AU2009206174A1 - Fall prevention system - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 Standard Patent Specification Title: Fall prevention system Applicant(s): Retown Pty Ltd Inventor(s): Robert Alan Edman Agent: © COTTERS Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys The following is a full description of the invention which sets forth the best method known to the applicant of performing it.

2 Fall Prevention System Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fall prevention system. In particular, the present 5 invention relates to a system for preventing workers from falling from dangerous heights at construction or work sites. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the field that the invention is not limited to this particular application, and may be used in other environments where fall prevention is of importance. Background of the Invention 10 Construction workers are often exposed to dangerous conditions when working at height, where there is a substantial risk of falling. When working on roofs the risk of falling is compounded by the fact that the working surface is often sloped downwardly toward the perimeter of the building. Construction standards in Australia and other developed countries require that measures are taken to prevent construction workers from falling. Scaffolding is is used in many instances to set up a structure around the perimeter of the building. However, the installation of scaffolding is often not practical where the working height is significant, when there is not a sufficiently large footprint around the perimeter of the building, or when the ground surface is uneven or unstable. A further disadvantage associated with scaffolding is that the installation times can be significant. 20 When the erection of scaffolding is not feasible, workers are often secured to a lanyard line extending between a harness and a fixed anchor point on the roof. Whilst lanyard lines significantly reduce the risk of injury, worker mobility is significantly reduced and the worker is restricted to working within a given radius of the anchor point. This inconvenience may 25 result in reduced productivity on the construction site. An alternative fall restraint system includes the construction of a temporary hand rail or fence around the perimeter of the roof. Whist such systems provide a physical barrier between the workers and the edge of the work zone, they are generally only rated to 30 withhold a low impact fall. Accordingly, the barrier may be insufficiently strong to withhold the force generated by a large worker during a fall. A further disadvantage with such systems is that the vertical support posts often project through the upper cladding surface of 3 the roof. This may provide an obstruction during the laying of tiles or other surface cladding materials. In addition, the set up times for existing temporary fences are generally significant. 5 The roof surface or construction site may in some instances be uneven, for example on account of the ridges and valleys of a pitched roof. However, the mounting of existing temporary handrail and fence systems at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the vertical support posts is generally not easily facilitated and is typically complicated and time consuming. 10 Each of the fall restraint or prevention systems identified above is known to add significantly to the labour cost of the construction project. Object of the Invention It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate at is least one of the above disadvantages, or at least to provide a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the present invention provides a post anchoring system comprising: a post anchoring bracket securable to a fixed structure; a support bar having a first end secured to the post anchoring bracket, and an 20 opposing second end; a mounting plate connected to the support bar second end; an arm having a proximal end pivotally connected to the mounting plate and a distal end; a post support element secured to the distal end of said arm, the post support element 25 including an engagement device; and a pin having a first end in adjustable engagement with said engagement device, and a second end connected to said mounting plate by a pivotal connection; wherein adjustment of the pin relative to the engagement device results in angular movement of the post support relative to the support bar. 30 The pivotal connection of the pin to the mounting plate is preferably provided by a spacer element pivotally connected to the second end of said pin and also pivotally connected to the mounting plate.

4 The engagement device preferably includes a threaded collar and the first end of the pin preferably has a corresponding thread. 5 The first end of the support bar is preferably slidably connected to a transverse rod extending between two adjacent post anchoring brackets. The proximal end of the arm preferably includes a clevis which is pivotally connected to the mounting plate with a pin connection. 10 The post support element preferably includes a generally rectangular aperture adapted to receive a scaffold post. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a railing system having one or more posts is having a longitudinal axis and a rail mounted to said post, said system including: a rail bracket having a base portion mounted to said post and an arm pivotally connected to said base portion such that a proximal end of said arm is pivotal relative to said post about a first axis; wherein a distal end of said arm is releasably connected to an end of said rail with a 20 pivoting connection such that said arm is pivotable at said pivoting connection about a second axis which extends generally perpendicular to said first axis. The first axis preferably extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the post. 25 The arm preferably includes a collar and a pin is located within the collar, the pin extending along the first axis and being in engagement with the base portion. The arm preferably has a first aperture and the end of said rail includes a second aperture, such that said first aperture is disposed over the second aperture and a key is inserted 30 through the first and second apertures to secure the arm to the rail. The key is preferably pivotable between an unlocked position in which it can be axially withdrawn from the first and second apertures, and a locked position in which it is prevented from being withdrawn.

