GB2389386A

GB2389386A - Fall protection system and apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2389386A
Application number: GB0305870A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Harry Crawford
Original assignee: Dunn and Cowe Ltd
Current assignee: Dunn and Cowe Ltd
Priority date: 2002-03-14
Filing date: 2003-03-14
Publication date: 2003-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-14
Also published as: GB2389386B; GB0305870D0

Abstract

A device 20 for coupling to a safety line 14 and being moveable therealong, said device 20 comprising a body portion 402 and a hinged portion 404, locking means 420, and coupling means 24 for coupling to a workers harness, said coupling means 24 being pivotally mounted on the device 20 about an axis which is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof, wherein said hinged portion 404 is movable between an open and closed position allowing the device 20 to be mounted on the safety line 14 and subsequently closed and locked with the locking means 420 to provide a safe attachment point for a worker. Also disclosed are a safety line support [Fig.15], a fall protection system [Fig.1] and a tension indicator [Fig.32].

Description

FALL PROTECTION SYSTEM AND APPARATUS

The present invention relates to fall protection system and apparatus, and in particular to a safety line fall protection system and apparatus.

Fall protection systems which comprise a safety line 5 to which a worker must attach a safety harness have inherent problems which have to be overcome in order to produce a system which provides maximum security to the worker. The most prominent problem involves providing a system which allows a worker to be safely attached to a 10 line while overcoming obstacles such as intermediate line supports. These supports demand that special line-to harness coupling devices be provided which are capable of passing over the supports without having to be detached from and reattached to the line, a situation which for 15 obvious reasons should be avoided.

A number of coupling devices exist which are capable of passing such intermediate supports but these are often of a complicated design requiring to be "fed" onto a safety line from one end thereof.

20 Additionally, in some locations where safety line systems are required, the location of suitable fixing points is often limited and incompatible with the required shape and path of the system. For example, a suitable fixing point may be located too far away from 25 the required path of the safety line to use the fixing point directly.

It is therefore an object of at least one embodiment

-2- of the present invention to provide a fall protection safety system and apparatus, one aspect of which includes a safety line coupling device which is capable of being attached to a safety line at any point thereon and can S safely pass over intermediate line supports while providing a safe anchor point for a worker who is attached thereto.

It is also an object of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a fall protection safety 10 system and apparatus which enables a user to work on either side of a safety line and move from one side thereof to another without the need to disconnect and reconnect to the system.

It is a further object of an aspect of the present 15 invention to provide a safety line support for use in a fall protection system which can utilise otherwise inappropriate fixing points.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for coupling to a 20 safety line and being moveable therealong, said device comprising a body portion, a hinged portion pivotally mounted to said body portion, locking means, and coupling means for coupling to a workers harness, said coupling means being pivotally mounted on the device about an axis 25 which is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof, wherein said hinged portion is moveable between an open and closed position allowing the device to be mounted on the safety line and subsequently closed

-3 and locked with the locking means to provide a safe attachment point for a worker.

Conveniently, the device may be termed a "traveller", "slider", or a "rider".

5 Preferably, the coupling means for coupling to a workers harness is provided on the body portion of the device. Alternatively, the coupling means may be provided on the hinged portion of the device.

The coupling means may be one or more lugs fixed to 10 the device. In one embodiment two lugs may be provided,; one on either side of the device, such that a worker may safely attach to the device via an appropriate lug depending on which side of the safety line the worker is operating. Alternatively, and preferably, the coupling 15 means may be a bracket, elongate or otherwise, having an aperture for receiving a carabiner or other like coupling component. The bracket is advantageously pivotally mounted on the device SUCil that a worker may operate on both sides of a safety line. Conveniently, the bracket 20 is mounted on, and bolted to, the device via a spring plate or the like to allow the bracket to pivot relative to the device while being securely fixed thereto.

In one embodiment of the present invention the bracket is angled downwards with respect to the device 25 when fitted thereto to allow ease of attachment and assist to improve the ease by which the device will slide -

along the safety line when pulled by a worker attached -

thereto, particularly when the line is located overhead.

Preferably, the device, when in a closed position, defines a throughbore through which the safety line runs, said throughbore having a longitudinal slot allowing the coupling device to pass over a safety line support.

5 The term throughbore may refer to a bore defining a circular bore, ovoid bore, rectangular bore or square bore, or any other shape which accommodates the shape of the safety line to which the device is to be attached.

Advantageously, said longitudinal slot has a width 10 smaller than that of the safety line but larger than that of the line support. This prevents the device from inadvertently becoming removed from the safety line while allowing the device Lo pass over tin line supports without having to be detached from and reattached to the 15 line, which should obviously be avoided.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking means comprises a locking pin which engages the body and hinged portions of the device when in a closed position. The locking pin may be a spring pin, or 20 a "pig-tail'' pin, for example.

Conveniently, the body and hinged portions each comprise at least one projection having a throughbore for receiving a locking pin, wherein, when the device is in a closed position, the throughbore of the at least one 25 projection of the body portion is axially aligned with the throughbore of the at least one projection of the hinged portion. Thus, the locking pin may be passed through the throughbores of the body and hinged portions

- s - to retain the device in a closed position.

Preferably, the body and hinged portions each have -

two projections.

Preferably also, the projections are longitudinally 5 spaced and are located in proximity to either end of the device. Preferably, the throughbores of the projections of the body portion are axially aligned. Preferably also, the throughbores of the projections of the hinged portion 10 are axially aligned. This arrangement allows the device to be locked by a single locking pin.

Alternatively, two or more locking pins may be used to lock the device. The locking pins may be tethered Lo the device to prevent loss of the pins. The locking pins 15 may be tethered to the device using a chain or cable, for example. The chain or cable may be fixed to the device by way of a bolt or rivet or the like and may engage the pin using a spring wire clip or the like and may do so when the pin is located in a locking position. This 20 latter arrangement assists to prevent the pins from accidentally becoming removed from a locking position, providing an additional safety feature.

Alternatively, the locking pins may be mounted on the device and may comprise spring means for biassing the 25 pins towards a locking position. This would assist in preventing the locking pins from being accidentally knocked from the throughbores of the projections of the body and hinged portions. Conveniently, where each

-6 locking pin is biassed towards a closed position, there is provided means for gripping the pins to allow the pins -

to be pulled from the respective throughbores. The gripping means may be finger gripping means, for example.

5 In one embodiment of the present invention, the locking means comprises two locking pins each having a finger grip fixed thereto, and having a spring positioned therebetween to bias the pins towards a locking position.

Preferably, a concentric wire runs through the centre of 10 each pin and is secured to one pin and free to slide in the other. This ensures that the spring cannot be dislodged accidentally or otherwise from the device.

Advantageously, tile ends of the device are chamfered to allow the device to correctly align itself upon IS engagement with a safety line support such that the device will smoothly pass over said line support. The device may additionally comprise rollers positioned at either end thereof to ensure smooth passage over a flue support. 20 Preferably, the device comprises guide projections extending from either end of the device.

Advantageously, a guide projection is located at either end of the body portion of the device and at either end of the hinged portion of the device. Conveniently, the 25 projections extend outwardly and upwardly from the end faces of the device and also taper outwardly in a -

direction away from the throughbore of the device, which throughbore being defined when the device is in a closed

-7- position. Thus, when the device is travelllng along a safety line and encounters an intermediate line support, the leading end guide projections will engage the line support, aligning the device with the support so that the 5 support may be received within the slot of the device, Preferably, the device is adapted for use on safety lines having varying diameters or widths.

The device may be provided with a sleeve adaptor which may be fitted to the throughbore of the device to 10 accommodate safety lines of varying diameters and widths.

In a preferred embodiment, the device is adapted for use on a round wire safety line. Preferably, the device is adapted for use on a safety line having a diameter of between mm to 12 mm.

15 Alternatively, the device is for use on a safety line of textile weLhing or metal strip or the like.

Conveniently, the hinged portion of the device may comprise at least one roller which retains the safety line within the throughbore of the device when in a 20 closed position. Conveniently also, the body portion of the device may comprise at least one roller which retains the safety line in the throughbore. The rollers may be spring mounted such that they move to allow the device to pass over a line support.

25 The Applicant has conveniently termed the device "LINEANKA".

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety line support, said

-8- support comprising: a support surface for coupling to a support structure; and a safety line clamp, wherein said safety line clamp 5 is positioned on the safety line and is fixed to said support structure.

Preferably, the support surface comprises a fixing bracket adapted to be coupled to said support structure, said safety line clamp being fixed to the support 10 structure via the bracket.

Conveniently, the safety line clamp may be fixed to the support structure or fixing bracket using bolts, for example. Alternatively, the clamp may be welded in place or fixed in place using rivets, or any other suitable 15 interference fitting means as would readily be selected by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the fixing bracket may include a fixed support member and an adjustable member pivotally mounted on the fixed support 20 member. Advantageously, the safety line clamp is adapted for coupling to the adjustable member, and the fixed support member is secured to the support structure.

Conveniently, the adjustable member may be adjusted relative to the fixed member and subsequently fixed in 25 place once adjusted to the required position.

Preferably, the fixed support member comprises a first planar portion and at least one further planar portion aligned substantially perpendicular to the first

planar portion. Conveniently, the first planar portion is adapted for fixing to the support structure and the at least one further planar portion is adapted for providing pivotal support for the adjustable member.

5 Preferably also, the adjustable member is similar in form to the fixed support member and includes a first planar portion to which the safety line clamp is coupled, and at least one further planar portion aligned substantially perpendicular to the first planar portion, 10 which at least one further planar portion is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the fixed support member.

Preferably, each member of the bracket includes a single further planar portion. More preferably, each member includes two further planar portions, preferably 15 located at either end of the fixed support member and adjustable member. Thus, where each member includes one further planar portion the bracket is provided with a single pivot point. Similarly, where each member includes two further planar portions the bracket is 20 correspondingly provided with two pivot points.

Advantageously, the adjustable member may be pivotally coupled to the fixed support member via a bolting arrangement adapted to be loosened to allow adjustment of the bracket, and tightened to fix the 25 relative position of the members of the bracket.

