| Safety improvements for inspecting |
New equipment has been designed to access and inspect screen decks at this wharf on the Thames in Essex. The result enables easy and safe access to the screens via a platform and ladder, with the risk of falling into the access chute at the bottom of the screen removed by installing folding covers.
Maintenance workers no longer have to gain access to the screen by clambering over the sides but can use the platform and access ladder. Furthermore, the person working on the screen can have tools and spares passed from the side, or heavier items can be lowered from the platform.
The covers are operated by releasing a simple locking mechanism and are then lowered into position, with very little effort involved. This means the person on the screen does not need to wear fall prevention equipment, making the task far less cumbersome. As a result, the employee maintains comfort and flexibility, which in turn aids the manual handling aspects of tasks where access is required. |