5 The base portion is preferably mounted to a post collar and the post collar is coaxially mounted around the post. The rail preferably has a selectively variable length. 5 The rail preferably is formed of two or more telescopically extensible or retractable elements. The post is preferably a star picket having longitudinally extending ribs and the post collar has longitudinally extending slots adapted to receive the ribs. 10 The system preferably includes a post anchoring bracket having a mounting portion securable to a fixed structure, and a post engagement portion secured to a base end of the post. is The post engagement portion is preferably slidably connected to the mounting portion to permit movement of the post in a direction extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The post engagement portion preferably includes a collar located around a bar formed on 20 the mounting portion. The mounting portion preferably includes a slot and a base of the post includes a cam member inserted within the slot, wherein rotation of the post through an angle of 90 degrees secures the post to the post anchoring bracket. 25 Brief Description of the Drawings Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of specific examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a fall prevention system installed around the 30 perimeter of a building; Fig. 2 shows top and front views of a rail bracket of the fall prevention system; Fig. 3 shows the rail brackets of Fig. 2 secured to a post; Fig. 4 shows an access hatch secured to a post; Fig. 5 shows a star picket post; 6 Fig. 6 is a collar adaptor for use with the rail bracket of Fig. 2; Fig. 7 shows post anchoring brackets mounted horizontally and vertically to a wall panel; Fig. 8 shows the horizontal bracket of Fig. 7 with a post included for a slab; Fig. 9 shows a post anchoring bracket mounted to a universal beam; 5 Fig. 10 shows an alternative arrangement for mounting a post anchoring bracket to the end of a universal beam or C section beam; Fig. 11 shows a post anchoring bracket mounted to a C section profile; Fig. 12 shows an alternative post anchoring bracket mounted to a C section profile; Fig. 13 is a schematic showing a post and rail bracket and a post extension piece; 10 Fig. 14 shows a post anchoring bracket mounted to a hip or valley rafter and upper floor level; Fig. 15 shows an alternative post anchoring bracket mounted to a rafter; Fig. 16 is a face view of the post anchoring bracket of Fig. 15; Fig. 17 shows a post anchoring bracket secured to a gable board; is Fig. 18 shows a telescopic rail of the fall prevention system; Fig. 19 shows a key for securing the rail to the rail bracket; Fig. 20 is an end view of the key of Fig. 19; Fig. 21 shows a cam locking assembly for securing a post; Fig. 22 shows top and sectional side views of the cam locking assembly of Fig 21. 