Question

Q3) As shown in the opposite photo, the raised open-sided platform is 2 meters above adjacent floor or ground level (4 marks) a) What safety measures should be considered to prevent falling accidents resulting from such structures. b) State the essential specifications for your recommended design.

Answer 1

Safety Measures to Prevent Falling Accidents

1. Guardrail systems
2. Safety Nets
3. Warning lines
4. Personal Fall Arresting System(Lanyard)
5. adequate and good wooden plank on top of platfrom.
6. safe access to platform and supporting structure.
7. Adequate Cross bracing and footing foundation.
8. Not to be overloaded

Specifications:
1.Guardrails ( for the Structure 6 ft or above)

• Top rail =42"
• Mid rail =21"
• Vertical Distances=19" Max
• Toe Board=6"min
• Horizontal loading =200lbs Min

2.Safety Nets:

• Catching width = 2.0 m (recommended 3.5m)
• Distance between anchorage points=2.5 m or less
• Falling height = 6ft

3.Lanyard (Personal Fall Arresting System)

Parts: Anchor points,Body support(Harness),Lanyard(Connecting device)

• Anchorage points Minimum= 2
• chest attachment point =2
• length of lanyard = 2m or required for fall protection
• safety factor = 1m or min 3 ft
• well anchorage points

4.General

• Temporary structure to be on firm foundation with base plates and to be plumb, square and adequately braced with planked work deck
• Supports and braces to Be tied in over 4 Vert./1 Horizontal high