TPi March 2013

construct ion, bui lding & structural tubes

Out of sight, but safety not out of mind Cost and maintenance are key concerns for all contractors, but it is vital that they don’t have a detrimental effect on safe access to equipment located above ground level. Dave Taylor, BSS category projects manager, discusses solutions that are not only cost efficient but meet the detailed regulations regarding access and safety. dangerous as the weak joints are often not visible and therefore not maintained or replaced. Alternatively, most fitted rails are hot dip galvanised, resulting in increased durability and minimal rust. They can also be easily cut to accommodate any last minute onsite alterations – something that is more difficult to achieve, not to mention more expensive, with a fabricated joint.

elevated factory platforms as, more often than not, they are only just wide enough for two people at any one time. Having already touched upon the many disadvantages of fabricated handrails, a fitted option would realistically be the most reliable solution in such a narrow working space. As well as the important health and safety qualities, fitted railings are relatively inexpensive, making them a simple yet effective choice for facility managers. The approach of BSS Industrial is to work closely with Kee Safety, a leader in the safety and access field. By partnering with Kee Safety, BSS customers can take advantage of their industry knowledge and experience. For instance, the Kee Klamp, which forms part of its fitted range, has been designed to remove the need for hot work. The simplified installation process reduces labour and installation. Having access to these secure solutions as part of a standard product portfolio is a vital part of making health and safety precautions easy to put in place whilst minimising the burden on already tight construction budgets. By specifying a reliable, fitted solution, accidents from corroded or poorly maintained rails can be easily avoided. These products need to be promoted and communicated to the construction industry to dramatically reduce the statistics regarding falls from height.

Whether standing on a roof or walking along a factory platform, working at height can be dangerous. Falls are the number one cause for serious injury or fatality in the construction industry, so this area of health and safety must be taken very seriously. According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive, nearly half of these incidents are linked to work taking place on a roof. The safety of those constructing roofs, as well as those inspecting or cleaning them, can be aided by simply ensuring the correct hand rails and barriers are in place. Fitted hand rails are the most reliable way to minimise serious accidents in an elevated working environment. Choosing a system that can be installed with a ratchet or a standard hex avoids the need for threading, welding or bolting. A weak safety rail is hazardous and, if unnoticed, it may only be a matter of time before disaster strikes. As every connection can be securely tightened, the installation of a fitted safety rail eliminates the problem of weak joints. Welded or fabricated joints risk losing their stability over time due to rust, weather damage or general wear and tear. This can also cause internal corrosion, which is especially

Rooftop work is commonplace within the building industry, be it construction, routine inspection or the necessary maintenance of plant equipment. A rooftop perimeter safety rail should always be present. As those at risk need to be able to safely mount and dismount the roof any number times during the course of their work, it is important that their access route is both secure and stable. Roof workers and maintenance teams both need to be able to recognise the risks involved when working at height, understand the appropriate systems they should be adhering to, and be competent in the skills required to carry them out. Where a fall of over two metres can occur, the first line of defence needs to be adequate edge protection. It must meet the minimum legal standards of, or be equivalent to, a main guard rail of at least 910mm above the edge. There must also be a toe board of at least 150mm high and an intermediate guard rail so that gaps are no wider than 470mm.

BSS Industrial – UK enquiries@bssgroup.com www.bssindustrial.co.uk

A sturdy hand rail is also a necessity for workers required to operate on internal

Damaged hand rails can pose a safety risk

Safe access through secure hand rails

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March 2013 Tube Products International