Real Estate Journal — Owners, Developers & Managers — 2017 GP-FM Show— April 28 - May 11, 2017 — 17B
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2017 GP-FM S how By Ray Nardo, FallProof, LLC Fall Protection for HVAC Chillers
ndustrial size HVAC chill- ers present multiple fall protection hazards. When located on a rooftop near an unprotected edge, simply ap- proaching the chiller may ex- pose your worker to the risk of falling. Roof edge guardrail, horizontal lifelines, and fixed anchor points can all be de- signed to protect your workers as they approach and service the lower areas of the equip- ment. However, from a hazard analysis standpoint, access to the fans from the top of the housing is probably the area with the greatest risk of falling. Whether located on a rooftop or on the ground, the top of the chillers is almost always more than four, but less than ten feet above the surface. From an OSHA standpoint, the top deck is considered a work sur- face, and since the potential fall is more than four feet, the worker must be protected. Also, since the total fall potential is generally less than ten feet, there is almost never enough fall clearance to use an active fall arrest system. Fortunately, there are modular passive solu- tions available. Fall Protection Analysis and the Results The “before” picture of a recent Fallproof installation shows additional consider- ations. Chillers come in many sizes, and piping and other obstructions are commonplace around the base. Additionally, any system installed cannot obstruct electrical panels or other areas requiring access. For this job, Fallproof took complete measurements of each chiller, noting the location of all service access points, pip- ing and other areas of concern. Multiple locations throughout the manufacturing facility were surveyed. Approval draw- ings were submitted to the customer, and material was ordered once the system design was finalized. The “after” picture of dif- ferent chillers in the same facility shows the final instal- lation. Because the system was specifically designed from the ground up for this specific location, all piping and other obstructions were designed in. Workers can now access and service the equipment without risk of fall. The safety gate at the top of the ladder results in full perimeter protection. As an added benefit, this passive system required no worker training, no harnesses or other I
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compared to other alternatives. Ray Nardo is the presi- dent of FallProof. n
specialized equipment, and no annual inspections, reducing the lifetime cost of protection
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Markets we serve: Commercial Industrial Residential
Electrical Contractors State, Municipal & Government Hospital & Institutions Property Management & Hospitality Products we offer: Wire, Pipe, Fittings & Wiring Devices Switchgear, Panelboards, Motor Controls & Motors Lighting & replacement Lamps LED Retrofits, Fixtures and other Energy Efficient Products Sub-Metering Equipment Meters, Tools & Ladders Safety Devices & Equipment Fire Alarms, Smoke Detectors & Burglar Alarms Generators Services we offer: On time Deliveries to meet customer requirements 24/7 Emergency Response Inventory Management Project quotes Lighting & Energy Audits Customer Training
455 Third Street Jersey City, NJ 07302 Ph: 201-653-1613 Fx: 201-653-5470 Bob Kilroy bkilroy@Jewelelectric.com
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