AU770700B2

AU770700B2 - Safety apparatus

Info

Publication number: AU770700B2
Application number: AU15338/00A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Lawrence Dean
Original assignee: MSPH Pty Ltd
Current assignee: MSPH Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1999-01-29
Filing date: 1999-11-09
Publication date: 2004-02-26
Anticipated expiration: 2019-11-09
Also published as: AU1533800A

Description

10-12-03:11:52AM:PIZZEYS IIJ1203lIE2M:IZE: ;si 7 3 2 218 07 7 4 13 SAFETY APPARATUS This invention relates to worker safety. In particular, this invention relates to a safety apparatus for enhancing worker safety, a kit for a safety apparatus for enhancing worker safety, an anchor member -of a safety apparatus for enhancing worker safety, a structural assembly and a method of enhancing worker safety.

In the specification the term "comprising" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term 'comprising" such as "comprise" and "comprises".

*Construction workers are often in a position in which they work at elevated locations. It Is well known for such workers to utilse various safety 29 arrangements in order to prevent death or injury.

An example of such an arrangement is where the worker is attached to part of a structure via a suitable harness and safety line. This can result in a substantial amount of. inconvenience and aggravation for the worker.* A particular prdblem which occurs is that the safety line often becomes entangled -and generally obstructive.

As a result, many construction workers are loath to use such safety equipment.

Furthermore, the obstructions and entanglements themselves create dangerous working conditions.

It is to be appreciated that it would be desirable for a means to be provided whereby these problems are overcome.

COMS ID Na:SMBI-00529153 Received by IP Australia: Time 12:50 Date 2003-12-10 12-01-04:03:47PM:PIZZEYS 120104 0:4PM P ZEY 6 1 73 22 1380 77 4 I I According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a safety apparatus for use on a structure to arrest the fall of a worker, comprising: at least two anchors mounted on said structure spaced apart from each other and a safety line extending between the posts, each said anchor comprising:, a support post having an upper and a lower end; A base plate on the lower end of the support post; a clamp also associated with the lower end of the post for clamping the base plate to a member of the structure on which the safety apparatus is mounted, wherein the clamp comprises a clamping plate for positioning beneath the structure member to facilitate the structure member, the base plate and the 'lamping plate being clamped together; and at least one line connecting formation defined in or on the post towards the upper end of the post to which the safety line is mounted or through which the safety line is passed; whereby a worker working on the structure is operatively connected to the safety line by means of a harness in a way that permits the worker to move around on the structure yet be arrested by the apparatus should they fall **According to a another aspect of the invention, there is provided a safety 25 apparatus for enhancing worker safety, the apparatus including, a support arrangement that Is locatable proximate a hazardous working area; and a connecting arrangement that defines at least one pair of opposed connecting points, the connecting points of the, or each, pair being 0* COMS ID No: SMBI-00566729 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:44 Date 2004-01-12 WO 00/45012 PCT/AU99/00986 2 positioned on opposed sides of the hazardous area so that a line connecting the points spans the hazardous area.

The support arrangement may be mountable on a structure that defines the hazardous working area.

The support arrangement may include at least two support posts that are mounted on an overhead structure to extend upwardly from the overhead structure. In particular, a number of support posts may be mounted on the overhead structure such that a network of safety lines can be positioned above the overhead structure.

Each support post may include a rod that has a base fixed to a lower end thereof. The base may include a base plate and stablising web members. The base plate and the web members may be fixed to the lower end of the rod.

The safety apparatus may include a number of fastening arrangements to permit each support post to be fastened to a beam of the overhead structure.

Each fastening arrangement may be in the form of a clamping device to permit each base to be clamped to the beam.

The connecting arrangement may include a connecting formation positioned on an upper end of each rod. Each connecting formation may be configured to permit at least one line to be attached to each connecting formation.

Each connecting formation may be in the form of a number of projections extending laterally from the upper end of each rod. Each projection may have an opening defined therein to permit an end of a line to be connected to each projection.

Each support post may be of sufficient length to facilitate movement of workers beneath safety lines connected between the support posts.

Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU WO 00/45012 PCT/A U99/00986 3 According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an anchor member for a safety apparatus for enhancing worker safety, the anchor member including an elongate support post that has a lower end that is fastenable to a structure so that the support post extends upwardly from the structure, in use; and a connecting arrangement positioned at an upper end of the support post to permit an end of a safety line to be connected to the support post.

