| Safe access to an elevated task |
Description
At Higham Coating Plant the burner is situated in an elevated position, very close to the hot elevator, leaving only a small passable gap between the two components. When undertaking monthly burner servicing, access was achieved by using a scaffold tower with a fall restraint system. There were safety concerns regarding this form of access particularly as a contractor had reported a near miss when servicing the burner.
In seeking a solution to these issues, a conventional fixed platform was discounted because it would have caused further problems with the build-up of material.
The chosen solution was to design and install a permanent fixed handrail and support system within the void between the elevator and burner. The design allows the floor boards of the platform to be removed during day-to-day activities of the plant - allowing access for cleaning in and around the bottom of the elevator and preventing a build up of spillage on the platform itself.
The supports were designed to be the same dimensions as the scaffold tower assembly to allow rapid assembly as well as quick and easy removal. The fixed handrails and supports are left in situ permanently and, when access is required, it is a simple task to add the working platform.
Benefits
1.Access to the area maintained for housekeeping
2.Safe fixed and enclosed platform can be put in place in seconds should emergency access be required
3.Very low maintenance
4.The solution was low cost
5.Contract engineers feel they are working in partnership with Lafarge.
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