Locking of Retractable Type Fall Arresters—Test Method and Stand

Retractable type fall arresters are very effective personal equipment protecting against falls from a height. These devices are used under different atmospheric conditions and in the presence of various types of industrial pollution. For this reason appropriate locking after conditioning simulating extreme conditions of a worksite is one of the essential characteristics of retractable type fall arresters. This article presents the requirements for locking of the devices. A previously used locking test method and its disadvantages are discussed. The article suggests an improved test method and test equipment. Measurement of the test mass acceleration is the most important improvement introduced into the test method. The article shows laboratory tests used to verify the method, which turned out to be a valuable source of information concerning the performance of retractable type fall arresters.     

Test Method for Retractable Type Fall Arresters Designed for Horizontal Use

Retractable type fall arresters are designed to protect against falls from a height of people who need freedom of vertical movement. The practice of fall protection shows that the devices are also used to protect people who work on flat roofs. This application creates quite different operating conditions for the devices. In some situations those conditions can be dangerous for users. The article presents a theoretical analysis of phenomena occurring during a fall arrest with retractable type fall arresters arranged horizontally. The analysis was verified with laboratory tests. The article presents a proposal for the construction of a test stand and a test method for estimating retractable type fall arresters intended for horizontal use.     

The influence of anchor devices on the performance of retractable type fall arresters protecting against falls from a height.

Retractable type fall arresters are part of the equipment used for protecting people against falls from a height. They are an intermediate part between full body harness worn by a man and the structural anchor at the worksite. The most important task of retractable type fall arresters is to arrest people's falls and to reduce their harmful consequences. Information received from users as well as laboratories testing protective equipment indicates that the performance of such equipment is incorrect under specific conditions. The paper is concerned with an analysis of the conditions in which retractable type fall arresters demonstrate intermittent performance and with an explanation of that phenomenon. The results of tests investigating anchor devices and the performance of retractable type fall arresters are presented. External and internal factors contributing to intermittent performance have been determined and guidelines for safer use of these devices have been developed.     

The Influence of Anchor Devices on the Performance of Retractable Type Fall Arresters Protecting Against Falls From a Height

Retractable type fall arresters are part of the equipment used for protecting people against falls from a height. They are an intermediate part between full body harness worn by a man and the structural anchor at the worksite. The most important task of retractable type fall arresters is to arrest people’s falls and to reduce their harmful consequences. Information received from users as well as laboratories testing protective equipment indicates that the performance of such equipment is incorrect under specific conditions. The paper is concerned with an analysis of the conditions in which retractable type fall arresters demonstrate intermittent performance and with an explanation of that phenomenon. The results of tests investigating anchor devices and the performance of retractable type fall arresters are presented. External and internal factors contributing to intermittent performance have been determined and guidelines for safer use of these devices have been developed.     

速差自控器动态性能试验方法的改进

为施工人员选择和配置安全可靠的个人防坠器,每年送到具有相应资质的检测单位进行强制检定,是防止高处坠落事故的重要手段。某型速差自控器在冲击试验中发生了钢丝绳断裂事故,为了查找和分析事故的真正原因,对不同厂家的速差自控器抽样,在相同试验方法和检测条件下进行冲击试验,并根据相关的标准对试验结果进行力学性能对比分析研究,找到了造成钢丝绳断裂事故的主要原因是该类型速差自控器使用的钢丝绳直径偏细以及缺少内部或外部缓冲器,研究中还发现部分国内标准技术要求不够明确,制造、检测和使用方对速差自控器相关标准理解存在偏差,是造成本次事故的间接原因。针对现有的部分速差自控器产品存在的质量问题,并根据现行最新标准和实际工作条件,提出改进了的检测方法和防范措施,从源头上防范坠落事故。     

Influence of weather conditions on the performance of energy absorbers and guided type fall arresters on a flexible anchorage line during fall arresting

Energy absorbers and guided type fall arresters on a flexible anchorage line belong to very popular group of equipment protecting against falls from a height. This equipment is used in different weather conditions (different temperature, humidity, precipitation, etc.), which influence its parameters. Fibre ropes and webbing, made from polyamide fibres, used in energy absorbers and guided type fall arresters, are sensitive to weather conditions. Laboratory tests proved that the changes in temperature, humidity, etc., especially influence dynamic elongation of this equipment and the force acting on anchor point during fall arresting. These phenomena decide directly about the fall arresting process and can influence safety of people working on a height.     

