Height Safety Solutions
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TRAM Overview - Questions? Call Martin 0428 112 660
While other height safety systems will arrest a free fall, they can expose the user to suspension trauma or the risk of hitting obstacles while falling. TRAM overcomes this safety issue while also reducing the likelihood and consequence of a fall on the same level.
There have been no fatalities and no injuries reported by organisations using TRAM. The system has prevented falls that would have otherwise resulted in serious injury or death.
"After 28 years of carrying bulk fuel and oil I thought I was invincible. We had fitted the TRAM to my truck some months prior to me loading bulk oil late one evening at the Caltex Refinery. It was raining and as I was coming back off the top of the barrel I slipped on the top step of the ladder and fell. I had my belt on and, strapped to the TRAM, I didn't even skin my leg. That's what I like about the TRAMÂ…you just can't fall - I will never fall!"
Kevin Schuurs, Owner Driver KMS Fuel Transport
TRAM Protects during Access and Egress
Statistics show that the transfer between the ladder and the platform or walkway (access and egress) is particularly hazardous for those working at height. As well as preventing falls on the platform or walkway, TRAM provides protection for the user when making the transition between the ladder and the platform or walkway. No other safety system in the world provides this level of protection. When connected to a TRAM, you can not fall.
"The transfer between the ladder and the walkway, particularly in the descent, is considered to be the most hazardous element of the whole access operation."At present only one tank-based system [the TRAM] has been identified which could effectively prevent or protect a worker from the consequences of a fall on the ladder or from the top of the tank"
UK Health and Safety Laboratory Report HSL/04/2005
The Ideal System of Stability - Mobility - Restraint
The TRAM arm raises and lowers with the assistance of a gas piston. This aids the user in platform access and egress, as well as when changing between standing and squatting positions while working. The arm acts as a moving handhold, providing stability for the user on the platform. While properly connected to the TRAM, the user can conduct their work efficiently, safe in the knowledge that they can not fall.
Advantages of TRAM
- TRAM is made from robust components and requires little maintenance
- TRAM is engineered by world-leading experts and is certified and tested to international standards
- TRAM is highly cost effective
- TRAM is tested to withstand over 23kN
- TRAM has significant advantages over conventional height safety systems
To view a full video of the TRAM in operation click this link: http://www.youtube.com/v/KWa3iAMjbxA
To make an enquiry, or order TRAM, contact us.
Advantages of TRAM over conventional height safety systems (fall arrest systems, pop-up guardrails, horizontal life-line systems):
- All fall arrest systems allow workers to drop while the fall is arrested. There is a very high risk of trauma through impact with hazards below.
- Fall arrest systems are subjected to much greater loads as vertical fall is arrested. The total load on the static line system is much greater than the loads on a total restraint system.
- Fall arrest systems include the use of energy absorbers and full body harnesses to attenuate the fall forces transmitted on to the worker. However, victims fall greater distances as the energy absorber is deployed.
- When a worker falls on a static line system the cable trolley will slip along the cable to the midpoint of the cable span. This effect increases the risk of impact as the person falling may be traveling horizontally, as well as dropping vertically, during the fall.
- After a fall, all static line systems must be taken out of service until they are inspected and recertified. Costly repairs are not covered by manufacturerÂ’s warranty.
- Pop-up guard-rails are typically 900 mm (35.4") and lower than the centre of gravity of most workers. They are therefore unlikely to prevent a worker falling over them if they lose their balance or are struck by a foreign object.
- Guardrails do not prevent a fall on the same level.
- Floor/deck-mounted horizontal lifeline systems (HLL) can snag and accelerate a fall on the same level.
- Overhead HLL systems can snag and suffer from trolley hang-ups.
- Falls with HLL can cause suspension trauma.
TRAM Components
Fixed base and rotary arm options
Base
Adjustable rollers to ensure smooth operation and minimal play. Gas piston controls the pivoting action to assist the user in transition between ladder and walkway and to ensure that the arm does not drop.
Handhold
Three position settings - vertical, horizontal and 45 degrees. Clutch and brake levers ensure that the arm and base remain where they are intended to be until the user wants to move them. Anchor points comfortably spaced and looped around the handhold for additional strength.
Rail
Stainless or galvanized steel in 50mm (2") rolled hollow section (SHS) with welded cleats attached to the vehicle or equipment by purpose-designed welded or riveted mounting blocks.
Belt
Designed to ensure the user is kept in position on the walkway in the event of a slip, trip or incapacitation. Double-action hooks are used to ensure they cannot be opened accidentally. A full body harness is also available.
Data
- Weight per TRAM unit - Approx 18 kg (34 lb)
- Weight of TRAM rail - Approx 8 kg/m (18lb/yd)
- TRAM base - ASTM A747 CB7Cu-1 Stainless Steel
- TRAM arm - Stainless Steel
- Wheels and piston - Grade 304 Stainless Steel
- Wheel bearings - Martin Stitic Stainless Steel
Certification and Testing
The TRAM unit and rail have been tested by accredited laboratories to the specifications of, and are compliant with:
- EN 795:1997 as a Class D anchor device employing a horizontal rigid anchor rail
- SABS EN 795:1996 Protection against falls from a height
- AS/NZS 1891.4:2000 Industrial fall arrest systems and devices Selection use and maintenance
The TRAM belt has been tested by accredited laboratories to the specifications of, and is compliant with:
- EN 358:2000 as a Waist belt intended for restraint
- SABS EN 795:1996 Protection against falls from a height
- AS/NZS 1891.1:1995 Safety belts and harnesses
TRAM is under continual improvement. Recent tests proved that TRAM will withstand forces of in excess 23 kN.
- The TRAM is highly engineered and is certified to AS/NZS 1891.4:2000.
- The TRAM is also highly cost effective.
- All fall arrest systems allow workers to drop whilst fall is arrested. There is a very high risk of trauma through impact with hazards below.
- Fall arrest systems are subjected to much greater loads as vertical fall is arrested. The total load on the static line system is much greater than the loads on a total restraint system.
- Fall arrest systems include the use of energy absorbers and full body harnesses to attenuate the fall forces transmitted on to the worker. However, victims fall greater distances as the energy absorber is deployed.
- When a worker falls on a static line system the cable trolley will slip along the cable to the midpoint of the cable span. This effect increase the risk of impact as the victim may be traveling horizontally, as well as dropping vertically, during the fall.
- After a fall, all static line systems must be taken out of service until they are inspected and recertified. Costly repairs are not covered by manufacturer's warranty.
To make an enquiry, or order TRAM, contact us.