Fall Protection Mechanical Presses
We have large Mechanical Presses where I work, we also have 30MT overhead cranes as well. Team members must grease fittings that are located on top of the mechanical presses. Has anyone run into similar issues with providing appropriate anchor points for fall protection?
Comments (6)
Do you have a picture? Many of the large presses I've dealt with in the past (like in the picture below) have guardrails installed at the top to serve as fall protection.
How are they doing it now?
Scissors Lift or Manlift?
Some crane manufacturers have devices and guidance that would allow for use of cranes systems as PFP anchor point.
Anchor Points in manufacturing are an issue! You have to make sure you ensure they meet the standard requirements. Anyone that makes a judgement on an anchor point must be qualified through education and/or experience to make that call! You can purchase mobile anchor systems but get out the checkbook!!!
If the work is done frequently I would recommend the construction of platforms and guard rails if practical. For infrequent use, I think your present use of manlifts is what I would be doing. Operation of Manlifts require the use of PFPD (personal fall protection devices - harnesses and the related hardware) as you probably know.
In my applications in a big machine shop we used scissors lifts and manlifts to perform PMs and repair on large machines unless it had platforms and guardrails built on them. this was in my former job as a site HR/Safety Manager. As a consultant, now if you were my customer I would recommend the manlift.