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Prevention, rather than protection

The New Work at Height Regulations re-emphasise employers’ responsibility to ensure that work at height is properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in a manner that is safe.

Just to emphasise the dangers, Elizabeth Gibby, Head of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE’s) Injuries Reduction Programme, said recently; “In 2003-04, 67 falls from a height accounted for 67 fatal accidents at work and nearly 4,000 major injuries. They remain the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and one of the biggest causes of major injury.”

Column or mast mounted lighting systems or other equipment such as wind turbines and CCTV systems can be mounted from 4m to 50m, presenting a significant risk to anyone undertaking necessary maintenance of the equipment.

There are numerous column and mast systems available on the market, some offer no means of access other than using an access platform or ladder, others often incorporate climbing ladders with fall arrest systems. However, the element of risk still remains as working at height is still required, hence complicated risk assessment and planning of work becomes essential.

There is an alternative, however. Abacus was the first company to patent two unique lowering systems for columns and masts, both of which eliminate the need to work at height. The Raising & Lowering Winch mast, and the base hinged raising and lowering mast, both allow the equipment to be safely lowered to ground level under complete control.

The Abacus RLW system has the advantage that the head frame can be lowered to the ground using a manual or electrically powered winch system enabling installation and any necessary maintenance to be carried out at ground level and in complete safety. The system also offers long term cost savings for routine maintenance as the need for expensive access systems are eliminated. The key advantage of the Abacus RLW system is that it is excellent in confined spaces, presenting an ideal solution for applications such as Ports, Harbours and Airports. The RLW system is available from 15m up to 50m, and can incorporate 250kg, 500kg or 1000kg winch systems, incorporating twin or triple pulley systems and latching system.

If sufficient space is available at ground level it may be more economical in the long run to specify a base hinged mast that can be lowered to ground level. This makes maintenance easier and safer in many respects in that no climbing and no high-level access is required.

Compared with winch masts, base hinged masts offer other advantages such as being able to accept lighting arranged to suit the site requirements without needing to consider balancing the head frame. If additional lights, signs or equipment are desirable these can be fitted part-way up the mast without interfering with the access to the main lighting frame.

Another important consideration is that the high mast can be installed without the need for high lifting cranes as the mast can be assembled at ground level and then raised to its vertical position using the hydraulic counterbalance. Base hinged masts undoubtedly offer one of the lowest whole-life costs of any type of mast thanks to the simple design and the way the raising/lowering gear is not required for each individual mast - one counterbalance can be used for any number of masts at one or many sites. Base hinged masts are available in a wide range of heights, from 12 to 50m, and can carry head loads up to 1½ tonnes, depending on the design.

As a final thought, David Thomas, Principal Specialist Inspector with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Project Group Convener, said: “Those who work at height should never forget that gravity is no respecter of persons. It affects everyone; too many times with disastrous consequences resulting in serious, permanent injuries or death”.

Email: jclark@abacuslighting.com