20 Fig. 23 shows a ground auger for securing a post; Fig. 24 depicts a weighted ground support; Fig. 25 is a top view of the support of Fig. 24; Fig. 26 shows a ladder support platform of the fall prevention system; Fig. 27 is a schematic showing the ladder support platform of Fig. 26 in operation; 25 Fig. 28 shows a kick board attachment bracket; Fig. 29 shows the rail system with wind/dust netting panels included; Fig. 30 shows the system extending between two slabs on a multi-level building site; Fig. 31 is a schematic view of a post anchoring system; Fig. 32 shows end and side views of a post anchoring bracket for the system depicted in Fig. 30 31; Fig. 33 is a side view of a post support element for the system of Fig. 31; Fig. 34 shows a threaded pin for the system of Fig. 31; Fig. 35 shows a spacer element for the system of Fig. 31; Fig. 36 shows a clevis arm for the system of Fig. 31; 7 Fig. 37 shows a post anchoring bracket for the system of Fig. 31; and Fig. 38 shows a vertical scaffold post for use with the post anchoring system of Fig. 31. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments A fall prevention system 50 is depicted in Fig. 1. The system 50 may be placed around the 5 perimeter of any structure or area posing a fall risk to construction workers or the general public. This includes but is not limited to building sites, roofs, unfenced pits and earthworks, or any other situation where the risk of injury from falling is present. The system 50 includes a number of posts 60 which are each mounted with their longitudinal 10 axes X extending generally vertically. The system 50 further includes rail brackets 70 which are mounted to the posts 60. Each rail bracket 70 has a base portion 72 which is mounted to the post 60. As shown in Fig. 2, the base portion 72 includes two plates 73 which extend horizontally and are parallel to each other. The rail bracket 70 also includes an arm 74 which is pivotally connected to the base portion 72, such that the arm 74 is pivotable about is an axis Y extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the post 60. The arm 74 includes a collar 76 and a pin 78 is located within the collar 76. The pin 78 extends through holes formed in each of the two plates 73 of the base portion 72. Accordingly, the pin 78 secures the arm 74 to the plates 73. A cotter pin, circlip or other such clip (not shown) is inserted through a hole 79 to prevent the pin 80 from being unintentionally withdrawn from 20 the plates 73. The system 50 includes a rail 90 which extends between two adjacent posts 60, and provides a hand rail or fall prevention type barrier. The rail 90 which is shown in Fig. 18 is extensible or retractable, so that the overall length of the rail 90 may be adjusted to 25 accommodate different spacing of the posts 60. In the embodiment of Fig. 18, the rail 90 is telescopically extensible, and manufactured from two or more cylindrical tubes, such that the outer diameter of the smallest tube 92 fits slidingly within the largest tube 94. The arm 74 is releasably connected to an end of the rail 90 with a pin connection 80 such 30 that the arm 74 is pivotable at the pin connection 80 about an axis Z (best seen in the top view of fig. 2) which extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the post 60.