安全带整体静负荷试验机的研制及应用

安全带是有效地预防高处作业人员因意外坠落而受到身体伤害的必要防护装备。本文根据GB6095—2009《安全带》、GB／T6096—2009《安全带测试方法》标准中安全带整体静态负荷试验的要求,对安全带整体静负荷试验机的研制与应用开展一些调研和探讨,希望对从事安全带检验的机构和安全带生产的企业中的科研、检验人员提供一些感性的认知和帮助。     

Adequacy of personal fall arrest energy absorbers in relation to heavy workers

Despite the increasing weight of workers, most energy absorbers of personal fall arrest systems are only tested to 100 kg. In addressing this shortcoming this research aims to evaluate the capacity of fall arrest energy absorbers in relation to the weight of heavy workers so as to provide recommendations for improvements to current fall arrest standards. A series of dynamic drop tests based on the Australian and New Zealand fall protection equipment standard (AS/NZS 1891.1:2007) were conducted. A total of 31 samples on seven types of energy absorbers were undertaken. The experiment simulated a worst credible scenario of a 3.8 m fall of a rigid mass which was connected using inelastic material. The capacity of each type of energy absorber was determined using the test mass that caused one or both of the following test criteria to be breached: (1) at least two samples reached the maximum possible extension and (2) at least two samples had the maximum arrest force exceeding 7 kN. The estimated capacities were then compared with the 95th percentile weight of worker working at height. The research demonstrates that most energy absorbers are not able to ensure that the two test criteria are not breached during the arrest of a heavy worker in the worst case scenario fall. It is recommended that the test mass stipulated in fall arrest standards should be revised and increased to accommodate the increasing weight of workers.     

抑制煤矿瓦斯爆炸传播的新技术设想

基于石油阻火装置对可燃气体爆炸传播的火焰具有淬熄作用,对压力波具有抑制作用,提出将金属丝网、波纹板型等几种结构用于抑制煤矿瓦斯爆炸传播的新思路,填补了阻火器在煤矿中应用的空白,为煤矿阻隔爆技术开拓出新的领域.     

Dynamic Performance of Horizontal Flexible Anchor Lines During Fall Arrest— A Numerical Method of Simulation

Designing fall arrest systems, which contain horizontal flexible anchor lines is an important technical problem related to the safety of people who work at a height and need horizontal freedom of movement. The article presents a numerical simulation of the dynamic performance of horizontal flexible anchor lines during fall arrest. The model of a 2-component system—a horizontal flexible anchor line and a falling rigid mass, described with a second order non-linear differential equation—is the main element of this method. This method of simulation is realised by a computer program, which allows obtaining the most important data characterising a fall arrest. The article shows laboratory tests used for the verification of this method, which turned out to be a valuable source of information and which can be used for designing fall arrest systems.     

基于MMA7260QT的危险场所跌倒检测设备的研制

在石化企业生产过程中,如何正确检测判别跌倒行为已成为危险场所安全防护的关键,传统的判别方法已不适应石化行业特殊的工作环境和行为特点。通过对三轴加速度传感器MMA7260QT原理的研究,结合毒性气体传感器和无线传输技术,采用低功耗微处理器MSP430F249,研制了一种危险场所用跌倒检测设备。介绍了三轴加速度传感器MMA7260QT的结构和原理,给出了设备系统设计。根据石化行业危险场所特点,建立了跌倒模型,分析了三轴加速度传感器检测信息的处理,确定出跌倒判断阈值。实验结果表明,研制的设备跌倒检测准确,符合石化行业危险场所应用需求。     

Determination of the performance limits of flame arresters at increased oxygen concentrations

This investigation shows how an increased oxygen concentration influences the performance limits of crimped ribbon deflagration flame arresters at elevated pressures. An evaluation of the maximum experimental safe gap (MESG) as reliable criterion for describing the performance limits under non-atmospheric conditions is given. Measurements of MESGs and flame arrester performance tests were performed. Various fuel/oxygen/air mixtures containing ethylene and propane were used as testing gases. Former studies on the pressure dependence and the influence of oxygen on the MESG were initially confirmed. Furthermore, performance tests using a commercial deflagration flame arrester revealed that such a flame arrester may prevent flame transmission also at non-atmospheric conditions within a limited range. For various oxygen concentrations the performance limits were reached at the same MESG. Hence, it can be assumed that a flame arrester possesses a device- and fuel-specific maximum experimental safe gap for a specific gas mixture in different concentrations and at different pressures. This performance-related maximum safe gap can be used as a parameter for estimating and describing the performance limits of a flame arrester. It offers an attempt to simplify the testing and qualification of deflagration flame arresters for non-atmospheric conditions.     

