Safely anchored to smooth surface

Citation

(2005), "Safely anchored to smooth surface", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 77 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2005.12777dad.008

Safely anchored to smooth surface

Safely anchored to smooth surface

Keywords: Aircraft, Safety equipment

A portable height safety system that attaches to a surface without penetrating it is now available from Capital Safety Group Northern Europe (CSGNE). Originally designed in the US to meet the requirements of the aircraft maintenance industry, the Sala Vacuum Anchor is now attracting interest from other industries where it is not possible to fix a fall arrest system by puncturing the surface, and overhead anchors are not available (Plate 2).

Plate 2 Safely anchored to smooth surface

CSGNE says it is the only vacuum anchor in the world which is suitable for fall arrest applications, and installation is quick and easy. The worker’s harness is linked to vacuum pads, which are attached to a smooth surface – for example, a plane’s fuselage – without damaging it in any way. When the pump is switched on, the Sala Vacuum Anchor is secure, and up to two workers can reportedly be attached via energy absorbing lanyards and full body harnesses. Alternatively, a temporary lifeline can be attached between two vacuum anchors which can be up to 10m apart, and up to four lines can be run from one pump.

It is reported that extensive testing was carried out with the aircraft industry to ensure that the Vacuum Anchor system causes no damage to the surface to which it is attached, and maintains the necessary seal in wet or dry conditions. According to CSGNE the US tests ensure that it meets Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and CE fall arrest requirements.

Steve Robertshaw, Managing Director of CSGNE, says, “This innovative addition to the range of height safety equipment offered by us is extremely easy to use. You simply turn on the vacuum switch, wait for the green light to come on, and then hook up to the D-ring. And it incorporates a fail-safe backup system with both visual and audio alarms for added worker safety”.

He adds, “There will be many different areas apart from the aviation industry where the Vacuum Anchor will come into its own. It is not always possible to attach a regular fall arrest system, and the Vacuum Anchor will make a major contribution to the safety of workers at height in these situations”.

Details available from: CSGNE. Tel: +44 (0) 1928 571324; fax: +44 (0) 1928 571325; web site: www.csqne.com