NZ567424A - Fall arrest/industrial rope access safety testing and tracking system where a tag containing load rating information is applied to each roof anchor tested - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of safety for a fall arrest system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) determining an initial rating of a fall arrest roof anchor and/or other components of the fall arrest system to indicate characteristics including maximum weight load; (b) providing a coding system to indicate the determined initial rating of the roof anchors; and (c) marking the roof anchor with at least one tag with the determined indicated initial rating according to the coding system. The user of the fall arrest roof anchors and/or other components of the fall arrest system can thereby readily determine the capability of the system.

Description

14. Apr. 2008 16:59 Actuate IP Group ■1- lo. 5667 P. 4 FormS NEW ZEALAND 5674 2 4 Patents Act 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT *10055684630 ;APPLICANT: ;PRIORITY NUMBER: FILING DATE: ;INVENTION TITLE: ;Ascend Australia (Nominees) Pty Ltd of ;1B6 Nott Street, Port Melbourne, Victoria 3207, ;Australia. ;AU 2007901903 ;12 April 2007 ;FALL ARREST/INDUSTRIAL ROPE ACCESS SAFETY TESTING AND TRACKING SYSTEM ;We hereby declare the Invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us and the method by which It ie to be performed, to be particularly described In and by the following statement: ;IPONZ 11* APR 2008 . i. Received at IPONZ on 6 August 2009 A METHOD OF FALL ARREST/INDUSTRIAL ROPE ACCESS SAFETY Field of the Invention This invention relates to the determination of an initial rating of a fall arrest/industrial rope access safety to provide for a coding system to be marked on a tag in order to allow testing and inspection of fall arrest and industrial rope access systems, and in particular, to a method of fall arrest/industrial rope access safety which provides a means for tracking the service history of roof anchors and/or other components of a fall arrest system to indicate when they were last tested and their current safety level.

Whilst the invention may be applied to the tracking and monitoring of any suitable safety systems, equipment and/or application, for convenience sake it shall be described herein in terms of a testing and tracking method for fall arrest safety systems, devices, equipment and methods.

Background to the Invention Fall arrest safety systems are generally employed in situations where people are working from unsafe heights to prevent a worker from falling. Standard components of fall arrest system include belts, harnesses, lanyards, and other associated equipment. Anchorages are provided to secure a person to a solid structure in order to prevent their fall. All components of the fall arrest system, and in particular, the anchorages must be inspected and tested on a regular basis to ensure that there are no faults liable to render the anchorage unsafe during a fall arrest.

Conventionally, once the anchorages have been inspected and tested, they are marked to indicate the last date when they were inspected and/or tested. This marking may be in the form of a sticker, plate or tag or the like which is marked with the date and perhaps the details of the inspector. During this monitoring process all details of the anchorage must be manually logged in a manual or the like. Upon completion of the testing, inspection reports and certificates may be provided.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fall arrest safety testing and tracking method which provides a means for tracking the service history of roof Received at IPONZ on 6 August 2009 anchors and/or other components of a fall arrest system to indicate when they were last tested and their current safety level.

Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a method of safety for fall arrest/industrial rope access safety including the steps of: determining an initial rating of a fall arrest roof anchor and/or other components of a fall arrest system to indicate characteristics such as maximum weight load; providing a coding system to indicate rating of a fall arrest roof anchors and/or other components of a fall arrest system; marking at least one tag of the determined fall arrest/industrial rope access safety testing and tracking system with the determined initial rating according to the providing coding system; wherein the user of the fall arrest roof anchors and/or other components of a fall arrest system can readily determine the capability of the system.

The present invention further provides for a method of safety for fall arrest/industrial rope access safety including the steps of: testing the rating of the fall arrest roof anchor's and /or other components of a fall arrest system to indicate the initial rating; providing a coding system to indicate the testing of the fall arrest roof anchors and/or other component of a fall arrest system; marking one of the at least one tag of the determined fall arrest/industrial rope access safety testing and tracking system with the testing of the determined initial rating according to the provided coding system. wherein the user can readily determine the safety testing and tracking system of roof anchors and/or other components of a fall arrest system to indicate when they were last tested and their current safety level.