Effects of falling weight impact on industrial safety helmets used in conjunction with eye and face protection devices

Industrial workplaces pose concurrent hazards to the upper part of the head and the eyes. Under the circumstances, workers may use protective helmets in conjunction with protective goggles or spectacles. In order to assess the compatibility of this equipment, a method and a test stand for evaluating the behavior of safety helmets and protective goggles/spectacles upon the impact of a falling weight were designed. The results of tests concerning the displacement and deformation of helmets and spectacles/goggles, the forces acting on the helmets, as well as the forces exerted by the spectacles/goggles on the headform upon falling weight impact are presented. The results revealed the ways in which the tested equipment interacted with each other. The influence of equipment construction on the test results was analyzed and inferences concerning the safety of the studied protective devices were made. Some general construction guidelines were formulated for the compatibility of the equipment.     

滚筒式制动试验台检验能力的比对试验及评价

制动性能是机动车安全技术性能检验工作中的重要项目,多采用滚筒反力式制动试验台.该种台试检验方法的评价指标较多,重复性不好,且影响检测结果的因素各异,因此其检验能力的比对试验及评价困难.通过比对试验的实施,讨论确定了进行比对的检测参量,分析了车辆技术状况变化对比对的影响.然后,分别采用经典统计法和稳健统计Z比分数方法对滚筒台式制动性能比对试验数据进行处理,对计算结果进行了分析讨论,并就结果的评价问题进行了进一步的探讨.本研究有助于促进和提升机动车安全技术检验机构的检验工作,对于保障道路交通安全具有积极地意义.     

Comparison of risk factors for falls from height between commercial and residential roofers

Introduction

The purpose of this investigation was to compare commercial roofers and residential roofers in terms of their behaviors, beliefs, working conditions, and attitudes toward the use of fall protection devices, which could lead to fall accidents.

Methods

A cross-sectional sample of 252 roofers participated in the survey in the Midwest (Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Iowa).

Results

Residential roofers were more likely to fall (adjusted prevalence ratio = 1.57, 95% CI = 0.86, 2.27) than commercial roofers. Existence of fall protection programs, enforcement of fall protection device use, actual use of fall protection devices, work type, company size, and race/ethnicity were significantly associated with fall accidents.

Impact on industry

This study adds insight into fall accidents from roofs in the construction industry and provides industry-specific cautions against fall accidents that can be reflected in regulatory agency implementation.     

Explosions in closed pipes containing baffles and 90 degree bends

There is a general lack of information on the effects of full-bore obstacles on combustion in the literature, these obstacles are prevalent in many applications and knowledge of their effects on phenomena including burning rate, flame acceleration and DDT is important for the correct placing of explosion safety devices such as flame arresters and venting devices. In this work methane, propane, ethylene and hydrogen–air explosions were investigated in an 18 m long DN150 closed pipe with a 90 degree bend and various baffle obstacles placed at a short distance from the ignition source. After carrying out multiple experiments with the same configuration it was found that a relatively large variance existed in the measured flame speeds and overpressures, this was attributed to a stochastic element in how flames evolved and also how they caused and interacted with turbulence to produce flame acceleration. This led to several experiments being carried out for one configuration in order to obtain a meaningful average. It was shown that a 90 degree bend in a long tube had the ability to enhance flame speeds and overpressures, and shorten the run-up distance to DDT to a varying degree for a number of gases. In terms of the qualitative effects on these parameters they were comparable to baffle type obstacles with a blockage ratios of between 10 and 20%.     