Preferably, the firs: planar portion of the fixed support member defines at least one elongated slot allowing the safety line clamp to be adjustably fixed to

- 1 0 the support structure via the fixing bracket using anchor bolts or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the fixing bracket may be welded to the support structure and therefore fixed relative thereto.

5 In an alternative embodiment of the present invention the fixing bracket includes a substantially planar surface and at least one fixing portion extending substantially perpendicular from said substantially planar surface, wherein the safety line clamp is fixed to 10 the at lest one fixing portion.

Preferably, the fixing bracket has two fixing portions. Conveniently, the free ends of the fixing porti Ens may be joined in order- to ice the strength of the fixing bracket.

15 Advantageously, the fixing bracket may be fixed to the support structure using a bolt extending through the substantially planar surface and into the structure.

Alternatively, the fixing bracket may be welded to the support structure.

20 The fixing bracket may be an inverted 'T' section having a portion of material removed from the vertical portion thereof to allow a bolt, for example, to be inserted to fix said bracket to the support structure.

The bracket may alternatively be a preformed element 25 of sheet metal, stamped and folded to form the bracket.

Once folded, the bracket may be spot welded, for example, in order to retain the preferred shape. Alternatively, the bracket may be bolted or rivetted or the like.

-11 In one embodiment of the present invention the safety line clamp includes a tubular member and a planar fixing member attached thereto wherein the tubular member is adapted for mounting on the safety line.

5 Conveniently, the planar fixing member is welded to the tubular member. It should be understood, however, that any suitable means of securing the fixing member to the tubular member may be utilised as would readily be selected by a person of skill in the art.

10 Advantageously, the planar fixing member includes at least one aperture for receiving a respective bolt or the like for fixing the clamp to the support structure either directly or via a fixing bracket.

Conveniently, the support structure may be a wall, 15 support post, or a structural beam or the like.

Advantageously, the safety line support may be located in any suitable place.

In an alternative embodiment, the safety line clamp is preformed and includes two substantially planar 20 members integrally formed with, and joined by, a curved portion. Thus, in order to fit the clamp to a safety line, the curved portion of the clamp is first placed over the line and the substantially planar members are folded together to close the curved portion such that the 25 line is located in a throughbore defined by the closed curved portion.

Advantageously, the substantially planar members; include apertures for receiving bolts or the like for

-12 fixing the clamp to the support structure either directly or via a fixing bracket.

Preferably, the safety line support further comprises an elongate bar which substantially extends the 5 length of the safety line clamp and which is bolted or otherwise fixed thereto by the bolts or other suitable fixing components used to secure the clamp to the support structure either directly or via the fixing bracket.

Thus, the line clamp is pinned between the support 10 structure or the fixing bracket and the elongate bar which substantially prevents buckling or twisting of the line clamp when in use, increasing the overall integrity of the line support.

Preferably, the safety line support is for use as an 15 intermediate anchor or support for a fall protection safety line.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fall protection system comprising: 20 a safety line extending between at least two safety line anchors; and a device for coupling to the safety line and being moveable therealong and providing a safe attachment point for a worker, wherein said coupling device, when in a 25 closed position, defines a throughbore through which the safeLy line runs, said thoughbore hey a longiCudirlal slot allowing the coupling device to pass over any intermediate line support.

-13 Preferably, the safety line extends between two fixed points such as a wall or an anchor post and is fixed thereto using a fixing bracket or the like.

Preferably, the safety line comprises an energy 5 absorber located at one or both ends thereof, wherein said energy absorber absorbs energy from a fall in order to minimise injury to a worker and to substantially prevent or reduce damage caused to the safety line anchors in the event of a fall. The energy absorber may 10 be a corrugated strip of deformable material, such as stainless steel, for example, which is at least partially straightened in the event of a fall. Preferably, the corrugated energy absorber ls formed from a strip of BS 4360 - 43A quality carbon steel or 316 stainless steel or 15 the like. Advantageously, the dimensions of the energy absorber may be selected in accordance with the safety line system requirements, such as line length, number of workers dependent on the line and the maximum force which can be exerted on the workers and anchors in the event of 20 a fall. It should be understood that this list is not limiting and that a number of other factors not explicitly mentioned herein may be taken into account when selecting the dimensions of the energy absorber.

Preferably also, the energy absorber is adapted to 25 initiate extension at a force predetermined by the rrar-rfhuer Ot- installer of the safety line system in accordance with the requirements of the system.

Preferably, one end of the safety line is coupled to

-14 one anchor point using a line tensioner, such as a turnbuckle or a ratchet tensioner or the like.

Advantageously, the fall protection system further comprises a safety line tension indicator which in use 5 indicates that a pre-determined tension in the line has been reached. A tension indicator such as that described below in accordance with, and with reference to, the seventh aspect of the present invention may be utilised. 10 Conveniently, the safety line of the fall protection system may be supported by at least one, and preferably a plurality of intermediate line anchors located at intervals along the line.

In an alternative embodiment, at least one of the at 15 least two anchor points may be a dead-weight anchor such as that described in Applicant's granted UK Patent No. -GS 2330169. A particular advantage of using such a dead-; weight anchor is that it avoids the need to penetrate the roof, for example, and the consequent need to reseal 20 against water penetration. Furthermore, the use of Applicant's dead-weight anchor may also eliminates the requirement to provide an energy absorber on the safety line. In one embodiment of the present invention, the 25 coupling device may be that device described in accordance with, and with reference to, the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fall protection system

-15 - comprlelng: -

a safety line extending between at least two points and being supported by at least one intermediate safety line support as defined in accordance with the second -

5 aspect; and a coupling device as defined in accordance with the first aspect for coupling to the safety line and being moveable therealong, wherein said coupling device, when in a closed position, defines a throughbore through which 10 the safety line runs, said throughbore having a longitudinal slot allowing the coupling device to pass over said at least one intermediate safety line anchor.

Preferably, the safety line extends between two fixed points such as a wall or an anchor post and is 15 fixed thereto using a fixing bracket or the like.

Alternatively, the safety line may extend between two dead-weight anchor points, or between a fixed point and a dead-weight anchor point, for example.

Preferably, where the safety line extends between 20 two fixed points, the safety line comprises an energy absorber located at one or both ends thereof, wherein said energy absorber absorbs energy from a fall in order to minimise injury to a worker and to substantially prevent or reduce damage caused to the safety line 25 anchors in the event of a fall. The energy absorber may be a corrugated strip of deformable material, such as stainless steel, for example, which is at least partially straightened in the event of a fall. Preferably, the

-16 corrugated energy absorber is formed from a strip of BS 4360 - 43A quality carbon steel or 316 stainless steel or the like. Preferably also, the energy absorber is adapted to initiate extension at a force determined in 5 accordance with the fall protection system requirements.

Preferably, one end of the safety line is coupled to one anchor point using a line tensioner, such as a -

turnbuckle or a ratchet tensioner or the like.

Advantageously, the fall protection system further 10 comprises a safety line tension indicator which in use -

indicates that a predetermined tension in the line has been reached. A tension indicator such as that described below in accordance with, and with reference to, the seventh aspect of the present invention may be 15 utilized. Conveniently, the safety line of the fall protection system may be supported by a plurality of intermediate -

line anchors located at intervals along the line.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the at 20 least one intermediate line support may be anchored in place using bolts or the like. Alternatively, the at least one support may be mounted on a dead weight anchor such as that described in Applicant's granted UK Patent No. GB 2330169.

25 It should be understood that the various but non essential features of the intermediate safety line = support and the coupling device as described above with reference to the second and first aspects respectively

-17 may also be applied to the coupling device according to the fourth aspect.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts to be 5 assembled to form a fall protection safety system, said kit of parts comprising: a safety line including anchor coupling means; at least one intermediate safety line support as defined in accordance with the second aspect; 10 a coupling device for coupling to the safety line and being moveable therealong, said device comprising a body portion, a hinged portion pivotally mounted to said body portion, locking means, and means for coupling to a workers harness, said coupling means being pivotally 15 mounted on the device about an axis which is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof, wherein, when the kit is assembled, said hinged portion is moveable between an open and closed position allowing the device to be mounted on the safety line and 20 subsequently closed and locked with the locking means to provide a safe anchor point for a worker, wherein said coupling device, when in a closed position, defines a throughbore through which the safety line runs, said throughbore having a longitudinal slot allowing the 25 coupling device to pass over said at least one intermediate safety line anchor.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety line support, said support

-18 comprising: a fixed support bracket) an adjustable bracket pivotally mounted on the fixed support bracket; 5 a tubular member adapted for mounting on the safety line and having a planer fixing member attached thereto, said planar fixing member adapted for coupling to the adjustable bracket.

Preferably, the adjustable bracket may be adjusted 10 relative to the fixed bracket and subsequently fixed in place once adjusted to the required position.

In use, a worker may fix a safety harness to the safety line via a suitable device adapted to be slidably mounted on the safety line. Such a device may, for 15 example, be a coupling device such as that described in accordance with the first aspect. Such a coupling device preferably defines a longitudinal slot which allows the device to slide or travel over the planar fixing member of the support while remaining attached to the safety 20 line. However, for smooth passage over a bracket the longitudinal slot of the coupling device needs to be aligned with the planar member. This may be achieved by various means, but to assist this the adjustable bracket 25 may be adjusted and fixed in place in a position which is known to provide the smoothest passage for the slider at a specific location.

Preferably, the fixed bracket comprises a first

-19 planar portion and at least one further planar portion aligned substantially perpendicular to the first planar portion. Conveniently, the first planar portion is adapted for fixing to a support structure and the at 5 least one further planar portion is adapted for providing pivotal support for the adjustable bracket.

Preferably also, the adjustable bracket is similar in form to the fixed bracket and includes a first planar portion to which the planar fixing member is coupled, and 10 at least one further planar portion substantially perpendicular to the first planar portion, which at least one further planar portion is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the fixed bracket.

Preferably, the fixed bracket and adjustable bracket 15 each include a single further planar portion. More preferably, each bracket includes two further planar portions, preferably located at either end of the fixed bracket and adjustable bracket.