The tag(s) is/are locatable on the fall arrest roof anchors and/or other components of a fall arrest system in the form of circular discs or other shapes, styles and dimensions made of suitable material allowing the tag(s) to be strong, durable and weather and fire resistant.

Received at IPONZ on 6 August 2009 It is preferred that the tag(s) is/are colour-coded to allow a person to readily identify the type of anchor to which the tag is attached and adapted to receive a securing means therethrough to enable the tag to be connected or attached to an anchor. The securing means is a cable tie or the like, or any other suitable securing or fastening means.

Further, the tag(s) contain(s) information providing details relating to the anchor including, but not limited to, anchor type, inspector details, last inspection date, service history and/or any other suitable information. Surrounding the perimeter of the tag(s), is a plurality of numbered portions or segments that are adapted to represent a month and/or year. In addition, the tag(s) provide for a coding system which is adapted to enable a user to readily identify capability of the anchor.

In one embodiment, the tag(s) has/have a barcode in addition to, or instead of, the printed information so that the barcode can be scanned and the information held in the barcode can be read using a suitable barcode reader/scanning device. Further, the tag(s) has/have a micro-chip and/or suitable means for storing data/information.

The coding system is an alphanumerical code whereby a first letter represents the location, a second letter represents the colour of the tag(s) and a number indicates the anchor number within a safety system. The method provides for a coding system to indicate rating of fall arrest roof anchors and/or other components of a fall arrest system includes provision of an instruction plaque whereby the fall arrest safety testing and tacking system provides a means for defining the tracking and the service history of roof anchors and/or other components of a fall arrest system to indicate when they were last tested and their current safety level The instruction plaque is preferably adapted to be located on an access door to the roof or any other suitable place or position which is in clear view for a person to read prior to walking out onto the roof anchor and/or location of the other components of a fall arrest system. The instruction plaque contains instructions to notify people of the existence of the method of the invention and provides guidance as to how it works and/or how the information presented should be interpreted or understood.

Received at IPONZ on 6 August 2009 The instruction plaque further contains an initial rating in the form of a key which is adapted to detail the different tags of the method and their associated use and/or application.

In addition, the instruction plaque contains at least one warning or alert to encourage use of the method by trained personnel only with knowledge by building management or other persons in charge.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood we will describe by way of non-limiting example of a specific embodiment thereof.

Brief Description of the Drawing Figures Figure 1 shows a front view of the instruction plaque of the method according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a front and rear view of a tag of the method according to an embodiment of the invention.

Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Invention The invention provides a method of safety for fall arrest/industrial rope access safety which provides a means for tracking the service history of roof anchors and/or other components of fall arrest system to indicate when they were last tested and their current safety level. The method is designed to allow a person to readily determine the capability of the coding system to identify an anchor type and view relevant information relating to the anchor (not shown), including its service history. The method shall be described herein in terms of a method of safety for fall arrest/industrial roof anchor and/or other components of fall arrest system on a building. It should be acknowledged that the term fall arrest will be used throughout the specification to describe the use of the method. However, the invention is also intended to apply to industrial rope access systems. It is envisaged that the shape, style and dimensions of the components of the method may be varied as required to suit different fall arrest and safety systems, components and/or other applications.

The method preferably has provided an instruction plaque 10. The instruction plaque 10 is preferably adapted to be located on an access door to the roof or any other Received at IPONZ on 6 August 2009 suitable place or position which is in clear view for a person to read prior to walking out onto the roof and/or location of a safety system. The plaque 10 contains instructions 11 which notify people of the existence of the method of the invention and provides guidance as to how it works and/or how the information presented should be interpreted or understood. The plaque 10 preferably contains at least one warning or alert to encourage use of the method by trained personnel only with knowledge by building management or other persons in charge. Contact details may be provided for a user to contact the relevant personnel if they require further explanation or assistance. An initial rating in the form of a key 12 is preferably provided which is adapted to detail the different tags of the method and their associated use and/or application.

The method requires the determination of an initial rating of a fall arrest roof anchor and/or other components of fall arrest system to indicate characteristics such as maximum weight load displayed in the instruction plaque.

