Rigid Fall Arrest System Provides Worker Safety for Tank Truck Unloading

A major manufacturer of chocolate confections and industrial confectionery ingredients receives up to four shipments of liquid chocolate on a weekly basis. The liquid chocolate is transported to their manufacturing facility in 6,500 gallon tank trucks. Trucks dock at a station in the rear of the facility where the driver attaches a hose to the back of the tank trailer for pumping. The driver then accesses the top of the tank trailer using a ladder to ensure that the chocolate is successfully pumped into the facility. This process includes opening tank trailer hatches and walking back and forth on top of the tank using a large rubber squeegee to help move the chocolate towards the pump. Deliveries are made year round, and tank trailers are unloaded in various weather conditions, including rain, snow and ice.

For several years this tank truck unloading process was followed without drivers using any fall protection equipment. One day a plant maintenance manager walked outside to observe the unloading of a chocolate shipment. He was stunned when he recognized the serious safety concern that was present. Not only was the company in violation of OSHA 1910.23(c)(1), which requires fall protection for workers at heights above 4 feet, but more importantly, the truck driver was exposed to a life-threatening situation due to the risk of falling.

The maintenance manager moved quickly to find a solution. He remembered a Rigid Lifelines brochure that had been dropped off by a local fall protection distributor. He made a quick phone call and within a day a Rigid Lifelines dealer was able to meet him on site to evaluate the application. The Rigid Lifelines distributor recognized the value in having a Rigid Lifelines Freestanding Monorail fall arrest system installed alongside the truck dock. After explaining the benefits of rigid track, including decreased fall distance and downtime, the company decided to purchase a Rigid Lifelines fall arrest system.

The system that was purchased included a 37-foot piece of track with 22-foot high uprights. A trolley moves inside the enclosed track and allows for a cable SRL (Self-Retracting Lifeline) attachment. Now when the driver docks, he first puts on a harness, then pulls down the SRL hook, and attaches it to his harness D-ring. This provides the driver with an active fall protection system as he ascends and navigates the top of the tank truck. In the event that the driver should fall from the top of his trailer while unloading, the Rigid Lifelines system will arrest the fall within a few inches. This keeps the driver safe from fall related impact injuries and allows him to get back on the job quickly.

With the installation of a Rigid Lifelines fall arrest system, the manufacturer can now take pride in knowing that it is providing truck drivers with the most effective fall protection equipment on the market.

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Kristin Uhlig
May 23, 2011
02:50 PM

Hey, we received your comment. I was wondering if you could tell me a little bit more about what type of information you're looking for. We'd be happy to assist you.
Safety Signs
May 13, 2011
05:32 PM

Do you know anything else about the arrest? I've been looking all over for it - I can't find anything though....