Advantageously, the adjustable bracket may be 20 pivotally coupled to the fixed bracket via a bolting arrangement adapted to be loosened to allow adjustment of the bracket, and tightened to fix the relative position of the brackets.

Preferably, the first planar portion of the fixed 25 bracket defines at least one elongated slot allowing the anchor to be adjustably fixed to a support structure using anchor bolts or the like. Advantageously, the safety line support may be mounted on a support structure

-20 such as a wall or a support post or the like.

Additionally, the safety line support may be secured in any plane, such as vertically or horizontally, for example.

5 The safety line support is readily adapted for use in supporting a safety line which follows a curved path, such as a corner or a bend or the like. This arrangement preferably requires two safety line anchors, one located on either side of the corner or bend or the like.

lo In this situation where a safety line follows a curved path, it is preferable that a smooth transition is provided over the curved portion to allow smooth passage of the coupling device. Preferably, a curved tubular member is provided on the safety line at the location of 15 the curve or bend, the ends of which curved tubular member engage respective ends ofthe tubular members of each support. The curved tubular member may define any suitable radius of curvature as required.

Preferably, the ends of the tubular members of each 20 safety line support describes a larger diameter than the remaining portion of the tubular member, such that the curved tubular member may be slotted therein. The ends of the tubular member of the anchors may be swayed, drifted or reamed or the like.

25 Additionally, the ends of the curved tubular member may be of a reduced diameter in relation to the remaining = portion of the curved tubular member to enable the ends thereof to be more readily inserted into the ends of the -

-21 tubular members of the supports.

Alternatively, the ends of the tubular members of each safety line support may describe a smaller diameter than the remaining portion of the tubular member, such 5 that the ends of the tubular members may be slotted within the ends of the curved tubular member.

Preferably, the safety line supports are adjusted in order to orientate the planar fixing member into a position wherein smooth passage of the coupling device 10 may be achieved.

Preferably, in order to achieve the required adjustment of the supports while maintaining the angle of the curve or bend, the curved tubular member is rotatable relative to the tubular members of the supports.

15 When adjustment of the supports is undertaken, the ends of the tubular members will tend to separate due to the change in the distance between the tubular members of the respective anchors.

Thus, in use, the supports may be partially fixed to 20 a support structure by use of a bolt or the like extending through the at least one elongate slot in the first planar portion of the fixed bracket, and then adjusted as required such that the precise location of the anchors may be determined. Once the bracket has been 25 adjusted and the exact location is determined, the bolts of- the like may be tightened to securely fix the supports in place.

According to a seventh aspect of the present

-22 invention, there is provided a tension indicator for indicating the tension in a line fixed between two points, said tension indicator comprising: a body defining a throughbore having an internal 5 abutment; an anchor connection surrounding said body and adapted for anchoring an end of a line to a fixed point; and at least one spring member located within the 10 throughbore of the body having one end engaging the internal abutment and an opposite end engaging a first face of the anchor connection such that when the at least one spring member is in a relaxed state a gap is formed between the body and the first face of the anchor 15 connection; wherein, in use, the end of a line is passed through the first face of the anchor connection, through the throughbore of the body and the at least one spring member located therein, and secured to the body, such 20 that when tension is applied to the line the body is pulled towards the first face of the anchor connection against the bias of the at least one spring member until the body abuts the anchor connection, indicating that a pre-required tension has been reached.

25 In this way a line can be set to a required tension by providing the at least one spring member with a pre selected stiffness and a length to provide a preselected gap between the body and anchor connection. The force:

-23 required to compress the spring to close the gap between the body and anchor connection is substantially equivalent to the tension in the line which will thus be directly proportional to the stiffness of the at least 5 one spring and the initial gap distance between the body and the anchor connection.

Advantageously, the throughbore is substantially circular in crosssection. Alternatively, the throughbore may be square, rectangular or ovoid in cross 10 section, or any other suitable sectional shape as would readily be selected by a person of skill in the art.

Preferably, the internal abutment of the throughbore is an annular shoulder. Advantageously, the annular shoulder may be provided between two separate portions of 16 the throughbore of the body having different diameters.

Alternatively, the internal abutment may be one or more bosses extending into the thtoughbore.

Conveniently, the at least one spring member may be a compression spring. Alternatively, the at least one 20 spring member may be an elastomer or other like material having linear or otherwise spring properties.

Preferably, a single spring member is provided.

Alternatively, two or more spring members may be provided. Thus, this arrangement will allow springs to 25 be located within each other, particularly where compression springs are utlllsed.

Advantageously, the end of the line is formed by a tensioner such as a turnbuckle or the like.

-24 Preferably, the end of the line is passed through the throughbore of the body and secured to the body by a nut or the like which engages an end face of the body such that the line is secured relative to the body in one 5 longitudinal direction only.

In a particular use in a safety line system, the required tension in the line will be determined taking into account various factors such as cable length, cable type, anticipated loading during a fall and the number of 10 workers depending on the line, among others. Once the required tension is determined the at least one spring member will be selected in accordance with stiffness and length Acid the tension indicator will be assembled. The line will then be tensioned in the appropriate manner, 15 for example using a turnbuckle, while the tension indicator is being observed until the gap between the body and the anchor connection is closed. At this stage the required tension in the line will have been reached.

According to an eighth aspect of the present 20 invention, there is provided a safety line support, said support comprising a support member extending between two fixed points, and a fastener device coupled to the support member and coupled to a safety line such that the safety line is supported by the support member via the 25 fastener device.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the support member is a support cable such as wire rope or the like. In this embodiment, the support cable

-25 preferably comprises an energy absorber located at at least one end thereof, wherein said energy absorber absorbs a portion of the energy in the event of a fall of a worker attached to the safety line, thus assisting to 5 minimise injury to the worker and to substantially prevent or reduce damage caused to the safety line anchors in the event of a fall. The energy absorber may be, for example, a corrugated strip of deformable material, such as stainless steel, for example, which is 10 at least partially straightened in the event of a fall.

Preferably, where the support member is a support cable, a cable tensioner is provided to set the cable to the correct Lension and to substantially miT>imise swinging of the support cable when a safety line is 15 attached thereto. Such a tensioner may be a turnbuckle or the like.

Preferably also, where the support member is a support cable, a tension indicator is provided which indicates when the correct tension in the cable has been 20 achieved. For example, a tension indicator such as that defined above in accordance with, and with reference to, the seventh aspect of the present invention may be utilized. Alternatively, the support member my comprise at 25 least one substantially rigid elongate member extending between the two fixed points. The rigid elongate member may be a metal tubular, for example, such as a pipe of circular, square or rectangular cross-section or the

-26 like. Preferably, the support member comprises two or more substantially rigid members aligned parallel to each other and joined together by at least one structural element to form a support frame. The at least one 5 structural element may be a web of material or alternatively may be a discrete component comprising, for example, a box or top-hat section thin-walled element.

Alternatively further, the at least one structural element may be an elongate body extending substantially 10 perpendicular or otherwise to the rigid members.

Advantageously, each substantially rigid member is joined together by a plurality of discrete structural elements distributed along the length of the rigid members. In this way, the fastener device may be coupled to the at 15 least one substantially rigid member.

Preferably, the fastener device comprises coupling means for coupling to the support member. The support member coupling means may be, for example, a clamp which may be releasable secured to the support member such that 20 adjustment of the safety line fixing point may be achieved. The clamp may comprise, for example, at least one U or V-bolt which is positioned over the support member and secured to a plate or the like such that the support member is clamped between the at least one bolt 25 and the plate.

Conveniently, the fastener device also comprises coupling means for coupling to the safety line. The safety line coupling means may comprise a separate safety

-27 line support such as that described above in accordance with and with reference to the sixth aspect. -

Preferably, the safety line support is particularly advantageous for supporting a safety line from above 5 where a suitable fixing point is too far removed from the required path of the safety line to directly couple the safety line to the fixing point. The fixing or fixed points may be, for example, wall or roof surfaces, support columns or beams or the like or any combination 10 thereof.

Preferably also, the safety line support is particularly advantageous where the support member and the safety line are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other.

15 These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a fall protection system in accordance with one embodiment of 20 the present invention; Figure 2 is a representation of a coupling device and an intermediate line anchor device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; Figures 3 to 7 are alternative views of the coupling 25 device shown in Figure 2; Figures 8 and 9 show side and end views of a rope guide portion of the intermediate line anchor device of Figure 2;

-28 Figures 10 and 11 are perspective views of a fall protection system located in a corner location; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a portion of a safety line of an alternative fall protection system in 5 accordance with the present invention located in a corner location; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a portion of a safety line of another alternative fall protection system in accordance with the present invention located in a 10 corner location; Figure 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a coupling device in accordance with the present invention; Figure 15 is a representation of a coupling device 15 and an intermediate line anchor device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figures 16 to 18 are alternative views of the sliding coupling device shown in Figure 15; Figures 19 to 21 are views of alternative 20 embodiments of an intermediate line anchor device; Figures 22 to 24 show sliding coupling devices in accordance with various alternative embodiments of the present invention; Figures 25A and 25B show part sectional front views 25 of a sliding coupling device in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figures 26A, 26B and 27 to 29 show sliding coupling devices in accordance with various alternative

-29 embodiments of the present invention; -

Figures 30 and 31 show alternative embodiments of an energy absorber in accordance with the present invention; Figure 32 is a perspective view of an embodiment of -

5 the turnbuckle and tension indicator shown in Figure 1 with a portion of the tension indicator shown broken away; Figure 33 is a cross- sectional view of the turnbuckle and tension indicator of Figure 32; and 10 Figures 34 to 36 show alternative embodiments of a safety line support in accordance with further aspects of the present invention.

Reference is first made to Figure 1 of the drawlers in which there is shown a fall protection system, 15 generally indicated by reference numeral 10, in accordance with one embodiment of an aspect of the present invention. The system 10 is provided on a roof 12 of a building and includes a safety line 14 extending between two safety line anchor posts 16, 18 and being 20 supported by intermediate safety line anchors 20. A slidable traveller device 22 is provided which is mounted on the line 14 and comprises a coupling portion 24 to allow a worker 26 to fasten a safety harness 28 thereto.