8 The arm 74 includes an arm plate 75 which is attached to the collar 76. The arm plate 75 has a first aperture 82 formed in it. The aperture 82 is in the shape of a circular hole with an additional adjacent slot 84. An end of the rail 90 includes a similarly shaped aperture 96 which is shown in Fig. 18. When the rail 90 is located adjacent to the rail bracket 70, the 5 apertures 82, 96 are superimposed over each other and a key 100 is inserted through the apertures 82, 96. The key 100 is shown in Figs. 19, 20. The key 100 has a handle 102 and a stem 104. At the end of the stem 104 is a locking formation 106 which corresponds in shape to the apertures 82, 96. Accordingly, the locking 10 formation 106 is inserted into the apertures 82, 96, and by turning the handle 102, the key 100 is pivotable between an unlocked position in which the key 100 can be axially withdrawn from the apertures 82, 96, and a locked position in which it is prevented from being withdrawn. The key 100 permits the arm plate 75 to be secured to the rail 90. The key 100 also includes a spring 108 which biases the locking formation 106 away from the apertures is 82, 96. This prevents the key 100 for being unintentionally removed from the system 50, or falling out. On account of the connection between the rail 90 and the post 60, angular adjustment of the rail 90 may be made about either a horizontal or vertical axis. Accordingly, the rails 90 20 may be installed to readily accommodate corners of a construction area, or rises and falls in the terrain, such as along valleys and hips of a roof. In an embodiment not shown in the drawings, the arm 74 of the rail bracket 70 is pivotabably connected to the base portion 72 such that it is pivotable about an axis 25 extending perpendicular to the post 60, and the arm 74 is releasably connected to an end of the rail 90 with a pin connection 80 such that the arm 74 is pivotable at the pin connection 80 about an axis which extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the post 60. Fig. 3 shows three rail brackets 70 mounted to a post 60. This permits rails to extend 30 around the construction site at three different heights. Fig. 4 shows an access gate 110 mounted to the post 60. The access gate 110 can be used to permit workers to enter the perimeter of an enclosed building site. Fig. 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a post 60. In this embodiment, the post 60 is a 35 star picket 120 which can be driven by force into the earth, sand or other terrain. A cover 9 sleeve 130 is placed over the top of the picket 120. The sleeve 130 has an internal circular hole with longitudinally extending grooves located in it. The grooves 132 are adapted to receive the longitudinally extending ribs 122 of the star picket 120. Accordingly, when the cover sleeve 130 is placed on the star picket 120 the sleeve 130 is prevented from rotating. 5 The sleeve 130 provides a safety cover over the exposed end of the picket 120. In addition, the sleeve 130 has a shoulder 134 which acts as a support for holding rail brackets 70 which are mounted on an annular hub. The sleeve 130 includes a hole 136 for receiving a pin that passes through a corresponding 10 hole formed in one of the ribs 122 of the star picket 120. The hole 136 may be used to select a desired vertical height of the sleeve, and hence the suitable height of each rail 90. This embodiment permits fast placement of a fence around a trench or other such fall hazard. The construction team simply drive the star pickets 120 into the ground around the is trench. The sleeves 130 are then placed over the star pickets 120 and set at the desired heights, and the sleeve mounted rail brackets are then placed over the sleeves 130. The rails 90 are then added to the system 50 in the manner described above. Because the rails are telescopically adjustable, there is no need for the installation to be particularly accurate with the post 60 placement. In addition, the angular adjustment capability of the rail 90 20 about 2 perpendicular axes Y, Z allows for adjustment of the rails 90 to accommodate unevenness in the terrain, and irregular shaped trenches or work sites. Figs. 7 to 12 show different embodiments of post anchoring brackets 140 for supporting the posts 60. Each bracket 140 has a male threaded end 142 which engages with a 25 corresponding female threaded hole formed in the base of the post 60. The choice of post anchoring brackets 140 may vary depending on the structure to which they are mounted. Figs. 7 and 8 are both slab mounted post anchoring brackets 140 which may be cast into a slab during pouring, or attached by epoxy after the slab has cured. 30 Fig. 9 shows an arrangement in which the post anchoring bracket 140 is hooked over one of the flanges of a universal beam. In contrast, in Fig. 10 the post anchoring bracket 140 is welded to a plate that is bolted or otherwise attached to a web of a universal beam. Figs. 11 and 12 show two different arrangements for securing the post anchoring bracket 140 to a C section beam. 35 10 Fig. 13 shows the post anchoring bracket 140 mounted with an adjustable clamp 145 and an extension piece 146 is utilised to extend the length of the post 60. The extension piece 146 is used when there is a large vertical clearance between the post anchoring bracket 140 and the desired post 60 mounting position. 