IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Design of an anchor post for lateral safety lines

Abstract

Devices to reduce the risk of high-steel workers falling from heights have been developed and adopted in Québec in recent years. Lateral safety lines which provide a fixation point for workers' lanyards are increasingly used, especially on large construction sites, and it is estimated that these devices have prevented at least 14 falls. The weight of the anchor posts (50 kg) does result in problems during handling and installation, however.

This project will design a light and reliable cable anchor post capable of resisting the forces generated by falling workers. The new design will use elastic and plastic deformation of the post to dissipate fall energy. The project will cinsist of the following phases: review of the scientific literature, interview of resource people, design and testing of the anchor post, and establishment of quality control criteria for the fabrication of the new anchor post.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0091-0100
Status: Completed
Team:
  • Jean Arteau (IRSST)
  • Georges McIntyre (Polytechnique Montréal)