At one end of the safety line 14 there is provided 25 an energy absorber 30 positioned between one end of the safety line 14 and anchor post 16, the energy absorber 30 being provided to minimise injury to the worker 96 in the event of a fall and to substantially prevent or reduce

-30 damage caused to the anchor posts 16,18 or the roof 12 on which posts 16,18 are mounted. At an opposite end of the safety line 14 there is provided a turnbuckle 32 to allow the required line tension to be achieved. Located 5 between the turnbuckle 32 and support post 18 is a tension indicator 33 which in use indicates when the required line tension has been achieved.

The structure and function of the various components of the fall protection system 10 will become apparent lo from the following detailed description of embodiments of

the invention.

A preferred embodiment of the traveller device 22 and 1nte-rmediate safety line anchors 20 will now be described with reference to Figure 2. The traveller 22 15 comprises a body portion 402 and a hinged portion 404 mounted on said body portion 402 via spindle 406. The coupling portion 24 is an elongate angled bracket mounted on the body portion 402 using a bolt 408. The bracket 24 is pivotally mounted on the device 22 such that a worker 20 may operate on both sides of the safety line 14. An aperture 410 is provided in the distal end of the bracket 24 for receiving a carabiner 46 which is in turn coupled to the safety harness 28 (Figure 1) of the worker The hinged portion 404 is moveable between an open 25 and closed position allowing the traveller 22 to be mounted or the safety line 14 and subsequently closed and locked, as shown in Figure 2, using a spring pin 412 which engages both the body 402 and hinged portions 404.

-31 To accommodate the locking pin 412, the body and hinged portions each comprise two projections 414, 416, each having a throughbore which are axially aligned when the traveller 22 is in a closed position, said throughbores 5 for receiving the pin 412.

The locking pin 412 is tethered to the device using a chain 418, one end of which is bolted to the body portion 402 while the other end is attached to a loop 420 in the locking pin 412. It should be noted that the 10 presence and form of the loop 420 is such that it assists -

to prevent the pin 412 from inadvertently being removed from the locking position due to engagement of the loop 42C With projection 416 of the hinged portion 404. -

Reference is additionally made to Figures 3 and 4 of 15 the drawings where the traveller device 22 may be seen in an open position with the locking pin 412 removed, and also Figure 5 where the traveller device 22 is shown in a closed position. As can be appreciated, the traveller device 22 defines a throughbore 422 through which the 20 safety line 14 runs, said throughbore 422 having a longitudinal slot 424 allowing the traveller 22 to pass over the intermediate line anchors 20. This can be more clearly seen in Figure 6 in which there is shown an end view of the traveller 22 passing over an intermediate 25 line anchor 20. When the traveller 22 i s in a closed position, the longitudinal slot 424 has a width smaller than that of the safety line 14 but slightly larger than the line support 20 at the neck portion thereof,

-32 1ndicated by reference numeral 426. This prevents the traveller 22 from inadvertently becoming removed from the safety line 14 while allowing the device to be readily passed over the line supports 20 by a user without having 5 to be detached from and reattached to the line 14.

Each end of the body and hinged portions 402, 404 include guide projections 428 extending outwardly and upwardly therefrom. Figure 7 is a top view of the traveller device 22 and clearly shows the form of the 10 guide projections 428. As shown, each projection 428 includes a guide edge 430 which tapers outwardly from the throughbore 422 of the device 22. Thus, when the device 22 is traveling along the safety line 14 and encounters a line support 20, the leading end projections 428 will 15 engage the line support 20 and align the traveller 22 so that the support 20 may be received within the slot 424.

Projections 428 are also clearly shown in Figures 2 and 4. Referring again to Figure 2, a preferred embodiment 20 of an intermediate safety line anchor 20 will now be described. The anchor 20 comprises a fixed bracket 432 and an adjustable bracket 434 pivotally mounted on the fixed bracket 432 via nut and bolt arrangements 436, and a tubular safety line retaining element 435 mounted over 25 the safety line 14 and fixed to the adjustable bracket.

The adjustable bracket 434 may be adjusted relative to the fixed bracket 432 by loosening the nut and bolt arrangements 436 and subsequently fixed in place once

- 33 adjusted to the required position.

The fixed bracket 432 includes a planar member 438 which is mounted on any suitable support structure (not shown) and includes two further planar portions 440 5 located at either end of the planar member 438 and extending substantially perpendicular therefrom. The further planar portions 440 are for providing pivotal support for the adjustable bracket 434. The planar member 438 defines an elongate slot 439 allowing the lo anchor 2 0 to be adjustably fixed to the support structure using anchor bolts or the like.

The adjustable bracket 434 is similar in form to the fixed bracket 432 in that the adjustable bracket 434 includes a planar portion 442 and two further planar 15 portions 444 extending substantially perpendicular from either end of portion 442. The safety line retaining element 435 is secured to planar portion 442 via bolts 446 and the further planar portions 444 are pivotally coupled to the fixed bracket 432.

20 The safety line anchor 20 further comprises an elongate bar 448 which extends the length of the retaining element 435 and which is fixed thereto using bolts 446. Thus, as shown, the line retaining element -

435 is pinned between the planar portion 442 of the -

25 adjustable bracket 434 and the elongate bar 448, which arrangement substantially prevents buckling or twisting of the retaining element 435 when in use.

The form of the safety line retaining element is

-34 shown 1n Figures 8 and 9 which are front and end views respectively of the element 435. The retaining element 435 includes a tubular member 450 welded at point 452 to a planar member 454, Welch planar member 454 includes a 5 plurality of apertures 4SS through which bolts 446 (Figure 2) are inserted to secure the retaining element 435 to the adjustable bracket 434. In use, the safety line 14 is passed through the throughbore 458 defined by the tubular member 450. The safety line retaining 10 element 435 shown in Figures 8 and 9 is sufficiently rigid so that it will not undergo permanent deformation during a fall producing a force of less than 5 to 6 kN.

Reference is now made to Flqures 10 and 11 in which there is shown a portion of a fall protection system 500 15 according to the present invention, located in a corner location. Referring initially to Figure 10 the system 500 includes a safety line 14, a safety line anchor 20 similar to that shown in Figure 2 and being fixed to a wall 502, and a traveller 22 similar to that also shown 20 in Figure 2. The safety line 14 extends through the tubular member 450 of the retaining element 435 and also passes through a curved tubular member 504 which has a suitable radius of curvature to smoothly extend around the corner. In the embodiment shown, the end portion 506 25 of the curved tubular member 504 has a smaller diameter than the end portion 508 of the tubular member 450 of the retaining element 435 such that end 506 may be inserted into end 503. It should be understood that in other

-35 embodlments the ends may be sized such that end 508 1s inserted into end 506.

Figure 11 shows the system 500 with the wall 502 and traveller 22 removed for clarity, and the curved tubular 5 member 504 extending between two anchors 20.

Reference is now made to Figure 12 in which there is shown a representation of a portion of a fall protection system 300 used in a corner location. A similar arrangement can be used for a straight run. As shown, 10 the fall protection system 300 includes a safety line 302 supported on either side of the corner by safety line anchors 304. Each anchor 304 includes a fixed support bracket 306, an adjustable bracket 308 pivotally mounted to the fixed bracket 306 at pivot point 310, and a 15 tubular member 312 mounted over the safety line 302, wherein the tubular member 312 is coupled to the -adjustable bracket 308 using a planar fixed member 314.

The planar fixed member 314 is welded to the tubular member 312 and is coupled to the adjustable bracket 308 20 using bolts, rivets etc. The planar fixed member 314 can also be formed from a thin sheet and wrapped around the member 312 thus forming a throughbore which surrounds member 312.

The fixed bracket 306 of the anchor 304 comprises 25 two mutually perpendicular planar portions 316, 318, the first planar portion 316 for fixing to a support structure, which in the embodiment shown is a wall 320, and the second planar portion 318 for providing pivotal

-36 support for the adjustable bracket 308. The first planar portion 316 defines an elongated slot 326 allowing the anchor 304 to be adjustable fixed to the wall 320 using bolts or rivets etc. (not shown).

5 The adjustable bracket 308 includes a first planar portion 322 to which the planar fixing member 314 is coupled, and a second portion 324 which is pivotally mounted to the fixed bracket 306.

Thus, in use, the adjustable bracket 308 would be 10 adjusted in order to correctly orientate the planar fixing member 314 into a position where smooth passage of a coupling device (not shown) may be achieved. It should be noted that the coupling device may be any device which allows a worker to safely attach a safety harness to the 15 line 302, such as traveller device 22 described above and shown in particular in Figure 2. Once the planar fixing member 314 is located in the required position, the adjustable bracket 308 may be fixed relative to the fixed bracket 306 to maintain the required orientation.

20 A curved tubular member 328 is provided mounted over the safety line 302 in order to provide a smooth transition and line path at the location of the corner.

The ends 330, 332 of the curved tubular member 328 engage respective ends 334, 336 of the tubular members 312 of 25 the anchors 304. As shown in Figure 12, the ends 334, 336 of the tubular members 312 describe a larger internal diameter than the remaining portion of the members 312, such that the ends of the curved tubular member 328 may

-37 be slotted therein. For example, the ends 334, 336 of the tubular members 312 may be swayed, drifted or reamed or the like.

Additionally, the ends 330, 332 of the curved 5 tubular member 328 are reduced in diameter in relation to the remaining portion thereof.

In an alternative embodiment, ends 334, 336 may be inserted into ends 330, 332 respectively.

When the anchors 304 are adjusted as noted above, 10 the curved tubular member 328 will rotate within the ends 334/ 336 of the tubular members 312 in order to maintain the radius of curvature of the safety line 302.

Furthermore, when the adjustable brackets 308 arc adjusted, the distance between the ends 334, 336 of the 15 tubular member 312 will tend to vary, and in order to accommodate this, the bolts used to fix the anchors in place may be loosened such that the anchors 304 may be adjusted within the limits of the elongated slot 326, and once the required location is determined, the bolts may 20 be tightened to secure the anchors 304 in place.

