Wingrip Fall Protection System Capabilities Proven For US Air Force Applications

    HOUSTON, TX, June 28, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Due to the unique nature inherent with applications requiring access at a distance from the fall protection system it was determined that a potential for personnel to be exposed to a fall hazard while restrained should be studied in order to prove the fall arrest capabilities of the system. Additionally, in order to gain data for aircraft structural analysis and to determine the loads that would be experienced by a user during a fall, a series of tests were performed on the system under the supervision of military aircraft design engineers.

As a basis of understanding regarding typical use of the Wingrip system it was understood that correct use of the system, in accordance with the Wingrip user instructions, would either prevent a fall (fall restraint) from occurring or reduce the fall distance to a maximum of 4.9 ft (1.50 m). It is widely recognized that from a health and safety perspective a fall restraint system provides a higher level of protection for the user since the intent of proper use is to prevent the user from reaching an area/location where a fall could occur.

A range of free fall distances were analyzed as described below;

-4.9 ft (1.50 m) - this corresponds with the free fall distance with the system setback from the edge of wing, in line with the user instructions and the user(s) adjusting their lanyard so that they are deliberately standing on the edge of the wing.

-9.1 ft (2.77 m) - in order to simulate a free fall distance minus a setback distance from the edge of a wing at the narrowest point.

-10.6 ft (3.23 m) - in order to simulate a potential free fall distance with the system positioned on the edge of a wing (i.e. no set back distance).

-14.4 ft (4.44 m) - in order to simulate a potential free fall distance which assumes there is no set back distance for the system and the user(s) are standing on the edge of the wing with their lanyards adjusted at maximum length.

It was understood by all involved with the tests that free fall distances of 9.1 ft (2.77 m), 10.6 ft (3.23 m) and 14.4 ft (4.44 m) reflect conditions of misuse, however, the analysis would provide useful data as to the performance of the system if misuse should occur.

The Wingrip equipment tested was a four pad lifeline system spanning a total of 59.1 ft (18 m) with the individual pads positioned at 19.7 ft (6 m) intervals. The tests were carried out externally on wet and dry surfaces in order to evaluate system performance in typical field conditions.

During the series of tests the following masses were used starting with the ANSI standard 220 lb test criteria plus significantly larger masses in order to simulate loadings beyond current OSHA and ANSI regulations.

-1 x 220 lbs (100 kg)
-2 x 220 lbs (100 kg)
-1 x 330 lbs (150 kg)
-2 x 282 lbs (128 kg)

Each of the tests were conducted on the lifeline system at four different points defined as an end anchor, a mid span halfway between an end anchor and an intermediate anchor, an intermediate anchor and a mid span halfway between two intermediate anchors.

The conclusion of the tests is that the Wingrip system successfully arrested the test masses and controlled the resultant loads to acceptable limits under all test conditions evaluated (e.g. wet, dry, various positions on the system, single mass and sequential masses). The maximum arrest distance recorded was 11.48 ft (3.5 m) and the minimum arrest distance recorded was 1.97 ft (0.6 m). The test also validated the lifeline system for the requirements of Maximum Arresting Force (MAF) as defined in ANSI and OSHA since the measurements taken for "Applied Load" in all test runs were well below those requirements. The test data also showed that the loads imposed onto the aircraft structure would not exceed the limits listed the Wingrip technical literature even in the most extreme test cases.

For additional information on Wingrip Fall Protection Systems, contact Carl Cooper at 832-448-2900 or visit www.fall-arrest.com. Flexible Lifeline Systems is a leading turnkey provider of innovative fall protection solutions. Based in Houston, TX, Flexible Lifeline Systems offers site assessments, training, engineering/ design, fabrication and installation of all types of fall arrest systems across a wide variety of industries. Flexible Lifeline Systems is a registered trademark of Flexible Lifeline Systems, Inc. Wingrip is a registered trademark of Latchways, PLC.

Source: Flexible Lifeline Systems
Website: http://www.fall-arrest.com

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