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Guard load arrest block protecting a load in a galv plant

Case Study: Galvanising Plants

29 août 2023 Blog 0 Commentaires

Using a load arrestor in a galvanising plant can enhance safety by preventing accidents and injuries related to the handling of heavy loads, such as metal objects, being moved during the galvanizing process. A load arrestor, also known as a 'Guard', 'load arrest device' or 'load arrester', is a device designed to limit the movement of a load in the event of a failure in the lifting equipment, normally a hoist. Here's how load arrestors can be beneficial in a galvanising plant:

  • Preventing Accidents: Load arrestors provide an additional layer of safety by restricting uncontrolled movements of heavy loads. In the galvanizing process, large metal objects are lifted and moved, which can pose a significant risk if the lifting equipment fails. A load arrestor can prevent these loads from falling and causing accidents.
  • Emergency Stop: Load arrestors are equipped with an emergency stop mechanism that quickly stops the movement of a load in case of an accidental fall, such as when the lifting equipment malfunctions. This can prevent further accidents and injuries.
  • Reduction of Impact Forces: Load arrestors are designed to absorb and dissipate energy, reducing the impact forces that would otherwise occur is the emergency brake engages. This is particularly important in preventing damage to both the load and the surrounding equipment.
  • Worker Safety: Load arrestors can improve the safety of workers involved in the lifting and movement of heavy loads. By providing a controlled arrest of the load's movement, the risk of sudden load drops or swings is minimized.

 

When implementing load arrestors in a galvanizing plant, consider the following:

  • Proper Installation: Load arrestors should be installed according to the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations.
  • Regular Maintenance: Like all safety equipment, load arrestors need regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they are in proper working condition. This is especially important in galv. plants, where vapours create a more corrosive environment.
  • Compatibility: Ensure that the load arrestors are compatible with the specific loads used in your galvanizing plant.
  • Compliance: Check if there are any relevant industry standards or regulations that specify the use of load arrestors in galvanizing plants. Compliance with these standards is important for ensuring the highest level of safety.

Before installing load arrestors, it's advisable to consult with safety experts, equipment manufacturers, and industry guidelines to determine the most suitable type of load arresters for your plant's needs and to ensure proper integration into your safety protocols. Be sure to contact Guard Load Arrest if you require advice about your particular setup.

1500 Guard Load Arrestor with multiple hoists

Protecting Equipment that is Suspended at Height

23 août 2023 Blog 0 Commentaires

If you're looking for information about how to protect equipment that is suspended at height, you're in the right place!

Protecting equipment that is suspended at height is an important aspect of workplace safety, especially in industries such as construction, maintenance, and industrial operations where workers often interact with elevated equipment. Proper equipment protection helps prevent damage, accidents, and potential injuries. Here are some key considerations and strategies for protecting suspended equipment:

  • Anchorage and Rigging Points: Ensure that the anchorage points, rigging, and support structures used to suspend the equipment are robust, well-maintained, and properly rated for the intended load. Regular inspections and load calculations are essential to ensure the stability and safety of the equipment.
  • Fall Protection: If workers need to access or work around suspended equipment, they should be equipped with appropriate fall protection gear. This includes harnesses, lanyards, and self-retracting lifelines. Fall arrest systems help prevent workers from falling in case of a slip or mishap.
  • Load Arrest: If there is any risk that suspended equipment would fall, installing a load arrest device(s) should be considered. Specifically designed to be used in collaboration with primary lifting devices, such as hoists, load arrestors provide a crucial secondary safety back-up for overhead loads. Should the primary device or support fail, Guard load arrestors automatically stop the load from falling, thereby preventing damage to the load and, most importantly, protecting people or assets below.
  • Protective Covers: Depending on the nature of the equipment, consider using protective covers or enclosures to shield it from environmental elements like rain, dust, and UV radiation. This helps prolong the life of the equipment and maintain its functionality.
  • Anti-Swing Measures: Suspended equipment can sway or swing due to wind or movement, which can pose risks to both equipment and workers. Implement anti-swing devices or techniques to minimize swinging and ensure stability. This might include using dampening systems or controlling movement through tag lines.
  • Lockout/Tagout: If the suspended equipment is part of a system that requires maintenance or repair, follow proper lockout/tagout procedures. Lockout/tagout involves isolating and securing energy sources to prevent accidental startup while maintenance is being performed.
  • Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Establish a routine inspection and maintenance schedule for both the suspended equipment and the rigging systems. Any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage should be promptly addressed. Proper maintenance helps prevent unexpected failures and ensures safe operation.
  • Training: Workers who interact with suspended equipment should receive proper training on its safe use, as well as emergency procedures in case of accidents or malfunctions. Training promotes awareness and helps workers respond effectively to potential hazards.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Have clear emergency protocols in place in case of equipment failure, accidents, or unexpected incidents. Workers should know how to respond to emergencies and how to evacuate the area safely.
  • Documentation: Maintain detailed records of inspections, maintenance activities, and any modifications made to the suspended equipment or rigging systems. Documentation helps track the equipment's history and ensures that it's kept in safe working condition.
  • Compliance with Regulations: Ensure that all safety measures are in compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations. Adhering to safety guidelines helps minimize risks and potential liabilities.

