Page 72 - OHS, October 2023

TRANSPORTATION SAFETY Rigid rail systems do exactly that, providing effective fall protection while enhancing operational efficiency. systems. These innovative systems offer the flexibility and safety these industries need. How it works: A trolley rail or enclosed track fall protection system incorporates an overhead rail that allows a trolley to move along its length. The worker is connected to this trolley via a safety harness and a self-retracting lifeline (SRL), enabling linear movement along the rail. These systems are rated for fall arrest, meaning they’re designed to stop a fall quickly and safely. Combined with the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as full-body harnesses and lan- yards, these systems limit freefall and reduce arrest forces. This is a marked improvement from traditional fall protec- tion systems, which often require workers to disconnect and reconnect their harnesses as they move along the work area. By contrast, trolley rail systems ensure continuous, unbroken safety coverage, greatly reducing the risk of falls during transit and en- hancing overall safety. Reinforcing safety — The complex task of ensuring worker safety in the aviation and rail industries is addressed using ro- bust, versatile rigid rail systems. Using long-span triangular truss designs, these systems offer advantages such as spanning large distances with fewer structural attachments, resulting in cost sav- ings, strength, flexibility, and improved safety. Cost efficiency and mobility — Rigid rail systems, especially those utilizing TD3 triangular truss, are an investment that keeps giving. They deliver substantial cost savings by allowing longer spans between support columns—up to 80 feet—reducing the need for frequent concrete foundations and column installations. This feature not only cuts down on material costs but also offers increased flexibility in system layout and placement. Even more noteworthy is the modular nature of these systems. They can be disassembled and reassembled at different job sites, thus negating the need for new purchases with each relocation. This feature becomes particularly valuable in industries where mobility is a significant factor, such as rail yards undergoing up- grades or aviation hangars subject to reconfiguration. Strength and Flexibility The unique TD3 truss design isn’t just beneficial for its cost-effec- tiveness. It also packs considerable strength, allowing the system to bear hefty loads without buckling. This strength, significantly great- er than that of other systems that can only span 60 feet, is crucial in industries where heavy equipment or machinery may be involved. These strong spans mean that rigid rail systems can effectively serve diverse industries, from agricultural applications where machinery is substantial to chemical environments where equip- ment durability is paramount to rail and aviation contexts that require long, uninterrupted spans for worker mobility. Every worksite comes with its set of challenges—fifixed struc- tures, tight spaces, and obstacles that need to be worked around. Here too, rigid rail systems, with their ability to bridge long dis- tances, offer an innovative solution. Consider a rail yard with various fixed structures, such as cranes, tool sheds, and power units. The longer spans allowed by the TD3 truss allow you to install the foundations and supports where they best fit, working around these existing structures. Enhanced Safety Rigid rail systems deliver unparalleled safety. Compliant with OSHA standards, these systems offer industry-leading safety so- lutions by providing lateral fall protection across the entire sys- tem length, minimizing swing fall risks. Coupled with a harness and self-retracting lifeline, these sys- tems enable workers to perform tasks with their hands free, en- hancing productivity without compromising safety. This unbroken, continuous design eliminates the need to unhook and re-hook the system when accessing different parts of the workspace, thereby providing an added layer of protection against potential falls. The power of rigid rail systems lies in their exceptional blend of cost-efficiency, strength, flexibility, and safety, marking a sig- nificant step forward in workplace fall protection, particularly in high-risk industries like aviation and rail. Solutions for High-Stakes Work In conclusion, the developments in fall protection systems raise safety and efficiency standards in high-stakes industries like avia- tion and rail. Systems like the trolley rail and rigid rail provide a balance of safety, worker mobility, and productivity, which are essential in these demanding environments. However, the key to truly harnessing the benefits of these systems lies in understanding the unique challenges and require- ments of your workspace and tailoring these solutions to fit your needs. The right combination of a trolley rail or enclosed track fall protection system with appropriate personal protective equip- ment (PPE), and leveraging the strength and flexibility of the rig- id rail systems can make all the difference. Remember, these solutions not only ensure compliance with safety regulations but also empower workers, instilling a sense of security that allows them to work more efficiently. They also offer cost-effective, durable, and adaptable solutions that provide value for money in the long run. If you’re responsible for workplace safety or operations, explore the range of fall protection systems on the market today and trans- form your approach to safety and productivity. Kevin Kelpe is Director of Marketing and Communications for Diversified Fall Protection. He is an AIA continuing ed provider, a contributing member of IIBEC and CSI, and is a 3M-Certified EM385 Competent Person Instructor. Kevin has an AS in Digital Media and a BS in Managerial Economic from the University of Idaho, where he later completed and MBA. He is an avid backcountry skier and mountain biker based in the Wasatch Mountains of Northern Utah. 72 Occupational Health & Safety | OCTOBER 2023 www.ohsonline.com