GB2488831A - A fall prevention system for a flatbed vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A fall prevention system for a flatbed lorry comprises a plurality of arms B that can be swung out from the side of the lorry D, each of said arms supporting a vertical post from which a pivotal platform/walkway F is suspended. A safety fence is connected between each of the vertical posts, and the system is capable of being locked in place. The fall prevention system can be used with the platform folded in its storage position (figures 2 and 4) if the user is able to walk along the bed of the vehicle, or the platform can be lowered (figures 3 and 5) to provide a safe extended walkway.

Description

I

Fall Protection for Flatbed Lorr An example of the invention will now be described by referring to the accompanying drawings: * Figure 1 shows the fall prevention device in a closed position from the front elevation view; and * Figure 2 shows the fall prevention device in the deployed position (open) with the platform in the raised position from the end elevation; and * Figure 3 shows the fall prevention device in the deployed position (open) with the platform in the lowered position from the end elevation; and * Figure 4 shows the fall prevention device in the deployed position (open) with the platform in the raised position from the top elevation; and * Figure 5 shows the fall prevention device in the deployed position (open) with the platform in the lowered position from the top elevation.

Within the transport sector, statistics are proving that fatality rates arising from persons falling from lorry flatbeds are at an alarming level. The HSE are requiring operators and manufacturers to provide a safe, reasonable and practicable device that will prevent a person falling from a vehicle flatbed. The device 1 have designed will enable employers to meet this obligation (duty of care).

From one single operation performed by the driver/operator, several swing out arms secured by a rigid bar and chains, will be unlocked from the side of the lorry bed to a 90 degree angle and secured by a locking device. The walkway / platform, which is permanently attached by hinges to the rigid bar between upright posts, will be unlocked by the driver/operator and lowered onto the side of the lorry bed to provide a safe extended walkway. If the load dictates the driver/operator can safely work on the lorry bed, the device can be left in the closed position and still provide full protection. lf the load extends to the full width of the bed the device will provide a walkway to safely enable the driver to access or egress from the lorry bed. The upright posts are linked together by a two level chain link system providing full fall protection and both the uprights and chains can be removable if required.

The design ensures the maximum width of the flatbed does not exceed the construction of use regulations. Different from other designs currently in use, there is little or no manual handling involved in the deployment of the device and can be fully deployed within in a matter of seconds.

If required, the device can be mounted either in the lorry bed side or immediately below the bed,

Claims (5)

1. Claims 1. A flatbed lorry fall protection system comprising a permanent attachment to a lorry bed, with swing out side arms, drop down platforms, upright posts, linked by chains and secured by a locking device.
2. 2. A flatbed lorry fall protection system according to claim 1, in which the frame is secured to the lorry side and secured by a locking device.
3. 3. A flatbed fall protection system according to claim 1, in which the uprights can be removed.
4. 4. A flatbed fall protection system according to claim 1, in which all the side arms and posts swing out to a 90 degree angle to the lorry bed in one action, secured to each other by a rigid bar between each upright and chains and secured into place by a locking device.
5. 5. A flatbed protection system according to claim 1, in which the platforms are released and lowered onto the flatbed lorry.