In a preferred embodiment, the tags 20 are colour-coded to allow a person to readily identify the initial rating of a fall arrest roof anchor system including the type of anchor that a tag 20 is attached to. The colour-coded method is adapted to represent the anchor types as follows: • Red Tags - Primary Anchor (fall protection) 15kN Ultimate Maximum • Blue Tags - Primary Anchor (rope access) 12kN Ultimate Maximum • White Tags - Diversion Anchor (rope access) 12kN Ultimate Maximum It is envisaged that the colours, anchor types and weight restraints may be varied as desired. The fall arrest roof anchor and/or other components of fall arrest system are tested in order to determine their initial rating in accordance to the key 12 on the instruction plaque and mark the tag 20 accordingly through the use of the coding system, described below, and/or colour-coding of the tag.

The tag 20 may be made of any suitable material so long as it is strong, durable and weather- and fire-resistant. It is envisaged that the tag 20 may also be in the form of a sticker, plate or any other suitable labeling device. The tag(s) 20 are preferably in the form of circular disc-shaped tags 20. However, it is envisaged that the shape, style and dimensions of the tags 20 may vary as desired.

Received at IPONZ on 6 August 2009 The tag 20 preferably has information printed thereon including a coding system which corresponds accordingly to the initial rating of the fall arrest roof anchor and/or other components of a fall arrest system so that a user can readily determine the capability of the system. The information is adapted to provide details relating to the anchor including, but not limited to, anchor type, inspector details, last inspection date, service history and/or any other suitable information.

Surrounding the perimeter of the tag 20 is preferably a plurality of numbered portions or segments. The numbered portions are adapted to represent a month and/or year. In a preferred embodiment, the numbered portions representing a month 22 are provided along the top half perimeter of the tag 20 and the numbered portions representing a year 23 are provided along the bottom half perimeter of the tag in a semi-circular arrangement. Accordingly, it is envisaged that the twelve months of the year may be displayed in alphabetical or numerical format and twelve consecutive years may be displayed in numerical format, preferably using the last two digits of the year. A numbered portion 22, 23 from each of the month and year sections may be marked via a pen or using an instrument such as a hole punch or the like, to indicate the month and year of the testing/inspection date. The marking is adapted to be a permanent marking so that a user will be able to readily identify when the anchor was last inspected and/or tested and the service history can be tracked.

The tag 20 preferably has provided a coding system comprising of a code 24. The code 24 is preferably provided on the back of the tag 20 and is adapted to enable a user to quickly identify the anchor, its properties and characteristics thereof. The code 24 preferably comprises alphanumerical characters. However, it is envisaged that the code 24 could also be comprised of any other suitable characters capable of relaying information to a person.

In a preferred embodiment, the code comprises two letters which form the prefix of the code 25 and at least one numeral which forms the suffix of the code 26 for example, VB74. The first letter of the prefix 25 is adapted to indicate, and is the first letter of, the state, country or place where the anchor is located, in this instance V stands for Victoria. The second letter of the prefix 25 is adapted to indicate, and is the first letter of, the colour of the tag 20. This is particularly useful where the colour may have faded due to sun exposure, or where the colour cannot be interpreted correctly if a person is colour blind or the like. The numeral(s) at the end of the code Received at IPONZ on 6 August 2009 26 is/are adapted to represent the anchor number and thus, the number of numerical characters may vary depending on the number being formed. In this example, the anchor is the seventy-fourth anchor on the roof and the suffix of the code 26 contains the numerals seven and four to make up the number seventy four.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the tag 20 may preferably have provided a barcode or the like. That barcode may be provided on the front or back of the tag in addition to, or instead of, the printed information so that the barcode can be scanned and the information held in the barcode can be read using a suitable barcode reader/scanning device. It is envisaged that the information will be able to be updated electronically. In an alternate embodiment, the tag may have provided a micro-chip and/or any other suitable means for storing data/information. The tag 20 has provided at least one aperture (not shown). The aperture(s) is/are preferably positioned at any suitable point on the tag 20. The aperture(s) is/are adapted to receive a securing means therethrough to enable the tag to be connected or attached to an anchor. Accordingly, the shape and dimensions of the aperture(s) may vary to suit the particular securing means used. The securing means (not shown) may preferably be a cable tie or the like, or any other suitable securing or fastening means.