A further alternative safety line system in a corner location is shown in Figure 13. In this embodiment, the corner location is defined by a column 550 which provides support for a mounting bracket 552 which is fixed thereto 25 using a bolt 554. Fixed to the mounting bracket 552 is an extension support 556 whi ch includes two elongate members 558 disposed substantially at right angles to each other. The extension support 556 is shown fixed to

-38 the mounting bracket 552 via a nut and bolt arrangement 560 which extends through the junction 561 between the elongate members 558 and also through the mounting bracket S52. Fixed to the distal end of each elongate 5 member 558 is a safety line retaining element 562 similar to that element 435 shown in, for example, Figure 2. A curved tubular member 564 is secured by any suitable means at either end to a respective safety line retaining element 562 and a safety line 14 is passed through each 10 retaining element 562 and the curved tubular member.

Thus, a smooth passage is provided for a traveller device such as that device 22 shown, for example, in Figure 2.

Reference is now made to Figure 14 in which there IS shown a perspective view of a traveller device 22a in 15 accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The device 22a is similar to that device 22 -shown in Figure 2 and as such only the differing features will be described while similar components share the same reference numerals. In substitution of the bracket 24 of 20 device 22, traveller device 22a comprises two securing lugs 570 integrally formed with the body portion 402.

The lugs are located on either side of the device 22a such that a worker may safely attach to the device 22a via an appropriate lug 570 depending on which side of the 25 safety line 14 the worker is operating. As shown, the lugs 570 are of such a size so as to accommodate the attachment of a carabiner 46.

A further alternative embodiment of a traveller

-39 device 22b and intermediate safety line anchors 20a will now be described with reference initially to Figure 15.

The traveller device 22b comprises a body portion 34 and a hinged portion 36 mounted on said body portion 34 via 5 hinge pins 38, 40. The coupling portion 24 (Figure 1) is an elongate bracket mounted on the body portion 34 using a bolt 42. The elongate bracket 24 is pivotally mounted on the device 22b such that a worker may operate on both sides of the safety line 14. An aperture 44 is provided 10 in a distal end of the bracket 24 for receiving a carabiner 46 which is in turn coupled to the safety harness of the worker.

The hinged portion 36 is moveable between an open and closed position allowing the traveller 22b to be 15 mounted on the safety line 14 and subsequently closed and locked, as shown in Figure 15, using a "pig-tail" locking pin 48 which engages both the body 34 and hinged portions 36. To accommodate the locking pin 48, the body and hinged portions each comprise two projections 50, 52, 20 each having a throughbore which are axially aligned when the traveller 22b is in a closed position, said throughbores for receiving the pin 48.

The locking pin 48 is tethered to the device 22b using a chain 54, one end of which is bolted to the body 25 portion 34 while the other end isattached to a spring clip 56 which passes through a diametrical throughbore 55 in the locking pin 48 while in a locking position. Thus, the presence of the spring clip 56 prevents the pin 48

-40 from accidentally becoming removed from the locking position. Referring additionally to Figures 16 and 17, the traveller device 22b may be seen in an open position with 5 the locking pin 48 removed. As can be appreciated, the traveller device 22b defines a throughbore 58 through which the safety line 14 runs, said throughbore 58 having a longitudinal slot 60 allowing the traveller 22b to pass over the intermediate safety line anchors 20.

10 This can be more clearly seen in Figure 18 in which there is shown an end view of the traveller 22b passing over an intermediate line anchor 20a. When the traveller 22b is in a closed position, the longitudinal slot 60 has a width smaller than that of the safety line 14 but IS slightly larger than the line support 20a at a neck portion thereof, indicated by reference numeral 62. This prevents the traveller 22b from inadvertently becoming removed from the safety line 14 while allowing the device to be readily passed over the line supports 20a by a user 20 without having to be detached from and reattached to the line 14, which should obviously be avoided.

The ends of the body and hinged portions are chamfered 64 to allow the traveller 22b to correctly align itself upon engagement with the safety line support 25 20a such that the traveller 22b will smoothly pass over said line support.

Referring again to Figure 15, an alternative embodiment of an intermediate safety line anchor 20a will

now be described. The anchor 2Oa comprises a fixing bracket 68 mounted on a support post 7Q, for example, and fixed thereto using a bolt 69 extending through the bracket 68 and into the top of the post 70. The fixing 5 bracket 68 has a substantially planar surface 72 and two fixing portions 74 which extend substantially perpendicular from said substantially planar surface 72, forming an inverted T-shaped bracket. A safety line clamp 76 is positioned over the safety line 14 and is 10 bolted to fixing portions 74 of the fixing bracket 68.

It should be noted that the line clamp 76 does not grip the line 14 with any significant force as it is required that the line 14 is free to run through the intermediate safety line anchors 20a in the event of a fall in order 15 to activate the energy absorber 30 (Figure 1).

The safety line anchor 20a further comprises an elongate bar 78 which extends the length of the line clamp 76 and which is fixed thereto using bolts 80 used to secure the clamp 76 to the fixing bracket 68. Thus, 20 as shown, the line clamp 76 is pinned between the fixing portions 74 of the bracket 68 and the elongate bar 78 which substantially prevents buckling or twisting of the line clamp 76 when in use.

Further alternative embodiments of the intermediate 2s safety line anchors will now be described with reference to Figures 19 and 20. Initially referring to Figure 19, a line anchor 20b is shown with a suitable line clamp removed for clarity. The structural features of this

-42 anchor 2Ob are similar to that shown in Figure 15, and as such like features share the same reference numerals.

In this embodiment the anchor 20b comprises a fixing bracket 68 formed from a sheet of metal, stamped and 5 folded to form the bracket 68 having a T-shape. Once folded, the bracket may be spot welded 82 in order to retain the preferred shape. The free ends of the fixing portions 74 are joined by an integral metal portion 84 in order to increase the strength of the fixing bracket 68.

10 Referring now to Figure 20, a slightly modified anchor 20c is shown which is essentially the same as that shown in Figure 6, with the exception that the free ends of the fixing portions 74 are not joined.

In a further alternative embodiment, the bracket of -

15 the safety line anchors may be forged as opposed to -

stamped and folded from a sheet of metal.

One embodiment of the line clamp 76 is shown in Figure 21 removed from the safety line (not shown). The clamp 76 is preformed from a sheet of metal and includes 20 two substantially planar members 86, 88 integrally formed with, and joined by a curved portion 90. Thus, in order to fit the clamp 76 to a safety line, the curved portion 90 is first placed over the line and the substantially planar members 86, 88 are folded together to close the 25 curved portion 30 such that the line is located in a throughbore defined by the closed curved portion 90. As shown, the substantially planar members 86, 88 include apertures 92 for receiving bolts for fixing the clamp 76

-43 to a fixing bracket 68.

Alternative embodiments of the locking means of the traveller device 22 will now be described, with reference to Figures 22 to 25 where like numerals refer to like 5 parts. Referring initially to Figure 22, the locking means comprises a spring pin 102 which engages the projections 50, 52 of the body and hinged portions 34, 36 when in a closed position. The spring pin 102 is tethered to the rider 22 by way of a chain 104 coupled to 10 the pin 102 at location 103 and which is bolted to the body portion 34 at point 105 in order to prevent accidental loss of the pin 102.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 23, the locking means comprises two separate pins 106, 108 which engage 15 the projections 50, 52 of the body and hinged portions 34, 36 at either end of the traveller device 22b when in a closed position. Each pin 106, 108 is tethered to the traveller 22b using respective chains llO, 112 which are connected to a tab portion 114 integrally formed with the 20 hinged portion 36.

Referring now to Figures 24 and 25A and 25B, a further embodiment of the locking means of the traveller device 22b is shown. Figure 24 shows a perspective view of the traveller 22; Figure 25A shows a part sectional 25 front view of the traveller 22b with the locking means in an unlocked position; and Figure 25B shows a part sectional front view of the traveller device 22 with the locking means in a locked position. Two locking pins

-44 116, 118 are provided (Figure 25) each having a finger grip 120, 122 fixed thereto, and having a spring 124 positioned therebetween to bias the pins 116, 118 towards a locking position. A concentric wire 126 runs through 5 the centre of each pin 116, 118 and is secured to one pin 116 and free to slide in the other pin 118. This ensures that the spring 124 cannot be dislodged accidentally or otherwise from between the finger grips 120, 122.

When the pins 116, 118 are moved together into an 10 unlocked position, as shown in Figure 25A, each pin engages the projections 50 of the body portion 34 only, allowing the hinged portion 36 to be pivoted to open the traveller device 22b. When the pins 116, 118 are released, the action of the spring 124 moves the pins 15 into engagement with the projections 52 of the hinged portion 36 (Flqure 15), as shown in Figure 25B, thus locking the traveller device 22b in a closed position.

Front and end views of a modified version of the rider device 22b are shown in Figures 26A and 26B 20 respectively. Rollers 128, 130 are mounted on the hinged and body portions 36, 34 respectively of the traveller 22b via spindles 132, 134. The rollers 128, 130 assist to retain a safety line within the throughbore 58 of the traveller 22b, and to correctly align the traveller upon 25 engagement with an intermediate safety line anchor. Such a modification may also be made to the traveller devices 22 and 22a shown in Figures 2 and 14 respectively.

Reference is now made to Figure 27 in which there is

-45 shown a traveller device 22c ln accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, fitted with a sleeve adaptor 136 within the throughbore 58 thereof to allow the traveller to be safely mounted on safety lines 14 of 5 varying diameters. Thus, a single traveller device may be utilized on a variety of safety lines 14, ranging, for example, from a wire rope having a diameter of 12 mm as shown in Figure 16 where an adaptor is not required, to lines 14 having a diameter of 8 mm or 10 mm, for example, 10 where a sleeved adaptor 136 is fluted to the throughbore 58. An alternative embodiment of the traveller device of the present invention is shown in Figure 29 which shows an end view of a traveller device 222 for use on textile 15 webbing or metal strip 214, for example. The traveller 222 defines a throughbore 258 through which the textile webbing or metal strip 214 runs. Also shown is a modified clamp 276 of an intermediate anchor 220, wherein the clamp 276 is adapted to retain the textile webbing or 20 metal strip 214.