5 Fig. 14 shows the post anchoring bracket 140 secured to a rafter on a pitched roof. In this embodiment, the threaded end 142 is acutely angled so that it faces vertically despite the upward slope of the rafter. The threaded end 142 sits above the gutter of the building and can be left as a permanent fixture of the building. Accordingly, the erection of a fall 10 prevention system can be done at any stage in the life of the building with minimal effort or time. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 15 and 16, post anchoring brackets 140 are secured to two adjacent rafters or other such mounting points. In this embodiment, the post anchoring 15 brackets 140 include a transverse bar 150 which extends between the two brackets 140. The transverse bar 150 may however extend between and beneath several rafters. The male threaded end 142 is connected to a rod 151 having a collar 152 which is secured around the transverse bar 150. Accordingly, the rod 151 can be moved slidingly along the transverse bar 150. The bar 151 is generally S shaped as shown in Fig. 15. A central 20 portion 153 of the S shaped bar 151 extends parallel to the roof rafter, and is supported on top of the roof rafter or another structural member. The transverse bar 150 enables the rod 151 to be transversely oriented at a desired location. This enables the central portion of the S shaped rod 151 to be located directly beneath a ridge of a corrugated roof tile or corrugated iron sheet, for optimum placement. 25 In the embodiment of Fig. 15, in the event that a person falls against the rail, the force is exerted to the male threaded end 142 of the post anchoring bracket 140, and the arrows in that diagram show the direction of the bending moment which occurs. The force is ultimately applied to the rafter on account of the attachment to the rafter, and the 30 transverse bar 150 extending under the rafter ensures that the bracket 140 will not fail, even if the fasteners holding it to the rafter are damaged or unsecured. Fig. 21 shows an alternative post anchoring bracket 140. The bracket 140 engages the post 60 using a cam locking mechanism 160. Fig. 22 shows a top and sectional side view of the 35 cam locking mechanism 160 of Fig. 21. In this embodiment, the post 60 has two feet 162 11 which project perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the post 60. The feet 162 are spaced relative to each other at an angle of approximately 900. Accordingly, when the post 60 is inserted into the post anchoring bracket 140, rotation of the post 60 about the longitudinal axis X results in the feet 162 engaging the shoulder 164. The post 60 is at this s stage secured to the anchoring bracket 140, and prevented from being axially removed. Fig. 23 shows an embodiment in which the post anchoring bracket 140 is an auger 170 for screwing into the earth. In this embodiment, the post anchoring bracket 140 has a male threaded end 142 which engages the post 60. 10 Figs. 24 and 25 show an embodiment in which the post anchoring bracket 140 includes a weighted block 170 having a central hole for receiving a threaded rod which engages the post 60. The blocks 170 may be stacked to achieve a sufficiently large mass to prevent the posts 60 from toppling under a given load. In addition, the blocks 170 can be fastened to is each other with pins (not shown) and also fastened to the ground if desired. Fig. 26 shows a ladder support platform 190 which can be secured beneath two adjacent posts 60. The ladder support platform 190 is located along the perimeter of the work site corresponding to the location of the gate 110, permitting workers to enter and exit the site. 20 Fig. 27 shows a side view of the ladder support platform 190 supporting a ladder. The platform 190 can be secured to a rung of the ladder to prevent the ladder from falling. Fig. 28 shows a kick board attachment bracket 200. The attachment bracket 200 has a collar 202 which is placed around the base of the post 60 at deck level of the work site. The 25 hole 204 is used to receive a pin (not shown) which secures the kick board attachment bracket 200 to the post 60. Another kickboard attachment bracket 200 is similarly mounted to an adjacent post 60, and a kickboard is mounted between. The kickboard extends about 200mm vertically above the deck level and ensures that any tools or building materials do not inadvertently fall over the edge of the building site. 30 Fig. 29 shows the system 50 with netting panels 210 included. The netting panels are made from shade cloth, wire mesh or another suitable fabric. The netting panels 210 are attached to the posts 60 and the rails 70 and provide a physical barrier to prevent dust from escaping from the building site. In addition, the netting panels 210 reduce wind on the building site, 35 and provide a barrier to shield the workers from direct sunlight and reflection.