All anchors need to be tested annually at minimum whether it is by visual inspection and/or via testing such as a proof load test. The method of fall arrest/industrial rope access safety enables a person to adequately mark the tag according to the initial rating in order to allow a user to track the history of each anchor including when it was last inspected and/or tested.

While we have described herein a particular embodiment of a method of fall arrest/industrial rope access safety, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be understood that any variations and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Received at IPONZ on 26 February 2010

Claims (21)

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A method of safety for a fall arrest system including the steps of: a. determining an initial rating of a fall arrest roof anchor and/or other components of a fall arrest system to indicate characteristics including maximum weight load; b. providing a coding system to indicate the determined initial rating as an indicated initial rating of a fall arrest roof anchors and/or other components of a fall arrest system; c. marking at least one tag of the determined method of safety for a fall arrest with the determined indicated initial rating according to the coding system; wherein the user of the fall arrest roof anchors and/or other components of a fall arrest system can readily determine the capability of the system.

2. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 1 including the steps of: a. testing the rating of the fall arrest roof anchor's and /or other components of a fall arrest system to determine comparison with the determined indicated initial rating; b. providing an indication of the testing of the fall arrest roof anchors and/or other component of a fall arrest system; c. marking one of the at least one tag of the determined method of safety for a fall arrest with the testing result of the comparison to the determined indicated initial rating according to the provided coding system wherein the user can readily determine the safety of roof anchors and/or other components of a fall arrest system to indicate when they were last tested and their current safety level.

3. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 2 wherein the tag(s) is/are locatable on the fall arrest roof anchors and/or other components of a fall arrest system. -9- Received at IPONZ on 26 February 2010

4. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 3 wherein the tag(s) is/are in the form of circular discs.

5. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 3 wherein the tag(s) is/are strong, durable and weather and fire resistant.

6. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 3 wherein the tag(s) is/are colour-coded to allow a person to readily identify the type of anchor to which the tag is attached.

7. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 3 wherein the tag(s) has/have provided at least one aperture which is adapted to receive a securing means therethrough to enable the tag to be connected or attached to an anchor.

8. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 7 wherein the securing means is a cable tie.

9. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 3 wherein the tag(s) contain(s) information providing details relating to the anchor including, anchor type, inspector details, last inspection date, service history.

10. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 3 wherein surrounding the perimeter of the tag(s), is a plurality of numbered portions or segments that are adapted to represent a month and/or year.

11. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 3 wherein the tag(s) has/have a barcode in addition to, or instead of, the marked information from the coding system so that the barcode can be scanned and the information from the coding system held in the barcode can be read using a suitable barcode reader/scanning device.

12. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 3 wherein the tag(s) has/have a means for storing data/information.

13. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 12 wherein the tag(s) has/have a micro chip for storing data/information. - 10- Received at IPONZ on 26 February 2010

14. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 2 wherein the coding system is an alphanumerical code whereby a first letter represents the location, a second letter represents the colour of the tag(s) and a number indicates the anchor number within a safety system.

15. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 2 wherein the step of providing a coding system to indicate rating of fall arrest roof anchors and/or other components of a fall arrest system includes provision of an instruction plaque whereby the method of safety for fall arrest system provides a means for defining the tracking and the service history of roof anchors and/or other components of a fall arrest system to indicate when they were last tested and their current safety level.

16. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 15 wherein the instruction plaque is preferably adapted to be located in a suitable place or position which is in clear view for a person to read.

17. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 16 wherein the instruction plaque is preferably adapted to be located on an access door to the roof.

18. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 15 wherein the instruction plaque contains instructions to notify people of the existence of the method of safety for fall arrest/industrial rope access safety of the invention and provides guidance as to how the coding system works and/or how the information presented should be interpreted or understood.

19. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 15 wherein the instruction plaque contains at least one warning or alert to encourage use of the method by trained personnel.

20. A method of safety for a fall arrest system according to claim 1 wherein the instruction plaque contains the initial rating in the form of a key which is adapted to detail the different tags of the method and their associated use and/or application. -11 - Received at IPONZ on 26 February 2010

21. A method of safety for a fall arrest system substantially described herein with reference to the above examples and drawing figures.