The form of the energy absorber 30 shown in Figure 1 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 30. The energy absorber 30 is corrugated strip of deformable steel folded from, for example, BS 4360 25 43A quality carbon steel or 316 stainless. One end of the energy absorber 30 is fixed to anchor post 18 using a bolt 94 which extends through the energy absorber 30 and into the top of the post 18. The other end of the

-46 absorber 30 is coupled to the safety line 14 using a crimped sleeve 96 having an integral fork 98 which engages the end of the absorber and is secured thereto using a pin 100. The energy absorber is adapted to 5 initiate extension at a pre-determined force exerted on the safety line 14.

A variation of the energy absorber 30 of Figure 30 is shown in Figure 31. In this embodiment, the energy absorber 30a is secured to an extremity boss 580 via a 10 bolt 582, which extremity boss 580 may be fixed to a support structure such as a wall or a support post or the like. The opposite end of the energy absorber 30a is fixed to the safety line '4 Via a swage component 584 which is bolted to the energy absorber using a nut 586.

15 The form and operation of the turnbuckle 32 and tension indicator 33 shown in Figure 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 32 and 33. Referring initially to Figure 32 there is shown a perspective view of the turnbuckle 32 and tension indicator 33 in 20 accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The safety line 14 is threadably coupled to one side of the turnbuckle 32 via a first threaded body 600, and the tension indicator 33 is threadably coupled to the other side of the turnbuckle 32 via a second threaded body 602.

25 The tension indicator 33 is in turn secured to a fixed point, which in Figure 1 is support post 18. The threaded arrangement is such that rotation of the turnbuckle 32 in a selected direction will result in the

-47 sleeve adaptor 136 within the throughbore 58 thereof to -

allow the traveller to be safely mounted on safety lines 14 of varying diameters. Thus, a single traveller device may be utilised on a variety of safety 5 lines 14, ranging, for example, from a wire rope having a diameter of 12 mm as shown in Figure 16 where an adaptor is not required, to lines 14 having a diameter of 8 mm or 10 mm, for example, where a sleeved adaptor 136 is fitted to the throughbore 58.

10 An alternative embodiment of the traveller device of the present invention is shown in Figure 29 which shows an end view of a traveller device 222 for use on textile webbing or metal strip 214, for example. The traveller 222 defines a throughbore 258 through which 15 the textile webbing or metal strip 214 runs. Also shown is a modified clamp 276 of an intermediate anchor 220, wherein the clamp 276 is adapted to retain the textile webbing or metal strip 214.

The form of the energy absorber 30 shown in Figure 20 1 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 30. The energy absorber 30 is a corrugated strip of deformable steel folded from, for example, BS 4360 - 43A quality carbon steel or 316 stainless. One end of the energy absorber 30 is fixed to anchor post 25 18 using a bolt 94 which extends through the energy absorber 20 and into the top of the post 18. The other end of the absorber 30 is coupled to the safety line 14 using a crimped sleeve 96 having an integral fork 98

-48 which engages the end of the absorber and is secured thereto using a pin 100. The energy absorber is adapted to initiate extension at a predetermined force exerted on the safety line 14.

5 A variation of the energy absorber 30 of Figure 30 is shown in Figure 31. In this embodiment, the energy absorber 30a is secured to an extremity boss 580 via a bolt 582, which extremity boss 580 may be fixed to a support structure such as a wall or a support post or 10 the like. The opposite end of the energy absorber 30a is fixed to the safety line 14 via a swage component 584 which is bolted to the energy absorber using a nut 586. The form and operation of the turnbuckle 32 and 15 tension indicator 33 shown in Figure 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 32 and 33.

Referring initially to Figure 32 there is shown a perspective view of the turnbuckle 32 and tension indicator 33 in accordance with an embodiment of the 20 present invention. The safety line 14 is threadably coupled to one side of the turnbuckle 32 via a first threaded body 600, and the tension indicator 33 is threadably coupled to the other side of the turnbuckle 32 via a second threaded body 602. The tension 25 indicator 33 is in turn secured to a fixed point, which in Figure 1 is support post 18. The threaded arrangement is such that rotation of the turnbuckle 32 in a selected direction will result in the first and

-49 second threaded bodies 600, 602 being drawn together and thus tensioning the line 14, and rotation of the turnbuckle 32 in the opposite direction will result in the bodies 600, 602 being drawn apart and relieving 5 tension from the line 14. As shown, the turnbuckle 32 includes a lateral throughbore 604 adapted for receiving an elongate bar 606 (shown in broken outline) to provide a means of rotating the turnbuckle 32 in either direction.

10 Reference is additionally made to Figure 33 in which there is shown a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the turnbuckle 32 and tension indicator 33 in situ. The tension indicator 33 includes a body 608 defining a throughbore 610 and having an internal 15 annular abutment face 612. The body 608 is surrounded by a clevis 614 which in use ultimately secures the safety line 14 to a fixed polut. A compression spring 616 is located within the throughbore 610 of the body 614, one end of the spring 616 engaging the annular 20 abutment face 612, and the opposite end of the spring 616 engaging an internal face 618 of the clevis 614.

The second threaded body 602 is passed through face 618 of the clevls 614, through the throughbore 610 of the body 608, through the compression spring 616, and is 25 secured relative to the body 608 using a nut 620 such that as the second threaded body 02 is moved in the direction of arrow A the body will also be moved in the same direction.

* -50 The compression spring is selected to be of such a length that a gap 622 is formed between the end of the body 608 and the internal face 618 of the clevis 614 when the spring 616 is in a relaxed state. Thus, as 5 the turnbuckle 32 is rotated to tension the line 14, the body 608 will be drawn towards the internal face 618 of the clevis 614, against the bias of the spring 616. Once the body 608 comes into contact with the clevis 614 and the gap 622 is closed, the tension in 10 the line 14 will be substantially equivalent to the force required to compress the spring 616 by the initial gap distance 622. This spring force is directly proportional to both the stiffness of the spring and the initial gap width. Thus, by determining 15 the required tension in the line by taking into account various factors such as line length, line composition, maximum design loading and the like, a spring of a specific stiffness and length may be selected for use such that when the gap 622 is seen to be closed when 20 tension is applied to the line by the turnbuckle 32, the correct line tension will therefore be indicated to have been achieved.

Reference is now made to Figures 34 and 35 of the drawings in which there is shown perspective views of a 25 safety line support 700 in accordance with an embodiment of an aspect of the present invention.

Referring initially to Figure 34, the safety line support 700 includes a support cable 702 extending

-51 between two fixed points, in this case two columns 704, 706. A safety line 714 is fixed to the support cable 702 via a fastener device 708 such that the safety line 714 is supported by the support cable 702. In the 5 preferred embodiment shown, the support cable 702 and safety line are orientated substantially perpendicular to each other.

As shown, each end of the support cable 702 is fixed to the respective column 704, 706 via an energy 10 absorber 710. The energy absorber 710 may be, for example, that shown in Figure 30 or 31. Additionally, one end of the support cable 702 includes a tensioner 712, which in the embodiment shown is a turnbuckle.

Furthermore, although not shown in Figure 34 a tension 15 indicator may also be provided such as that shown in Figures 32 and 33.

Referring now to Figure 35, the fastener device 708 shown in Figure 34 will now be described. The device 708 in the embodiment shown includes two 20 mutually perpendicular plates 716, 718 welded together to form a general T-shape structure. The fastener device 708 is coupled to the support cable 702 using two V-bolts 720 which are positioned over the cable 708 and secured to the plate 716 in a suitable manner such 25 that the cable 702 is clamped between the V-bolts 720 and plate 716. The fastener device 708 in the embodiment shown is coupled to the safety line 714 by way of a safety line anchor 722 similar in form to

-52 anchor 20 shown in Figure 2, and as such will not be described further.

An alternative embodiment of the line support 700 is shown in Figure 36 which differs from that shown in 5 Figure 34 and 35 only in that the support cable 702 has been replaced with a support frame 724 which extends between columns 704, 706. The support frame 724 includes two elongate tubular members 726, 728 aligned parallel to each other and joined together by a 10 plurality of top-hat section elements 730. In use, the safety line 714 is supported by the frame 724 by way of the fastener device 708 which 1s coupled to the lower elongate member 726.

It should be noted that the embodiments herein IS before described are merely exemplary of the present invention and various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the throughbore of the disclosed traveller devices may be of any suitable shape in order to 20 accommodate the particular shape of the safety line upon which it is to be mounted. Additionally, the locking means may take any form as would readily be selected by a person of ordinary skill in the art when in possession of the teachings of the present 25 invention. The rollers in the embodiment shown in Figure 26A and 26B may be spring mounted on the body and hinged portions of the rider and moved to accommodate an intermediate line anchor. The support

t -53 posts 16, 18 shown in Figure 1 between which the safety line extends may be replaced with dead-weight anchors, for example. Similarly, the intermediate anchors may be dead-weight anchors. The fixing bracket 63 of the 5 intermediate anchors may not be required and the line clamp 76 may be fixed directly to the support post 70.

The energy absorber provided on the safety line may be a spring-massdamper absorber.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the 10 tension indicator shown in Figures 32 and 33 is not limited for use in a safety line system. The tension indicator has application in any situation where a line or cable of any type is required to be set to a pre determined tension. For example, the tension indicator 15 may be used in conjunction with support cables for masts and the like.

Claims

-54 CLAIMS

1. A device for coupling to a safety line and being moveable therealong, said device comprising a body portion, a hinged portion pivotally mounted to said body portion, locking means, and coupling means for 5 coupling to a workers harness, said coupling means being pivotally mounted on the device about an axis which is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof, wherein said hinged portion is moveable between an open and closed position allowing the device lo to be mounted on the safety line and subsequently closed and locked with the locking means to provide a safe attachment point for a worker.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the 15 coupling means for coupling to a workers harness is provided on the body portion of the device.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling means for coupling to a workers harness is 20 provided on the hinged portion of the device.