12 Fig. 30 shows the system 50 in a slab to slab installation for use between adjacent floors on multi storey construction sites. The post anchoring bracket described above is used to secure the base of the posts 60 to the lower slab. The upper end of each post has a screw s extendable end plate 220 which is mounted on a threaded length of bar 222. By rotating the bar 222, the plate 220 can be brought into abutment with the upper slab 224, similar to a prop for supporting loads on a building site. The plate 220 is secured to the upper slab 224 if required. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the posts 60 are secured at their upper and lower ends for added support. In this embodiment, the post 60 may be a single length 10 post 60, or alternatively, an additional extension piece 146 such as that shown in Fig. 13. Alternatively, the post extension may be connected to the base post 60 by corresponding male and female end connections and a pin to prevent rotation. An advantage of the system 50 is that it permits the rails 90 to be easily mounted on an is incline and the system 50 is easily installed around non-rectangular sites. A further advantage is that the system 50 does not require specialised corner posts. An embodiment of a post anchoring system 300 of the fall prevention system 50 is depicted in Figs. 31 to 38. The post anchoring system 300 includes 20 post anchoring brackets 340 which are secured by mechanical fasteners to two adjacent rafters or other such mounting points. In this embodiment, the post anchoring brackets 340 include a transverse bar 350 which extends between the two brackets 340. The transverse bar 350 may however extend between and/or beneath several rafters. 25 The post anchoring system 300 includes a support bar 351 which has an elbow bend formed in it, as shown in Fig. 32. A central portion 353 of the support bar 351 extends generally parallel to the roof rafter, and is supported on top of the roof rafter or another structural member. The transverse bar 350 enables the support bar 351 to be transversely oriented at a desired location. This enables the central portion of the support bar 351 to be located 30 directly beneath a ridge of a corrugated roof tile or corrugated iron sheet, for optimum placement. In the embodiment of Figs 31 to 38, in the event that a person falls against the rail, the force is exerted to the support bar 351 and also to the post anchoring bracket 340. The 35 force is ultimately applied to the rafter on account of the attachment to the rafter, and the 13 transverse bar 350 extending under the rafter ensures that the anchoring bracket 340 will not fail, even if the fasteners holding it to the rafter are damaged or unsecured. As shown in Fig. 32, a mounting plate 360 is welded to the end of the support bar 351. The 5 mounting plate has a first hole 362 and a second hole 364 formed in it. As shown in Fig. 36, an arm 380 having a clevis 382 at one end thereof is secured to the mounting plate 360 with a pin or screw which passes through the two sides of the clevis 382 and through the hole 362. The arm 380 is threaded. 10 The threaded end 384 of the arm 380 engages with a post support element 390, depicted in Fig. 33. The post support element 390 is made from a rectangular hollow section. The post support element 390 has a threaded hole formed in one end which receives the threaded end 384 of the arm 380. The opposing end of the post support element 390 receives a standard scaffolding post 500 which supports horizontal scaffold rails. 15 As shown in Fig. 33, an adjustable engagement device in the form of a nut 400 is welded to the side of the post support element 390. As shown in Fig. 34, the system 300 includes a threaded pin 410 having a thread corresponding to the nut 400. One end of the threaded pin 410 has an eyelet 412 formed therein. 20 As shown in Fig. 35, the system also includes a link 420. The link 420 is a spacer element having holes 422, 424 formed in each opposing end. One of the holes 422 engages with the eyelet 412 of the threaded pin 410. The other hole 424 engages with the hole 364 formed in the mounting plate 360. 25 The operation of this post anchoring system 300 will now be described. The post anchoring brackets 340 are secured to two adjacent rafters. The transverse bar 350 extends between the two brackets 340. The support bar 351 has a collar 355 formed at one end. The collar 355 is circular and is positioned with the transverse bar 350 located within the 30 collar 355. The central portion 353 of the support bar 351 extends generally parallel to the roof rafter. The scaffolders initially install the support bars 351 at the desired locations around the perimeter of the roof or other such structure. When the support bars 351 are in place, the 35 clevis 382 is secured to the mounting plate 360, and the post support element 390 is 14 secured to the opposing end of the arm 380 to the clevis 382. The system 300 provides the scaffolders with the ability to set the desired angular orientation of the post support element 390 relative to the support bar 351. Accordingly, 5 different roof pitches such as 12.50 or 22.50 can be accommodated. By rotating the threaded pin 410 within the nut 400, the adjustment is made. When close to the final adjustment position in which the post support element 390 is generally vertical, the link 420 is connected to the eyelet 412 of the threaded pin 410 with a nut and bolt, or other such fastener. In addition, the opposing end of the link 420 is connected to the hole 364 of the io mounting plate 360. Once the post anchoring systems 300 are secured around the perimeter to be protected, the vertical scaffold posts, which have a rectangular section are inserted in the upper ends of the post support elements 390. The vertical scaffold posts are then secured with a locking pin is such as a cotter pin which passes through the hole 392 and through a corresponding hole in the post support elements 390. Standard horizontal safety rails are then secured to the vertical scaffold posts. The system 300 can be readily used with timber or metal roof constructions. 20 The support bars 351 are located below the roof cladding such as the tiles or corrugated iron. Advantageously, the system 300 allows the roofing to be laid after the system 300 has already been installed, without interfering with the placement of the roof cladding. In addition, the system 300 does not interfere with the eave sheets. 25 Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims (20)

