Rigid Lifelines Enclosed Track Fall Protection, a Better Investment Than I-Beam Systems

Horizontal rigid track fall protection systems will always be superior to rigid I-Beam systems due to their inherent design differences. But by far, the differences in their performance in cold weather climates and dirty applications are the most telling. I-Beam systems utilize an old fashioned I-Beam with an exposed rolling trolley that moves on the beam’s exposed lower flange. In climates that see snow and ice, I-Beam systems are rendered useless due to accumulation of snow and ice on the exposed lower flange. The trolley cannot move well through the ice and snow. Even in warm weather climates, or indoor applications, I-Beam system performance can be poor due to dirt, dust, and animal droppings. Grain applications can be especially problematic due to deposits from flocks of birds building up on the beam flange. Manufacturers of these systems may argue that a scraper can be applied to the trolley to remove flange obstacles. If a worker is removing flange obstacles, not only is he being placed into a fall hazard, but he is also wasting valuable work time.

Rigid Lifelines enclosed track design eliminates the potential hazards of ice, snow, and dirt buildup.

Other deficiencies in I-Beam systems include:

I-Beam systems require more energy to start and stop the heavy trolley, making movement cumbersome for the worker.
I-Beam is heavier than enclosed track and demands more support trusses and support steel. This added support increases the weight of the overall system creating a necessity for larger and more expensive foundations. These systems use unnecessary steel which does not add strength to the system, just weight and cost.
I-Beam trolleys are bolted together and as a result can be assembled improperly, too loosely, or with the fasteners not torqued properly. This can translate into a catastrophic failure of the trolley during a fall event. Enclosed track systems have the trolley fully enclosed and “trapped” inside the track profile. This means the potential for a catastrophic failure due to loose trolley parts or improper trolley assembly is completely eliminated.

Rigid Lifelines enclosed track design is superior to I-Beam systems because:

Rigid Lifelines trolleys roll easier.
Enclosed track design eliminates the buildup of ice, snow, and dirt.
Enclosed track design is made of high strength steel that is light weight, resulting in lower hanger load and stresses on buildings and support structures.
Enclosed track high strength, low weight design allows for the use of less-expensive steel support structures.
Enclosed track high strength, low weight design allows the use of smaller foundations.
Enclosed track design keeps fall arrest trolley trapped inside which eliminate the potential for catastrophic trolley failure in I-Beam systems.

Thank you for reading this entry!

Remember, Rigid Lifelines is the Future of Fall Protection™…..

Michael Evanko

Add a Comment
Share

Comments

May 17, 2012
08:23 AM

No Comments Yet.