4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the coupling means comprises one or more lugs fixed to the device. 5. A device according to claim 4, wherein two lugs

-55 are provided.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein one lug is provided on either side of the device.

7. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the coupling means is a bracket mounted on the device and having an aperture for receiving a coupling component.

10 8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the bracket is pivotally mounted on the device such that a worker may operate on both sides of a safety line.

9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the bracket 15 is mounted on, and bolted to, the device via a spring plate to allow the bracket to pivot relative to the device while being securely fixed thereto.

10. A device according to 7, 8 or 9, wherein the 20 bracket is angled downwards with respect to the device when fitted thereto.

11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device, when in a closed position, defines a 25 throughbore through which the safety line runs.

12. A device according to claim 11, wherein the throughbore has a longitudinal slot allowing the

-56 coupling device to pass over a safety line support.

13. A device according to claim 12, wherein the longitudinal slot has a width smaller than that of the 5 safety line but larger than that of a safety line support. 14. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking means comprises a locking pin which engages 10 the body and hinged portions of the device when in a closed position.

15. A device according to claim 14, wherein the body and hinged portions each comprise at least one 3 15 projection having a throughbore for receiving a locking pin, wherein, when the device is in a closed position, -

the throughbore of the at least one projection of the body portion is axially aligned with the throughbore of the at least one projection of the hinged portion.

16. A device according to claim 15, wherein the body and hinged portions each have two projections.

17. A device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the 25 projections are longitudinally spaced and are located in proximity to either end of the device.

18. A device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the

-57 throughbores of the projections of the body portion are axially aligned.

19. A device according to claim 16, 17 or 18, wherein 5 the throughbores of the projections of the hinged portion are axially aligned.

20. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein a single locking pin is provided.

21. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein two or more locking pins are provided.

22. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 21, 15 wherein the locking pins are tethered to the device 23. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein the locking pins are mounted on the device and comprise spring means for biasing the pins towards a 20 locking position.

24. A device according to claim 23, wherein there is provided means for gripping the pins to allow the pins to be pulled from the respective throughbores against the bias of the spring means.

25. A device according to any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein the locking means comprises two locking pins

-58- each having a finger grip fixed thereto, and having a spring positioned therebetween to bias the pins towards a locking position.

5 26. A device according to claim 25, wherein a concentric wire runs through the centre of each pin and is secured to one pin and free to slide in the other.

27. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein lo the ends of the device are chamfered to allow the device to correctly align itself upon engagement with a safety line support.

28. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein 15 the device additionally comprises rollers positioned at either end thereof to assist to align the device with a line support.

29. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 26, 20 wherein the device comprises guide projections extending from either end of the device.

30. A device according to claim 29, wherein a guide projection is located at either end of the body portion 25 of the device and at either end of the hinged portion of the device.

31. A device according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the

-59 projections extend outwardly and upwardly from the end faces of the device and also taper outwardly in a direction away from the throughbore of the device, which throughbore being defined when the device is in a 5 closed position.

32. A device according to any preceding claim, adapted for use on safety lines having varying diameters or widths. 33. A device according to claim 32, wherein the device is provided with a sleeve adaptor adapted to be fitted to the throughbore of the device to accommodate safety lines of varying diameters and widths.

34. A device according to any preceding claim, adapted for use on a round wire safety line.

35. A device according to any preceding claim, adapted 20 for use on a safety line having a diameter of between 8 mm to 12 mm.

36. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 33, adapted for use on a safety line of textile webbing.

37. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 33, adapted for use on a safety line of a metal strip.

-60 38. A device according to any one of claims 11 to 37, wherein the hinged portion of the device comprises at least one roller which retains the safety line within the throughbore of the device when in a closed 5 position. 39. A device according to any one of claims 11 to 38, wherein the body portion of the device comprise at least one roller which retains the safety line in the 10 throughbore. 40. A device according to claim 38 or 39, wherein the at least one roller is spring mounted such that they move to allow the device to pass over a line support.

41. A safety line support, said support comprising: a support surface for coupling to a support structure; and a safety line clamp, wherein said safety line 20 clamp is positioned on the safety line and is fixed to said support structure.

42. A safety line support according to claim 41, wherein the support surface comprises a fixing bracket 25 adapted to be coupled to said support structure, said safety line clamp being fixed to the support structure via the bracket.

-61 43. A safety line support according to claim 42, wherein the fixing bracket includes a fixed support member and an adjustable member pivotally mounted on the fixed support member.

44. A safety line support according to claim 43, wherein the safety line clamp is adapted for coupling to the adjustable member, and the fixed support member is adapted to be secured to the support structure.

45. A safety line support according to claim 43 or 44, wherein the adjustable member is adapted to be adjusted relative to the fixed member and subsequently fixed in place once adjusted to the required position.

46. A safety line support according to claim 43, 44 or 45, wherein the fixed support member comprises a first planar portion and at least one further planar portion aligned substantially perpendicular to the first planar 20 portion. 47. A safety line support according to claim 46, wherein the first planar portion is adapted for fixing to the support structure and the at least one further 2s planar portion is adapted for providing pivotal support for the adjustable member.

48. A safety line support according to any one of

-62 claims 43 to 47, wherein the adjustable member includes a first planar portion to which the safety line clamp is coupled, and at least one further planar portion aligned substantially perpendicular to the first planar 5 portion, which at least one further planar portion is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the fixed support member. 49. A safety line support according to claim 46, 47 or 10 48, wherein each member of the bracket includes a single further planar portion.

5Q. A safety line support according Lo claim 46, 47 or 48, wherein each member of the bracket includes two 15 further planar portions.

51. A safety line support according to claim 50, wherein a further planar portion is located at either end of the fixed support member and adjustable member.

52. A safety line support according to any one of claims 43 to 51, wherein the adjustable member is pivotally coupled to the fixed support member via a bolting arrangement adapted to be loosened to allow 25 adjustment of the bracket, and tightened to fix the relative position of the members of the bracket.

53. A safety line support according to any one of

-63 claims 46 to 52, wherein the first planar portion of the fixed support member defines at least one elongated slot allowing the safety line clamp to be adjustably fixed to the support structure via the fixing bracket 5 using a suitable fixing.

54. A safety line support according to claim 41 or 42, wherein the fixing bracket includes a substantially planar surface and at least one fixing portion 10 extending substantially perpendicular from said substantially planar surface, wherein the safety line clamp is fixed to the at lest one fixing portion.

55. A safety line support according to claim 54, 15 wherein the fixing bracket has two fixing portions.

56. A safety line support according to claim 55, wherein the free ends of the fixing portions may be joined in order to increase the strength of the fixing 20 bracket. 57. A safety line support according to any one of claims 41 to 56, wherein the safety line clamp includes a tubular member and a planar fixing member attached 25 thereto, wherein the tubular member is adapted for mounting on the safety line.

58. A safety line support according to claim 57,

-64 wherein the planar fixing meber is welded to the tubular member.

59. A safety line support according to claim 57 or 58, 5 wherein the planar fixing member includes at least one aperture for receiving a respective bolt or the like for fixing the clamp to the support structure either directly or via a fixing bracket.

10 60. A safety line support according to any one of claims 41 to 56, wherein the safety line clamp is preformed and includes two substantially planar members integrally formed with, and Joined by, a curved portion. 61. safety line support according to claim 60, wherein the curved portion of the clamp is placed over the line and the substantially planar members are folded together to close the curved portion such that 20 the line is located in a throughbore defined by the closed curved portion.

62. A safety line support according to claim 60 or 61, wherein the substantially planar members include 25 apertures for receiving fixing means for fixing the clamp to the support structure either directly or via a fixing bracket.

-65 63. A safety line support according to any one of claims 41 to 62, wherein the safety line support further comprises an elongate bar which substantially extends the length of the safety line clamp.

64. A safety line support according to claim 63, wherein the line clamp is pinned between the support t structure or the fixing bracket and the elongate bar.

10 65. A safety line support according to any one of claims 41 to 64, wherein the safety line support is for use as an intermediate support for a fall protection safety line.

15 66. A fall protection system comprising: a safety line extending between at least two safety line anchors; and a device for coupling to the safety line and being moveable therealong and providing a safe attachment 20 point for a worker, wherein said coupling device, when in a closed position, defines a throughbore through which the safety line runs, said throughbore having a longitudinal slot allowing the coupling device to pass over any intermediate line support.

67. A fal] protection system according to claim 66, wherein the safety line extends between two fixed points and is fixed thereto using a fixing bracket.

-66 68. A fall protection system according to claim 66 or 67, wherein the safety line comprises an energy absorber located at at least one end thereof.

5 69. A fall protection system according to claim 68, wherein the energy absorber is a corrugated strip of deformable material which is at least partially straightened in the event of a fall.

10 70. A fall protection system according to any one of claims 66 to 69, wherein at least one end of the safety line is coupled to one anchor point using a line tensioner. 15 71. A fall protection system according to claim 70, wherein the safety line tensioner is a turnbuckle.

72. A fall protection system according to any one of claims 66 to 71, wherein th system further comprises a 20 safety line tension indicator which in use indicates that a pre-determined tension in the line has been reached. 73. A fall protection system according to any one of 25 claims 66 to 72, wherein the safety line is supported by at least one intermediate line anchor-.

74. A fall protection system according to any one of

-67 claims 66 to 73, wherein at least one of the at least two anchor points may be a dead-weight anchor.

75. A fall protection system according to any one of 5 claims 66 to 74, wherein the coupling device is that device according to any one of claims l to 40.

76. A fall protection system comprising: a safety line extending between at least two lO points and being supported by at least one intermediate safety line support according to claim 41; and a device according to claim 1 for coupling to the safety line and being moveable therealong, wherein said coupling device, when in a closed position, defines a 15 throughbore through which the safety line runs, said throughbore having a longitudinal slot allowing the coupling device to pass over said at least one intermediate safety line anchor.

20 77. A fall protection system according to claim 76, wherein the safety line extends between two fixed points and is fixed thereto using a fixing bracket.

78. A fall protection system according to claim 76, 25 wherein the safety line extends between two dead-weight anchor points.