1. A post anchoring system comprising: a post anchoring bracket securable to a fixed structure; s a support bar having a first end secured to the post anchoring bracket, and an opposing second end; a mounting plate connected to the support bar second end; an arm having a proximal end pivotally connected to the mounting plate and a distal end; 10 a post support element secured to the distal end of said arm, the post support element including an engagement device; and a pin having a first end in adjustable engagement with said engagement device, and a second end connected to said mounting plate by a pivotal connection; wherein adjustment of the pin relative to the engagement device results in angular is movement of the post support element relative to the support bar.

2. The post anchoring system of claim 1 wherein the pivotal connection of the pin to the mounting plate is provided by a spacer element pivotally connected to the second end of said pin and also pivotally connected to the mounting plate.

3. The post anchoring system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement device 20 includes a threaded collar and the first end of the pin has a corresponding thread.

4. The post anchoring system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first end of the support bar is slidably connected to a transverse rod extending between two adjacent post anchoring brackets.

5. The system of any one of preceding claims wherein the proximal end of the arm 25 includes a clevis which is pivotally connected to the mounting plate with a pin connection.

6. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the post support element includes a generally rectangular aperture adapted to receive a scaffold post. 16

7. A railing system having one or more posts having a longitudinal axis and a rail mounted to said post, said system including: a rail bracket having a base portion mounted to said post and an arm pivotally connected to said base portion such that a proximal end of said arm is pivotal relative to said s post about a first axis; wherein a distal end of said arm is releasably connected to an end of said rail with a pivoting connection such that said arm is pivotable at said pivoting connection about a second axis which extends generally perpendicular to said first axis.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the first axis extends generally parallel to the io longitudinal axis of said post.

9. The railing system of one of claims 7 or 8, where said arm includes a collar and a pin is located within said collar, said pin extending along said first axis and being in engagement with said base portion.

10. The railing system of claim 9, wherein said arm has a first aperture and the end is of said rail includes a second aperture, such that said first aperture is disposed over the second aperture and a key is inserted through said first and second apertures to secure said arm to said rail.

11. The railing system of claim 9, wherein said key is pivotable between an unlocked position in which it can be axially withdrawn from said first and second apertures, and a 20 locked position in which it is prevented from being withdrawn.

12. The railing system of any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein said base portion is mounted to a post collar and said post collar is coaxially mounted around said post.

13. The railing system of any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein said rail has a selectively variable length. 25

14. The railing system of claim 13, wherein the rail is formed of two or more telescopically extensible or retractable elements. 17

15. The railing system of claim 12, wherein the post is a star picket having longitudinally extending ribs and said post collar has longitudinally extending slots adapted to receive said ribs.

16. The railing system of any one of claims 7 to 15, including a post anchoring 5 bracket having a mounting portion securable to a fixed structure, and a post engagement portion secured to a base end of said post.

17. The railing system of claim 16, wherein said post engagement portion is slidably connected to said mounting portion to permit movement of said post in a direction extending generally perpendicular to said longitudinal axis. 10

18. The railing system of claim 17, wherein said post engagement portion includes a collar located around a bar formed on said mounting portion.

19. The railing system of claim 16, wherein the mounting portion includes a slot and a base of said post includes a cam member inserted within said slot, wherein rotation of said post through an angle of 90 degrees secures said post to said post anchoring bracket. is

20. A post anchoring system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the embodiments as that embodiment is shown in the accompanying drawings. Retown Pty Ltd 20 Dated this 6th day of August 2009 Patent Attorneys for the Applicant ©COTTERS Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys