As a result of this it is common for the secondary connector to be a fall arrest system. Suitable fall arrest systems include fl exible line fall arresters, guided type fall arresters and fall arrest lanyards. The main considerations in selection being how it works in conjunction with the primary system.
Harness
The harness must be able to support the workers body in a comfortable position while they are working. The type of support offered by the harness depends whether it is being used to hold the worker in tension as they balance on a structure, or to suspend the worker freely from the structure. If the harness is used for climbing and working on a structure then it should be a full body harness with a suitable work-positioning belt. If the worker is suspended freely then the harness should support them in a seated position.
Training
Training is an important part of a work positioning system because the techniques used are varied and can be complex. The ability to thoroughly risk assess and plan the whole process is vital. There are many stages to the work, from safe access, secure positioning, equipment maintenance and finally emergency planning. If these are not properly addressed then workers will be left at risk. SpanSet training courses are designed to address all when implementing a work positioning technique as part of your safe method of work.