Potential risks of providing drinking drivers with BAC information

The objective of this paper is to discuss the benefits and risks of providing drinkers with tools that allow them to estimate their blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and to examine the field usability of one commercially available tool. Drinking and driving laws are specified in terms of the driver's BAC, and there is concern that the absence of a method for drivers to accurately estimate their BAC level limits their ability to determine whether they can drive legally. A number of devices that provide a method for the individual to estimate or measure their BAC have been developed. Although some of these devices--such as the "know your limit" (KYL) cards--have been widely distributed, their effectiveness in encouraging good driving decisions have rarely been tested. This article describes a pilot study on the field usability of the Guardian Angel (GA) personal alcohol test in a field setting. The GA test analyzes saliva samples from drinking and indicates under which BAC category they fall (.00 -.04;.04 -.08;.08+). The research examined whether drinkers could, in natural drinking environments, correctly administer and interpret the test results. The methodology involves sampling drinkers on a weekend night on and around the grounds of a large West Coast university as they traveled between off-campus parties, bars, and their dorms. They were asked to assess their own intoxication and impairment, then self-administer and interpret the Guardian Angel test. After interpreting the test, participants were asked to reassess their intoxication and impairment levels, and were given a breath BAC test using a calibrated unit. The results revealed that although the majority of drinkers' were able to administer the GA test, their interpretations did not correspond with actual BACs. The interpretations of the GA test produced false-negatives, underestimating actual BACs. Drinkers perceived themselves to be less intoxicated, on average, after interpreting the GA test results. In conclusion, this research addresses potential pros and cons of providing BAC information to drinkers. It underscores the importance of testing BAC estimation tools under field conditions and the potential risks associated with tests that do not produce accurate results.     

The role of design issues in work-related fatal injury in Australia

PROBLEM: This study aimed to provide an assessment of the contribution of design to the occurrence of fatal work-related injuries in Australia. METHODS: The Australian National Coroners' Information System was the data source for fatal injuries. Deaths resulting from workplace injuries on or between 1 July 2000 and 30 June 2002 were included. RESULTS: Seventy seven (37%) of the 210 identified workplace fatalities definitely or probably had design-related issues involved. In another 29 (14%), the circumstances were suggestive that design issues were involved. The most common scenarios involved problems with rollover protective structures and/or associated seat belts; inadequate guarding; lack of residual current devices; inadequate fall protection; failed hydraulic lifting systems in vehicles and mobile equipment; and inadequate protection mechanisms on mobile plant and vehicles. SUMMARY: Design is a significant contributor to work-related fatal injury in Australia. There is considerable scope for preventing serious work-related injury through improving design of plant, equipment, and vehicles used for work-related purposes.     

催化裂解装置火灾爆炸危险性评价

道氏方法是对石化装置风险性进行量化评价的一种行之有效的方法,尤其是对装置的系统和单元的固有危险性及安全设施降低危险性的安全补偿作用进行认识和评价,采用道化学公司的火灾、爆炸危险指数法,对安庆石化炼油厂65×104t/a催化裂解装置的潜在火灾爆炸和反应危险性进行评价和分析,得到“严重”以上程度的单元有:加热炉、丙烷塔、丙烯塔、液化气储罐和汽油柴油储罐、反应器、瓦斯发生器、乙烷塔和稳定器,同时给出单元的危险等级和薄弱环节,为工厂的风险管理和安全管理决策提供了科学依据,并为降低装置风险提出了建议。     

API Standard 521 new alternative method to evaluate fire relief for pressure relief device sizing and depressuring system design

Since the 1950's, API Standards have provided guidance on determining relief loads for equipment exposed to pool fires. The API method is empirical based on tests performed in the 1940's. There is increasingly widespread interest in analytical methods based on heat transfer principles to model fire heat input. The API committee agreed to include an analytical method in the 6th edition of API Standard 521 to establish relief loads for pressure relief devices and to design depressuring systems for the fire scenario. The analytical method provides more flexibility than the empirical method but has limitations (e.g., too many permutations are possible leading to potential under-sizing of the pressure relief device).This paper discusses the basis for the empirical method in API Standard 521 and provides comparisons of the empirical and analytical method with two more recent large-scale pool fire tests. This pool fire test data indicates that the empirical method will provide a conservative estimate of pool fire heat input for most applications and is still the method of choice when designing pressure relief systems. However, these recent tests indicate the empirical method needs to be modified when a vessel or equipment is partially confined by adjacent embankments or walls equal or greater than the vessel height. In such cases, the wetted area exponent should be 1.0 instead of 0.82.The analytical method is useful in determining time-versus-temperature profiles for heating unwetted vessels of varying wall thicknesses and materials of construction. These profiles, which depend upon the type of fire (e.g., unconfined pool fire, jet fire, etc.), can be combined with tensile strength and stress-rupture data to specify a depressuring system's pressure-versus-time profile. This will minimize failure and/or mitigate the effects of failure due to overheating from fire exposure.