A base may be fixed to the lower end of the support post, the base being fastenable to the structure. The base may include a base plate that is fixed to the lower end of the support post.

The anchor member may be substantially the same as that of the anchor member of the first aspect of the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for a safety apparatus for enhancing worker safety, the kit including at least two support posts that are mountable on a structure that defines a hazardous working area to extend upwardly from the support structure; and a connecting arrangement that is positioned on each support post to permit an end of the safety line to be connected to each support post so that the safety line spans the hazardous area.

The support posts and the connecting arrangements of the kit may be those described in the first aspect of the invention.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a structural assembly which includes a structure having an overhead portion that defines a hazardous working area; a support arrangement that is mounted on the overhead portion of the structure at least proximate the hazardous working area; and Substitute Shemt (Rule 26) RO/AU WO 00/45012 PCT/A U99/00986 4 a connecting arrangement that defines at least one part of opposed connecting points, the connecting points of the, or each, pair being positioned on opposed sides of the hazardous area so that a line connecting the points spans the hazardous area.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of enhancing worker safety, the method including the steps of mounting a support arrangement having a connecting arrangement that defines at least one pair of opposed connecting points, so that a connecting point is positioned on each side of a hazardous area defined by the support arrangement.

The method may include connecting an end of a safety line to each respective connecting point so that at least one safety line spans the hazardous area.

The method may further include mounting a number of support posts on the overhead portion of the structure, each support post defining at least one connecting point.

Each support post may be detachably mounted to the overhead portion of the structure. Thus, each support post may be removed from the structure after use.

Instead, the support posts may be permanently mounted on the overhead portion of the structure. Thus, the support posts can form an integral part of a finished structure.

A safety apparatus in accordance with this invention may manifest itself in a variety of forms. It will be convenient hereinafter to describe in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The purpose of this specific description is to instruct persons having an interest in the subject matter of the invention how to carry the invention into practical effect. It is to be clearly understood however that the specific nature of this Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU WO 00/45012 PCT/AU99/00986 description does not supersede the generality of the preceding broad description. In the drawings: FIG. 1 shows a three dimensional view of a safety apparatus, in accordance with the invention for enhancing worker safety; FIG. 2 shows a three dimensional view of a primary anchor member of the safety apparatus; FIG. 3 shows a side view of the primary anchor member; FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the primary anchor member; FIG. 5 shows a three dimensional view of an intermediate anchor member of the apparatus; FIG 6 shows a side view of the intermediate anchor member; FIG. 7 shows a top plan view of the intermediate anchor member; FIG. 8 shows a side view of a clamping arrangement of the safety apparatus; and FIG. 9 shows a top plan view of a clamping plate of the clamping arrangement.

In FIG. 1, reference 10 generally indicates a safety apparatus, in accordance with the invention, for enhancing worker safety.

The safety apparatus 10 includes a support arrangement in the form of a plurality of anchor members 12.

The anchor members 12 are fastened to beams 14 of a structure 16.

The beams 14 of the structure 16 define a hazardous working area 18. The anchor members 12 therefore extend upwardly from the beams 12 into the hazardous working area 18.

Each anchor member 12 includes a base 20 fixed to a lower end 22 of a support post 24. The anchor members 12 are divided into a group of primary anchor members 12.1 and a group of intermediate anchor members 12.2.

Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU WO 00/45012 PCT/AU99/00986 6 The support post 24 of each primary anchor member 12.1 includes a pair of elongate tubular members or tubes 26. The tubes 26 are positioned side-byside. Each tube 26 is circular cylindrical.

The support post 24 of the primary anchor member 12.1 includes three web members 28. The web members 28 comprise an intermediate web member 28.1 that is positioned between the tubes 26 and extends along the length of the tubes 26.

An outer web member 28.2 is connected to each respective tube 26. The web members 28 are fixed to the tubes 26 and to a base plate 30 of the base The beams 14 of the structure 16 are in the form of I-beams.

The base plate 30 of each primary anchor member 12.1 is clamped to a flange 36 of an I-beam 14.

Thus, the safety apparatus 10 includes a number of clamping arrangements 38.

