Dropped Objects
Prevention Work Mat
Prevent dropped objects accidents with our Work Mat
When working at heights, dropped tools can pose a significant safety hazard. This is especially important when working on elevated work areas. Dropped objects are common contributor to accidents in industrial facilities.
Prevent Drops Prevention Mat significantly reduces the risk of dropped objects. It is proven to be effective drop safety tool.
Prevent Drops Work Mat is a cost effective drop safety solution. The Dropped Objects Prevention Work Mat allows people to work on grating while protecting their tools and equipment from falling through the grating opening or holes. The Dropped Objects Prevention Work Mat is easy to carry around and is flexible enough that personnel can fold it after use. The work mat is highly effective in protecting employees and contractors from dropped object risks especially during maintenance, turnaround, outage, inspection and daily operations. Prevent Drops drop mats are made of high quality German fabric which features a reinforced safety color yellow hem around the mat to secure the sides of the drop mat.
To prevent objects from falling from height the safety nets are wrapped around the objects. The size of the object determines the size of the safety net required, standard safety net sizes make an easy match to any equipment (such as: junction boxes, lights for navigation, TL-lights or strip lights, speakers, sound boxes, cctv cameras, monitors and detector equipment).
The stainless steel high quality safety net will catch the object when it accidently drops to the workfloor or platform. These safety nets can be used for temporary installation works, but are most suitable for permanend installed objects at height that introduce dropped object risks.
The stainless steel high quality safety net will catch the object when it accidently drops to the workfloor or platform. These safety nets can be used for temporary installation works, but are most suitable for permanend installed objects at height that introduce dropped object risks.
A strong lanyard is supplied to weave through the netting and wrap and lock the ends of the safety net to the solid structure. This secondary retention method is commonly applied to protect the lives of the workers and pedestrians.
The work mats could be connected to the grating in the following two ways:
- Work Mat can be secured with elastic banded hooks (spanners);
- Work Mat can be secured with 14 strong magnets, which attaches to the grating. The magnets in the hem are rated for 84N each making it one of the strongest in the market to ensure that work mats are secured properly.
Worksite injuries
Worksite cuts and abrasions are just a few minor injuries workers can sustain on a worksite due to falling or flying objects, much serious injuries includes concussion, blindness, and even death.
Working at height, beneath scaffolds or areas where overhead work is being performed puts workers and the public below at risk from falling (dropped) objects. The term dropped object takes on a specific meaning, it can be:
1. An object that falls from a height by its own weight and gravity, or
2. An object that falls from a height due to contact with an energy source.
3. In either case, the result can be injury and harm to people, property or the environment.
According to Dropped Object Prevention Scheme (DROPS), an object that weighs less than three pounds if dropped from a height of 30 feet can be fatal. If your worksites is typically elevated, you will definitely be dealing with such dropped object hazards on a daily basis.
Best practices & recommendations to work at height
- Wire clamps must be of the correct number and sized to the dimensions of the wire
- It is a requirement that wire clamps are assembled, inspected and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s user manual / maintenance instructions
- Bull-dog style clamps should not be used
All portable equipment used where there is a risk of the equipment falling to an underlying level must be secured against being dropped
- Carrying pouches must always be used for radios and any other portable equipment without certified securing points
- Locks on pouches must have a double securing mechanism to prevent unintentional opening
- Belt clips that allow equipment to become detached when turned 180º should not be used
Belts with snap fasteners are not suitable for securing equipment at height - Battery compartments and covers on portable equipment must be secured to prevent internal components from falling.
Remember even small items falling from significant heights can cause injury and distractions. Ensure all personal equipment (tally books, pens, calipers, cameras, water bottles etc.) is secure in a fastened pocket or carry pouch. If the item is not required for the task, do not carry it at height – leave it at ground level.
- All use of heavy tools and hand-held machinery where equipment may fall to an underlying level must be risk assessed
- All heavy tools and hand-held machinery used at height must be secured against being dropped, both when in use and while being transported
- Securing points for tools and machinery must be in place above the work site, attached to the surrounding structure, not to scaffolding
- Tools heavier than 2kg should not be secured to the body, secure them to the adjacent worksite structure
- One piece sledge hammers (forged construction with secured head) should be used at height
- The attachment points / devices on tools shall be documented and all securing wires inspected in accordance with the manufacturers recommendation
- The securing wire must be as short as possible to reduce shock loading effect
Energy absorbing lanyards and tethers can stretch beyond the safe calculations or drop distance, therefore fixed securing wires should be used on heavy tools at height, according to the work environment - Only certified lifting equipment shall be used as securing devices (where appropriate)
Tools used at height should be checked out / in (see Page 54 of Handbook “DROPPED OBJECTS PREVENTION”) to ensure that nothing is left behind.
- The choice of equipment to be used must be made after evaluating the work place environment
- Established control procedures must be followed before, during and after use
Anyone using personal protective equipment against falls from height must have documented training (including rescue method training) - Nobody shall work alone or unattended when using fall arrest equipment
- Everyone involved in the work scope must have sufficient training and awareness of the equipment and safety procedures
- A ‘Buddy’ check of all fall arrest, rigging and other equipment must be carried out
- The necessary rescue equipment and trained personnel must always be available at the workplace
- Fall arrest equipment must have CE approval, incorporate an anti-trauma safety device and comply with an accepted standard
- The equipment shall be checked EVERY TIME before use and must be checked at least every 6 months by a competent person
- The date for next inspection must be clearly shown on the equipment
- The anchor point for suspension must be rated to 5000 lbs (22kN) – OSHA.