Working in confined spaces such as silos, shafts and ducts is associated with corresponding hazards. For example, an altered atmosphere (dangerous concentration of hazardous substances, lack of oxygen, darkness) is to be expected. Increased electrical hazards must also be assumed, which make the use of electrical equipment more difficult. Furthermore, specific hazards or stresses can occur in confined spaces due to the limited freedom of movement and lack of escape routes, such as forced postures, bumping possibilities, increased physical and mental stress and limited rescue options. The DGUV Rule 113-004 "Containers, silos and confined spaces" must therefore always be observed when assessing the risk of working in confined spaces. It describes the necessary protective measures in detail.
Anyone who has ever tried to work in confined spaces or in places that are difficult to access will have realised that it is difficult to find a safe and reliable anchor point. Especially in work areas, such as in industry or when inspecting public infrastructure such as sewers, it is often a challenge to find a safe anchor point. Conventional anchor points are often too heavy, bulky or difficult to install to be used in these environments. This problem can lead to a safety hazard if workers have to work without adequate protection to carry out these activities. The consequences can be serious: even falls from low heights can result in serious injury or even death.
The Tracrod anchor rod from Tractel® is the ideal solution for these challenges. This anchor rod is a portable anchor point that has been specially developed for use in confined spaces and hard-to-reach areas. The Tracrod anchor rod is designed for people who need to access structures such as storage and silo tanks, sewers and drains via manholes. The Tracrod anchor pole allows two users weighing up to 150kg, including equipment and tools, to work safely. The anchor rod can be easily transported as it can be carried in small vehicles due to its small size and low weight. In addition, it is easy to assemble and can be put into operation in a very short time. It is inserted into a stainless steel carrier, which is permanently fixed at the place of use. No special tools are required to attach the carrier. In addition, Tractel® offers two optional accessories to use the anchor rod in different configurations, such as a fixing plate for standard structures and a 5 cm thick spacer for more flexibility during installation. The Tracrod anchor rod is made of aluminium and is therefore very light, but at the same time extremely stable and strong. It can be used with or without a bracket for a blocfor™ 20R or 30R. The bracket can be mounted and dismounted in seconds and offers additional flexibility and safety.
QUALITY:
The Tracrod anchor pole has been certified to EN 795A and TS16415 standards and allows two users, each weighing up to 150kg, to work safely. The pole is the first portable anchor pole with a working height of 1.50 metres that allows access via manholes. It is the only anchor pole of its kind on the market that is certified for this configuration.
Step 1
Installation of the tracrod attachment: can be installed with two chemical or mechanical anchors on a concrete structure or with two screws on a metal structure.
Step 2
Hold the Tracrod anchor rod 150 kg so that the side of the release is facing the installer.
Step 3
Place the 150 kg tracrod anchor rod over the tracrod attachment as far as it will go.
Step 1
Position yourself on the side of the Tracod 150 kg with unlocking system.
Step 2
Pull and hold the release
Step 3
During unlocking, pull the Tracrod 150 kg anchor rod out of the attachment
The Tracrod is ideal for reaching several identical areas. The stainless steel fixings are permanently installed at each location and the lightweight aluminium pole can then be easily transported between locations.
You can also find out more details in the following video:
Carl Stahl offers a special seminar entitled "Occupational safety in confined spaces - basic seminar (module 4)" as part of its specialist seminars.
Tractel offers the HT55 CS full body harness, which has been specially developed for use in confined spaces. The harness has a specially designed attachment point for the user's chemical escape rescuer. It is positioned in such a way that it does not interfere with work, but can be reached immediately in an emergency.