Remember that protecting suspended equipment is a comprehensive effort that involves multiple factors. Prioritize safety, regular maintenance, and adherence to best practices to create a secure working environment for both equipment and workers.

Case Study: NinjaCross

9 mars 2023 Non classé 0 Commentaires

Client: NinjaCross Systems, aqua fitness

Distributor: Load Halt Inc., USA

Problem:

Our distributor Load Halt was approached by NinjaCross, the market leader in North America for aqua fitness systems, to provide a safe system of work for their structures that are suspended above pools.

The concern was that, in the event of a failure of any part of the hoisting system, the structure had the potential to fall onto users or whilst users were using the equipment. This could potentially trap users under the water.

Solution:

The building structure above the Ninjacross system was used as an anchor point for a Guard Load Arrestor, providing a failsafe in case the primary system failed.

A Guard Load Arrest device is a simple and cost-effective solution that allows freedom of movement for the Ninjacross equipment. The Guard's cable extends and retracts, following the movement of the load. The device's deployment also provides a safe system of work for a structure that is suspended above people.

These units were fitted with stainless steel cables and shackles to prevent corrosion in the various locations that they are going to be used.

Lighting truss at St George's Hall Theatre, Bradford UK

Case Study: St George’s Hall

7 février 2023 Nouvelles 0 Commentaires

Client:  St George’s Hall, Bradford Theatres

Problem:

The concert hall’s engineering team reached the conclusion that, to provide a safe system of work, adding-in Guard Load Arrest protection to the system would be the correct solution. However, with St George’s Hall being an old concert hall, the pipe we had to pass the load arrestor’s cable through was extremely narrow and, when researching the project, no obvious answer became apparent to allow the cable, ferrule, thimble & shackle to pass through the pipe from the anchorage point to the truss below within the theatre.

Solution:

Guard Load Arrest deployed at St George's Hall, Bradford UK

The new configuration of the bottom shackles on Guard Load Arrestors means that the shackle can be easily removed from the cable (the pin fits through the thimble), thereby solving part of the problem.

Due to the pipe being so narrow, the standard thimble still wouldn’t pass through the pipe. However, with Guard Load Arrest being the product manufacturer (with a full understanding of the product’s technical file), we were able to change the thimble to a narrow gauge alternative. This allowed the thimble to fit through the narrow pipe and then the shackle be reattached through the thimble.

This solution was achieved by Guard Load Arrest being able to manufacture the solution in accordance with the technical file and provide a solution that worked precisely for the customer.

HSE logo

Pourquoi ai-je besoin d'un limiteur de charge ?

29 novembre 2022 Nouvelles 0 Commentaires

Our range of Guard Load Arrest devices help to ensure our customers comply with any applicable local legislation pertaining to lifting equipment. In this article we explore how Guard Load Arrestors are employed by our UK customers to achieve compliance with UK legislation for lifting equipment.

1500 Guard Load Arrestor with multiple hoists

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) have been enforced in the UK since the 5th December 1998. Regulation 6 (b) (ii) within this legislation states that;

“Every employer shall ensure that lifting equipment is positioned or installed in such a way as to reduce to as low as is reasonably practicable the risk from a load falling freely.”

As with most legislation, this seemingly simple statement is open to interpretation, so in 2014 the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published an Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) to clarify and set out what companies should do to meet their obligations under LOLER. The ACOP elaborates on Regulation 6 (b) (ii) by stating;

"Various methods can be used to minimise the risk of the load falling out of control. These include:

(a) multiple ropes/chains;

(b) lifting mechanisms with a high factor of safety or strength;

(c) safety gear;

(d) check valves (for hydraulic systems); and

(e) safety nets for palletised loads.”

Installing a Guard Load Arrestor alongside your primary lifting equipment can mitigate the risk of the load falling out of control by providing an independent safety function with complete redundancy to ensure compliance with LOLER.

Regulation 8 of LOLER covers the Organisation of lifting operations and Regulation 8 (1) (c) states that;

“Every employer shall ensure that every lifting operation involving lifting equipment is carried out in a safe manner.”

The ACOP elaborates on this by considering this regulation in relation to working under suspended loads;

“Where practicable, loads should not be carried or suspended over areas occupied by people.

Where this is not practicable you should establish a safe system of work which minimises the risks to people who may need to be below the load.

