OVERSIDE WORK RAIL SYSTEM SIZE 1 - B10465 iss.1
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Rope Damage
Ropes can be damaged and weakened by contact with sharp edges, abrasive surfaces, direct heat and chemicals.
Always exercise extreme care when working in circumstances where ropes could be inadvertently damaged.
Making Connections
Connections should be made to the shackle of the rail car using a connector conforming to BS EN 362.
Connection to the shackle by making a knot is forbidden. Connections should always be done in a place of
safety - there can be no protection from falling until the connection is properly made.
Contamination
Do not allow foreign matter to come between the rail and car. Paints, bitumen, mud, cement, and other
building or cleaning fluids could adversely affect the performance of the system. In particular, where work using
substances containing strong acid, alkali, or chemical concentrations is to be conducted adjacent to the rail,
adequate precautions should be implemented to prevent contact of these substances. The same precautions are
required if processes such as welding will be taking place.
Car Removal
Cars are intended to remain on the rail as part of the installation. They are not meant to be removed on a
day-to-day basis. They should only be removed on an occasional basis for examination purposes. On those
occasions a plastic transit track should be used to remove the car, in order to prevent a loss of the ball bearings.
If ball bearings are lost, no attempt should be made to reload car onto rail as ball bearing loss will
weaken the car’s ability to sustain loads.
Rescue
After an arrested fall a user remains suspended in the harnessIt might be possible to reach part of the structure
in order to regain support, but usually the user has to wait for rescue. During this time the weight of the user has
to be supported by the straps of the harness. This can have a worsening effect on the circulatory, breathing and
metabolic performance of the body. It is therefore imperative that the suspension time is kept to a minimum and
that the user is brought back to a position of safety as soon as it is possible by rescue or other means.
The importance of having a rescue plan to deal with such emergencies cannot be overemphasized when involved
with work at height. Such a plan might include rescue equipment, personnel, and training as necessary.
A sensible strategy is to employ two workers for the task at height, so if one falls, the other can assist in the
rescue, or can summon help. High visibility clothing, whistles, and personal alarms are all items worthy of
consideration.
Prior to any work being carried out, Lewmar always recommend the fitment of an additional pair of cars to the
rail for rescue purposes. In the event of an emergency, the rescue cars can be moved into a position above the
person to be rescued, and equipment can be attached to facilitate the rescue process. The Rescuer can then
suspend themselves using their own lifting-lowering / rope access system and fall-arrest system and descend
to render assistance from the rescue cars. The system has been tested and has been rated for this situation, so
that two persons, each not in excess of 125 kg, may be attached to the rail in an emergency/rescue situation.
