31.01.2015
External anchor point from Genie
Genie has introduced the Fall Arrest Bar, a new sliding anchor point for lanyards for boom lift users who need to exit the platform while at height.
The device will be sold as an accessory, and is currently available for ANSI and CSA boom lift models, and may be available on CE models at a later date. The device attaches to the manufacturers 1.8 or 2.4 metre wide platforms on all of its telescopic boom lifts except the S-125HD, and on all articulating boom lifts from the Z-45 up.
A lanyard anchor point slides smoothly inside a horizontal enclosed track designed to protect the sliding mechanism from weather and contamination. It is designed to work with a 1.8 metre shock-absorbing lanyard. The bright yellow bar can be attached to the platform top rail within 15 minutes.
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Genie's new Fall Arrest Bar
Karen Stash, senior director of global product management and marketing, said: “Genie is always looking for ways to meet our customers’ safety requirements. We worked extensively with customers to design and test this accessory and have been able to create a solution that meets their needs.”
“Many boom operators have unusual access requirements, for example in the aviation industry while working on the wings of airplanes, or in amusement parks,” added Christine Zeznick, boom associate product manager. “The Fall Arrest Bar accessory provides that extra safety enhancement for exiting the platform.”
The Fall Arrest Bar option complies with ANSI A92.5-2006 and CSA B354.4-02 standards for self-propelled booms. The CE certification is currently being evaluated.
Foras Admonitio
Although the posted safe working load listed on the aforementioned Genie booms is posted as 500 pounds (226.796kg), as listed above they are built to the applicable standards namely ANSI A92.5-2006 and CSA B354.4-02.
It follows then that that the booms in question can support 1800lbs (816.47kg) in order to be in compliance with the more onerous ANSI standard. Most shock absorbing lanyards are designed to reduce the force of a fall to >900lbs (408kg) in ideal conditions. I think that confusion ensued because there is a discrepancy between what Genie informs customers is the safe work load and the actual designed safe work load.
As for the other concerns regarding safe operation and the risks to the operator, they can be mitigated with proper implementation of safe work procedures...
Foras Admonitio
Although the posted safe working load listed on the aforementioned Genie booms is posted as 500 pounds (226.796kg), as listed above they are built to the applicable standards namely ANSI A92.5-2006 and CSA B354.4-02.
It follows then that that the booms in question can support 1800lbs (816.47kg) in order to be in compliance with the more onerous ANSI standard. Most shock absorbing lanyards are designed to reduce the force of a fall to >900lbs (408kg) in ideal conditions. I think that confusion ensued because there is a discrepancy between what Genie informs customers is the safe work load and the actual designed safe work load.
As for the other concerns regarding safe operation and the risks to the operator, they can be mitigated with proper implementation of safe work procedures...
pete
I also agree with paul and jim, however this is a fall arrest system so if someone is in the basket and the person harnessed on the outside falls the weight exerted on the basket is more than the boom will take.Are these not MEWP's not an anchorage point. How will this be tested as a fall arrest anchorage point?? I think this is a bad product and we should not be promoting it at all your are using a machine not for its intended use.
Paul Merrick
Yes in theory it looks a half descent idea! but I do have a few doubts about it's safety.
Access Jim has already mentioned that he hopes the operator does not move the machine; pulling the guy off the roof.
What if he is the operator and someone else at ground level swaps it back to ground controls and moves it?
What if another site vehicle strikes the boom causing it to move, pulling the guy off the roof.
If the boom can't be raised above the guy, surely any fall on his part will exert a load far greater than the rated swl of 227kg which is typical of Genie's.
Now should the guy collapse on the roof and can't be seen, who at ground level will be able to emergency lower him, he could be badly injured if he was pulled against or through a fixed object or restriction on the roof.
I think you would have to be extremely careful using this external attachment point as it could cause more problems than it cures!
Access Jim
Hmmm, not sure about this, hopefully the operator doesn't move the machine and pull the guy off the roof.