Where it is necessary to leave loads suspended you should ensure that access to the danger zone is prevented and that the load has been secured properly.”

A Guard Load Arrestor running in conjunction with your primary lifting equipment can help you to establish a safe system of work which minimises the risks to people who may need to be below the load.

Please feel free to nous contacter if you’d like to discuss any of the points raised in this article or have any questions about our Guard Load Arrestors.

EN 17206

EN 17206: 2020

17 août 2022 Nouvelles 0 Commentaires

Entertainment technology - Machinery for stages and other production areas - Safety requirements and inspections

“Utilising a load arrestor alongside a primary lifting hoist, delivers an independent safety function which provides complete redundancy.”

In June 2020, the new entertainment standard, “EN 17206:2020 Entertainment technology - Machinery for stages and other production areas - Safety requirements and inspections” was published in place of previous entertainment standards “EN 7906-1:2005” and “EN 7905-1:2001”.

The purpose of EN 17206:2020 is to produce European wide specifications for the design, manufacture and installation of lifting and load bearing equipment within the entertainment industry.  The standard applies to all machinery, machinery installations and machinery control systems which are used within assembly, staging and production facilities for events and theatrical productions. Such facilities include; theatres, exhibition halls; film, television and radio studios, concert halls, schools, bars, discotheques, open air stages and any other rooms used for shows or events.

EN 17206:2020 applies to permanent and temporary installations of lifting and moving equipment within the entertainment industry. Typical applications of the standard include; acoustic doors, auditorium elevators, compensating elevators, cycloramas, fly bar systems (manual and motor driven), lighting bars, movable lighting towers, movable proscenium arches, orchestra elevators, performer flying systems, point hoists, revolving stages and turntables, scenery storage elevators, side stage and rear stage shutters, stage elevators, stage wagons, tiltable stage floors and trap elevators.

EN 17206:2020 Annexes B & C define use cases reflecting common machinery risk scenarios (Table 1) as well as guidance on the safety functions to be implemented for each use case (Table 2).

Table 1:               Use cases for upper machinery

Table 2:               Recommended safety functions for upper machinery

For Use Cases 3, 4, 5, and 6, it is highly recommended that a safety function is implemented to maintain a safe state for the machine in respect of brake failure. Utilising a Guard Load Arrestor alongside the primary lifting hoist, provides an independent safety function which provides complete redundancy.

BS7906

BS 7906-1:2005

17 août 2022 Nouvelles 0 Commentaires

This standard covers the use of lifting equipment for performance, broadcast and similar applications.

Part 1: Code of practice for installation, use and removal of above stage equipment (excluding trusses and towers)

“Chain hoist categorizations must be considered when selecting electric chain hoists for the listing or suspending of loads over people, and under certain circumstances it is essential to implement an inertia reel load arrestor as a secondary suspension. The load arrestor provides an ideal, independent, fully redundant, secondary suspension in these scenarios.”

BS 7906-1:2005 provides recommendation for the safe use of lifting used to lift and traverse equipment and personnel for the following applications:

  • film;
  • television;
  • theatre and similar entertainment events;
  • conference and exhibition.

The recommendations cover the supply, installation, use, maintenance and removal of components and systems, documentation, periodic inspection, and thorough examination.

Section 8.19 of this standard details all considerations for the selection, maintenance, installation, and operation of chain hoists within the entertainment industry. Chain hoists used in the entertainment industry fall into two categories: Category A and Category B.

Category A hoists are declared by the manufacturer as intended for use by the entertainment industry for lifting and suspending loads over people and meeting the requirements of BS 7905-1 or DIN 56925.

Category B hoists are not intended by the manufacturer for lifting or suspending loads over people.

Chain hoist categorizations must be considered when selecting electric chain hoists for the listing or suspending of loads over people, and under certain circumstances it is essential to implement an inertia reel load arrestor as a secondary suspension. The Guard Load Arrest products provide an ideal, independent, fully redundant secondary suspension in these scenarios.

The table below provides additional guidance on the selection of electric chain hoists.

ABTT Bronze Logo

Guard Load Arrest devient un supporteur officiel de l'ABTT

11 juillet 2022 Nouvelles 0 Commentaires

Guard Load Arrest est fier d'annoncer qu'il soutient l'Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT), une organisation de membres avec des coulisses et des bâtiments de théâtre en son cœur.

Guard Load Arrest vient d'être lancé, offrant des solutions d'arrêt de charge durables aux secteurs du divertissement et de l'industrie. La gamme de produits offre une protection de 150 kg à 1500 kg, et des développements sont déjà en cours pour élargir encore la gamme. Guard Load Arrest est impatient de soutenir les organisations du secteur et a donc tenu à saisir cette opportunité avec ABTT.

L'ABTT est une organisation de membres qui établit et maintient des normes d'excellence technique, de sécurité et de conformité pour le théâtre et les spectacles en direct. L'organisation est une excellente ressource pour soutenir les membres, grâce à la fourniture d'informations et de conseils sur les bonnes pratiques, le travail en toute sécurité et l'application au sein de l'industrie du théâtre. Ils donnent des conseils sur la sécurité, la planification et les bonnes pratiques.

Entre autres choses, ce partenariat aidera Guard Load Arrest à souligner l'importance de normes de sécurité élevées dans l'industrie du théâtre, en particulier en ce qui concerne les équipements suspendus en hauteur.

Pour en savoir plus sur Guard Load Arrest, veuillez visiter www.guardloadarrest.com ou contactez l'équipe compétente.

A range of three Guard load arrestors

Guard Load Arrest Lancements

1 juillet 2022 Nouvelles 0 Commentaires

Guard Load Arrest vient d'être lancé, offrant des solutions d'arrêt de charge durables aux divertissement et industriel secteurs.

La gamme de produits offre une protection de 150 kg à 1500 kg, et des développements sont déjà en cours pour élargir encore la gamme.

L'une des utilisations les plus courantes des amortisseurs de charge est en tant que protection secondaire pour palans à chaîne. Patrick Evans, directeur général, explique plus :

“EN 17206 stipule que deux solutions de sécurité indépendantes sont nécessaires lors de l'installation de palans électriques à chaîne. La question de savoir si le frein secondaire d'un palan fournit le niveau de sécurité nécessaire dépend de votre évaluation des risques, mais nous constatons de plus en plus que les installateurs déploient des unités Guard aux côtés des palans pour fournir une protection distincte en cas de défaillance du système principal."

Bien entendu, les palans électriques à chaîne sont généralement équipés d'un frein de sécurité qui s'enclenche en cas de défaillance du frein principal. Mais quelle est la solution de secours si la chaîne ou l'ancre du palan tombe en panne ? Patrick poursuit en disant :

"Il existe quelques options disponibles, dont l'une consiste à simplement attacher un câble en acier fixe comme solution de sécurité secondaire. Ce serait extrêmement sûr. Cependant, de plus en plus d'utilisateurs abandonnent cette méthode en raison du coût élevé de l'envoi d'un gréeur pour le détacher et le refixer chaque fois que cela est nécessaire. Les parafoudres de charge Guard sont une option alternative rentable qui surmonte ce problème en fournissant un câble en acier qui s'étend et se rétracte automatiquement, en suivant le mouvement de la charge, sans avoir à être détaché."

Si l'équipement porteur principal tombe en panne, le limiteur de charge Guard arrête automatiquement la chute de la charge, évitant ainsi d'endommager l'équipement et, plus important encore, protégeant le public/les artistes en dessous.

 

Ce n'est pas seulement le secteur du divertissement où les gardes sont de plus en plus installés. De nombreux applications industrielles bénéficier d'un arrêt de charge. Patrick précise :

"Il existe un grand nombre d'applications où les arrêts de charge offrent une solution de sécurité idéale. Soulevez-vous ou suspendez-vous des équipements ou des matériaux qui ne peuvent pas tomber ? Si c'est le cas, vous devriez envisager d'installer un dispositif d'arrêt de charge Guard comme protection en cas de défaillance de l'équipement de levage principal."

« Les lignes de production ne peuvent pas se permettre de longues périodes d'arrêt pour réparer les équipements tombés. Un bon exemple est la façon dont certains constructeurs automobiles dépendent des amortisseurs de charge Guard pour protéger les points clés de la chaîne de production ; leurs ingénieurs ont identifié un risque d'arrêt des équipements lourds en cours d'utilisation, pouvant entraîner une chute incontrôlée sur le sol de l'atelier. C'est là qu'intervient Guard Load Arrest. Un Guard Load Arrest placé au bon endroit attrapera automatiquement l'équipement qui tombe, l'empêchant de toucher le sol. Nos produits sont si polyvalents et fiables qu'ils sont même déployés comme protection pour le levage de matières radioactives dans une certaine centrale nucléaire britannique !

La liste des clients de Guard Load Arrest est déjà impressionnante, notamment O2 Academy Group et Jaguar Land Rover.

Le nouveau Guard gamme est disponible maintenant.

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Associés






 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Globestock Ltd., Mile Oak Industrial Estate, Maesbury Rd, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 8GA, United Kingdom

‘Guard Load Arrest’ is a registered trademark of Globestock Ltd.

Company Registration No: 01641128

VAT Registration No: GB 372 3950 43

EORI No: GB372395043000

© 2024 Globestock Ltd.

Manufactured by Globestock Ltd

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