Security companies and managers have to deal with a number of challenges. When there are updates to standards, then the challenge is even greater: what has changed? What actions are required with this update? Will it be necessary to change any work procedures?
These questions have existed since the publication of the standard, which ended up not specifying all the procedures cited, nor how to proceed with anchoring systems. Due to these inconsistencies, companies adopted their own practices, based on NR-35. Even though these practices followed the standard instructions, they did not always respect the limits of the equipment or the structure to which the user was connected to perform the task.
A practice that can also cause problems and accidents is the use of the same Task Risk Analysis (ART) for different jobs. This practice, common in companies, is not correct and puts the lives of workers using that equipment at risk. What should be done is to use the ART referring to the work that will be done, and not others. It is necessary to verify if the anchoring structure has the resistance to withstand the maximum force applicable in case of a fall, and a qualified occupational safety professional should be consulted to define the appropriate equipment for the job.
Another necessary action is the periodic inspection of the equipment. It is necessary to inspect it from time to time, so that it is possible to notice any defects and arrange for the replacement of the equipment without putting anyone at risk.
The annex also mentions the importance of always using equipment anchored above the shoulder line whenever possible, as this restricts the worker’s free fall distance in the event of a fall and ensures that he or she does not collide with a lower structure – or even laterally in a swing fall. When chosing the anchorage it must be taken into account that they must resist the generated impact force, so it is necessary that it is planned by trained people. The entire operating procedure for use and assembly must be followed.
And where do the provisions of this annex apply?
They are intended for the following purposes:
– Fall restraint
– Restricting worker movement
– Positioning at work
– Rope access
What about the selection of the anchorage system?
The anchorage system must be selected considering three principles: the occupational safety professional must select it, the system must meet current manufacturing standards, and its use limitation must be known.
Hércules has a line of equipment for working at height, equipment for temporary anchoring and many other solutions for the protection of workers who develop their activities at height.
In addition to its products, Hércules has a highly qualified technical team, capable of understanding all your needs and, thus, offering the most adequate solution to your reality.