79. A fall protection system according to claim 76,

-68 wherein the safety line extends between a fixed point and a deadweight anchor point.

80. A fall protection system according to any one of 5 claims 76 to 79, wherein the safety line comprises an energy absorber located at at least one end thereof.

81. A fall protection system according to claim 80, wherein the energy absorber is a corrugated strip of 10 deformable material which is at least partially straightened in the event of a fall.

82. A fall protection system according to any one of claims 76 to 81, wherein at least one end of the safety 15 line is coupled to one anchor point using a line tensioner. 83. A fall protection system according to claim 82, wherein the line tensioner is a turnbuckle.

84. A fall protection system according to any one of claims 76 to 83, wherein the system further comprises a safety line tension indicator which in use indicates that a predetermined tension in the line has been 25 reached. 85. A fall protection system according to any one of claims 76 to 84, wherein the safety line is supported

-69 by a plurality of intermediate line supports located at intervals along the safety line.

86. A fall protection system according to any one of 5 claims 76 to 84, wherein the intermediate safety line support is that safety line support according to any one of claims 42 to 65.

87. A fall protection system according to any one of 10 claims 76 to 85, wherein the coupling device is that device according to any one of claims 2 to 40.

88. A '-it of parts to be assembled to form a fall protection safety system, said kit of parts comprising: 15 a safety line including anchor coupling means; at least one intermediate safety line support as defined in accordance with any one of claims 41 to 65; a device for coupling to the safety line and being moveable therealong, said device comprising a body 20 portion, a hinged portion pivotally mounted to said body portion, locking means, and coupling means for coupling to a workers harness, said coupling means being pivotally mounted on the device about an axis which is substantially transverse to the longitudinal 25 axis thereof, wherein, when the kit is assembled, said hinged portion is moveable between an open and closed position allowing the device to be mounted on the safety line and subsequently closed and locked with the

-70 locking means to provide a safe anchor point for a worker, wherein said coupling device, when in a closed position, defines a throughbore through which the safety line runs, said throughbore having a 5 longitudinal slot allowing the coupling device to pass over said at least one intermediate safety line anchor.

89. A safety line support, said support comprising: a fixed support bracket; an adjustable bracket pivotally mounted on the fixed support bracket; a tubular member adapted for mounting on the safety line and having a planer fixing member attached 15 thereto, said planar fixing member adapted for coupling to the adjustable bracket.

90. A safety line support according to claim 89 wherein the adjustable bracket is adapted to be 20 adjusted relative to the fixed bracket and subsequently fixed in place once adjusted to the required position.

91. A safety line support according to claim 89 or 90, wherein, in use, a worker may fix a safety harness to 25 the safety line via a device adapted to be slidably mounted on the safety line.

92. A safety line support according to claim 91,

-71 wherein the device is that device according to any one of claims 1 to 40.

93. A safety line support according to any one of 5 claims 89 to 92, wherein the fixed bracket comprises a first planar portion and at least one further planar portion aligned substantially perpendicular to the first planar portion.

10 94. A safety line support according to claim 93, wherein the first planar portion is adapted for fixing to a support structure and the at least one further planar portion is adapted for providing pivotal support for the adjustable bracket.

95. A safety line support according to any one of claims 89 to 94, wherein the adjustable bracket includes a first planar portion to which the planar fixing member is coupled, and at least one further 20 planar portion substantially perpendicular to the first planar portion, which at least one further planar portion is adapted to be pivotally coupled to the fixed bracket. 25 95. A safety line support according to claim 95, wherein the fixed bracket and adjustable bracket each include a single further planar portion.

-72 97. A safety line support according to claim 95, wherein each bracket includes two further planar portions, located at either end of the fixed bracket and adjustable bracket.

98. A safety line support according to any one of claims 89 to 97, wherein the adjustable bracket is pivotally coupled to the fixed bracket via a bolting arrangement adapted to be loosened to allow adjustment 10 of the bracket, and tightened to fix the relative position of the brackets.

39. A safety line support according to any one of claims 93 to 98, wherein the first planar portion of 15 the fixed bracket defines at least one elongated slot allowing the anchor to be adjustably fixed to a support structure. 100. A safety line support according to any one of 20 claims 89 to 99, wherein the safety line support is adapted for use in supporting a safety line which follows a curved path, the arrangement being such that two safety line supports are provided, one located on either side of the curved path.

101. A safety line support according to claim 100, wherein a curved tubular member is provided on the safety line at the location of the curve, the ends of

-73 which curved tubular member engage respective ends of the tubular members of each support.

102. A safety line support according to claim 101, 5 wherein the ends of the tubular members of each safety line support describes a larger diameter than the remaining portion of the tubular member, such that an end of the curved tubular member may be slotted therein. 103. A safety line support according to claim 101, wherein, the ends of the tubular members of each safety line support describe a smaller diameter than the remaining portion of the tubular member, such that the 15 ends of the tubular members may be slotted within the ends of the curved tubular member.

104. A safety line support according to claim 101, 102 or 103, wherein the ends of the curved tubular 20 member rotatable engage to the tubular members of the supports. 105. A tension indicator for indicating the tension in a line fixed between two points, said 25 tension indicator comprising: a body defining a throughbore having an internal abutment; an anchor connection surrounding said body and

-74 adapted for anchoring an end of a line to a fixed point; and at least one spring member located within the throughbore of the body having one end engaging the 5 internal abutment and an opposite end engaging a first face of the anchor connection such that when the at least one spring member is in a relaxed state a gap is formed between the body and the first face of the anchor connection; 10 wherein, in use, the end of a line is passed through the first face of the anchor connection, through the throughbore of the body and the at least one spring member located therein, and secured to the body, such that when tension is applied to the line the 15 body is pulled towards the first face of the anchor connection against the bias of the at least one spring member until the body abuts the anchor connection, indicating that a pre-required tension has been reached. 106. A tension indicator according to claim 105, wherein, the throughbore of the body is substantially circular in cross- section.

25 107. A tension indicator according to claim 105 or 106, wherein the internal abutment of the throughbore of the body is an annular shoulder.

-75 108. A tension indicator according to claim 107, wherein the annular shoulder is provided between two separate portions of the throughbore of the body having different diameters.

109. A tension indicator according to claim 105 or 106, wherein the internal abutment is at least one boss extending into the throughbore.

10 110. A tension indicator according to any one of claims 105 to 109, wherein the at least one spring member is a compression spring.

111. A tension indicator according to any one of 15 claims 105 to 109, wherein the at least one spring I member is an elastomer. I 112. A tension indicator according to any one of claims 105 to 111, wherein a single spring member is 20 provided. 113. A tension indicator according to any one of claims 105 to 111, wherein at least two spring members are provided.

114. A tension indicator according to any one of claims 105 to 113, wherein the end of the line is formed by a tensioner.

-76 115. A tension indicator according to claim 114, wherein the tensioner is a turnbuckle.

116. A tension indicator according to any one of 5 claims 105 to 115, wherein the end of the line is passed through the throughbore of the body and secured to the body such that the line is secured relative to the body in one longitudinal direction only.

10 117. A safety line support comprising a support member extending between two fixed points, and a fastener device coupled to the support member and coupled to a safety line such that the safety line is supported by the support member via the fastener 15 device. 118. A safety line support according to claim 117, wherein the support member is a support cable.

20 119. A safety line support according to claim 118, wherein the support cable comprises an energy absorber located at at least one end thereof.

120. A safety line support according to claim 119, 25 wherein the energy absorber is a corrugated strip of deformable material which is at least partially straightened in the event of a fall.

-77 121. A safety line support according to 118, 113 or 120, wherein a cable tensioner is provided to set the cable to the correct tension and to substantially minimize swinging of the support cable when a safety 5 line is attached thereto.

122. A safety line support according to claim 121, wherein the tensioner is a turnbuckle.

lO 123. A safety line support according to any one of claims 118 to 122, wherein a tension indicator is provided which indicates when the correct tension in the cable has been achieved.

15 124. A safety line support according to claim 123, wherein the tension indicator is that tension indicator according to any one of claims 105 to 116.

125. A safety line support according to claim 117, 20 wherein the support member comprises at least one substantially rigid elongate member extending between the two fixed points.

126. A safety line support according to claim 125, 25 wherein the substantially rigid elongate member is a metal tubular.

127. A safety line support according to claim 125

-78 or 126, wherein the support meber comprises at least two substantially rigid members aligned parallel to each other and joined together by at least one structural element to form a support frame.

128. A safety line support according to claim 127, wherein the at least one structural element is a web of = material. TO 129. A safety line support according to claim 127, wherein the at least one structural element is a discrete component comprising a thin-walled element.

130. A safety line support according to claim 129, 15 wherein the thinwalled element is a top hat section.

131. A safety line support according to claim 127, wherein the at least one structural element is an elongate body extending between the at least two; 20 substantially rigid members.

132. A safety line support according to claim 127, wherein each substantially rigid member is joined together by a plurality of discrete structural elements 25 distributed along the length of the rigid members.

133. A safety line support according to any one of claims 117 to 132, wherein the fastener device

-79 comprises coupling means for coupling to the support member. 134. A safety line support according to claim 133, 5 wherein the support member coupling means is a clamp which is adapted to be releasably secured to the support member such that adjustment of the safety line fixing point may be achieved.

10 135. A safety line support according to claim 134, wherein the clamp comprises at least one U or V-bolt which is positioned over the support member and secured to a plate that the support member is clamped between the at least one bolt and the plate.

136. A safety line support according to any one of claims 117 to 135, wherein the fastener device comprises coupling means for coupling to the safety line. 137. A safety line support according to claim 136, whereinthe safety line coupling means comprises a safety line support according to any one of claims 89 to 104.

1?. A safety line support according to any one of claims 117 to 139, adapted for supporting a safety line from above.

-80 139. A safety line support according to any one of claims 117 to 138, wherein the support member and the safety line are disposed substantially perpendicular to each other.

s 140. A coupling device substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying representations. lo 141. A safety line support substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying representations. 142. A fall protection system substantially as 15 described herein and as shown in the accompanying representations. 143. A tension indicator substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying 20 representations. -