Each clamping arrangement 38 includes a clamping plate 40 and a cylindrical spacer 42 mounted on the clamping plate 40. The cylindrical spacer 42 is in the form of a cylindrical rod 44 fixed to the clamping plate Each clamping plate 40 has a pair of aligned openings 44 defined therein. Each clamping plate 40 has a clamping region 46 positioned on one side of the openings 44 with the cylindrical rod 42 positioned on an opposed side of the openings 44 in spaced, parallel relationship to the openings 44.

In use, the base plate 30 is positioned on a respective flange 36. The base plates 30 are dimensioned so that sides 48 extend beyond edges 50 of the flange 36. The base plate 30 has a number of slotted openings 52 defined therein. The slotted openings 52 are positioned on each side of the tubes 34, with each opening extending away from the tubes 34 towards the edges 50 of the flange 36.

Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU WO 00/45012 PCT/AU99/00986 7 The slotted openings 52 are configured so that, when the base plate 30 is positioned on the flange 36, the slotted openings 52 are accessible from beneath the flange 36. Thus, the clamping plate 40 is designed so that when the clamping region 46 bears against a lower side 54 of the flange 36, the openings 44 are aligned with respective slots 52. Further, the cylindrical spacer 42 is dimensioned and positioned to bear against the base plate 30. A bolt 56 of the bolt and nut combination 58 is received through each opening 44 and each slotted opening 52. A nut 60 and washer 62 are screwed onto each bolt 56 so that the flange 50 is clamped between the base plate 30 and the clamping plate 40. It will be appreciated that the cylindrical spacer 42 provides pivotal clamping action to enhance the clamping effect. Further, the fact that the openings 52 are slotted permits adjustment of the position of each anchor member 12.1 relative to its respective beam 14.

It will readily be appreciated that, where a permanent fastening arrangement is desired, complementary openings can be provided between the clamp plates the flange 36 and the base plate 30 so that a bolt can be received therethrough. However, in this case, the clamping arrangements 38 provide the facility whereby the anchor members 12 can be removed without affecting the integrity of the beams 14.

The clamping plate 40 is shown in this particular example as having two openings 44. This particular clamping plate 40 is intended to be used with the intermediate anchor member 12.2 described below. However, it will readily be appreciated that the clamping plate 40 will have three openings 44 to correspond with the three slotted openings 52 positioned on each side of the tubes 26.

The safety apparatus 10 includes a connecting arrangement in the form of connecting formations 64 positioned on the upper ends 34 of the tubes 26.

Each connecting formation 64 is in the form of a lug 66 which extends radially from each tube 26. Each lug 66 has an opening 68 defined therein. An end of a safety line 72 is fastenable to each lug 66 via the opening 68. This fastening can take any desired form such as a suitable clip.

Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU WO 00/45012 PCT/AU99/00986 8 In FIG. 5, there is shown an intermediate anchor member 12.2. The support post 24 of the anchor member 12.2 includes a single tube 74. Four equally spaced and radially extending web members 76 are fixed to a lower end 78 of the tube 74. The lower end 78 and the web members 76 are fixed to a base plate 80. The base plate 80 also has the slotted openings 52. Thus, the base plate 80 is clamped to the beams 14 in a similar manner as is the base plate Four equally spaced radially extending lugs 82 are fixed to an upper end 84 of the tube 74. Each lug 82 has an opening 86 defined therein. As before, an end 70 of a safety line 72 can be connected to either of the lugs 82 via its respective opening 86.

In use, a plurality of the anchor members 12 are clamped to the beams 14 of the structure 16. A particular arrangement is shown in FIG. 1. Safety lines 72 are connected between various anchor members to define a network of safety lines 72.

A worker positioned in the hazardous working area 18 wears a safety harness with a safety lead extending therefrom. The safety lead can have a running clip fixed thereto, as is common in the field. The running clip can be clipped to any of the safety lines 72 to move along the safety lines as the worker moves within the hazardous working area 18.

Each anchor member 12 is approximately 1.8 metres high. This serves to keep the safety lead out of the way of the worker and therefore prevents entanglements and dangerous situations from arising.

It will readily be appreciated that the primary anchor member 12.1 is of greater strength than the intermediate anchor members 12.2. It follows that the primary anchor members 12.1 are fastened to the beams 14 in positions where the greater amount of force would be generated should a worker slip and be suspended from one of the safety lines 72.

Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU WO 00/45012 PCT/AU99/00986 9 The applicant believes that the safety apparatus 10 provides a means whereby worker safety in a hazardous area is greatly enhanced. The fact that the safety leads are connected displaceably to a point at head height or above, permits a worker to move about freely in the hazardous area without unnecessary entanglements and inconvenience. Still further, the position of the safety lines 72 is such that should a walker slip, the amount of shock generated by the resultant tautening of the safety lead is reduced. This will be appreciated when one considers what the consequence would be should the safety lead be connected to a point at a worker's feet. A further convenient aspect of this invention is that the safety apparatus 10 can be installed either temporarily or permanently. Where the safety apparatus 10 is installed permanently, the safety apparatus 10 forms part of the structure.

In conclusion, the applicant believes that this invention provides an apparatus for enhancing worker safety which has significant advantages over presently available safety configurations.

It will of course be realised that the above has been given only by way of illustrative example of the invention and that all such modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as is herein set forth.

Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU

Claims

12-01-04:03-47PM:PIZZEYS 12-01-04; 63 47M I ES1 7 3 22 1 80 77 6 I I THE CLAIMS DEFINING THIS INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. A safety apparatus for use on a structure to arrest the fall of a worker, comprising: at least two anchors mounted on said structure spaced apart from each other and a safety line extending between the posts, each said anchor comprising: a support post having an upper and a lower end; a base plate on the lower end of the support post; a clamp also associated with the lower end of the post for clamping the base plate to a member of the structure on which the safety apparatus is mounted, wherein the clamp comprises a clamping plate for positioning beneath the structure member to facilitate the structure member, the base plate and the clamping plate being clamped together; and at least one line connecting formiation defined in or on the post towards the upper end of the post to which the safety line is mounted or through which the safety line is passed; whereby a worker working on the structure is operatively connected to the safety line by means of a harness in a way that permits the worker to move around on the structure yet be arrested by the apparatus should they fall. 2. A safety apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each base plate is welded to its associated support post. 3. A safety apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the base plate projects laterally outwardly from the post on at least two opposed sides thereof. COMS ID No: SMBI-00566729 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:44 Date 2004-01-12 12-01-04;03:4PM;PIZZEYS S6 7 32218077 7/ II 11 4. A safety apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base plate defines at least one slot aperture on each said opposed side of the post. 5. A safety apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the base plate defines two diagonally extending slot apertures on each said opposed side of the post. 6. A safety apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein one or more strengthening webs extend from the base plate to a lower region of the support post to strengthen the support post at its point of attachment to the structure member. 7. A safety apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further including at least one fastening arrangement for clamping the structure member, the base plate and the clamping plate together. 8. A safety apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each fastening arrangement comprises a screw threaded bolt passed through a said slot 20 aperture in the base plate and a bolt aperture in the clamping plate and a nut passed over the bolt that is fastened to clamp the base plate, structure member and base plate together. 9. A safety apparatus according to claim 8, whereby the clamp further includes a spacing formation sandwiched between the base plate and the clamping plate and positioned relative to the bolt so as to exert a pivotal clamping action on the clamping plate and enhance the clamping of the clamping plate to the structure member. o: *o *oooo* COMS ID No: SMBI-00566729 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:44 Date 2004-01-12 12-01-04;03'48PM;P1ZZEYS 12-01-04:0 :4P6 P1ZEY 7 3 22 1 80 77 8 I I 12 A-safety apparatus according to arny one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the line connecting formation comprises an apertured connecting formation projecting laterally outwardly from the upper end of the support post. 11. A safety apparatus according to any one of claims I to 9, wherein there are a plurality of apertured connecting formations extending later-ally in different directions fmom the upper end of the support post. 12. A safety apparatus according to claim 11, wherein eich connecting formation is in the formn of an apertured lug.

13. A safety apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each support post is of sufficient length to facilitate movement of workers beneath said safety line extending between the support posts.

14. A safety apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein each support post is about 1.8 m long. A safety apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further 20 including a harness worn by a worker working in an elevated position on the stwocture having a safety lead with a running clip that is operatively connected to said safety line. *16. A safety apparatus substantially as herein described in the detailed description on pages 5-9 of the specification with reference to the drawings. DATED THIS TWELFTH DAY OF JANUARY 2004 MSPH PTY LTD BY PIZZEYS PATENT AND TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS COMS ID No: SMBI-00566729 Received by IP Australia: Time 16:44 Date 2004-01-12