Rope Access Life. Anchorage System - This Time right next to Turbines!
Have you ever seen Rope Access Technicians? These guys in the ropes at heights, or depths.
But where do they attach their ropes if no anchorages or any other structure on the roof exist?
No prob for the smart climbers. They install their own ones.
One of my jobs took place at the facility of MTU Maintenance Berlin-Brandenburg, one of the second-oldest location in the MTU Maintenance network.
Here they maintenance, test, overhaul, and repair turbines of aeroplanes and helicopters, amongst other things.
One of the towers, part of the wind channel for tests, is going to get an inspection and some care.
That's how we come into play, 3KER RAS Group, two great colleagues and my humble self.
But, unfortunately, I was not allowed to take photos of specific facilities. The military is one of them, the supreme one.
So, I can show you only our work we have done to grant access, to bring safety to our and third parties working place, in the area of risk of falling.
I know, what a pity. I really would have liked to show you how we went into turbines, flew some helicopters and the shootout with the military boys. Nha, just kidding.
Measuring. 2.5 meters distance to the falling edge.
Notch the bitumen felt.
Test. Fits.
Insert anchors.
Tighten with a torque wrench.
Spray on sealant.
Second sealant layer.
One of the best, and longest, colleagues I know. Great craftsman.
Third and last sealant layer.
Finished anchorage. That was one of four.
It looks easy, but the anchors (screws) do not always lock in the holes. That example of the Shield of David resulted of finding the right spots, as the tower is more than 50 years old and the concrete roof offered some surprises.
Of course, we sealed it probably with three layers on top.
Roof with four new Anchorages.
Safe work!
Thanks for the insight into this exciting looking job! (No worries you didn't get to take pics with the helicopters, this is still quite impressive.)
So I suppose you leave the anchors in place when you are finished, so it can support you the next time, or anyone else who needs access where there wouldn't be one otherwise.
😆 Phew! Thanks a lot 😉
Yes, the anchors are permanently installed.
Unfortunately, you still find anchors without a note or certification what they are made for on many roofs. Some are restraint system. Others have a specific maximum load rating for rope access. Knowing the difference is lifesaving.
I bet!!! And I assume it is not just the type of anchor, but the way it is attached to the roof. But also, I can imagine that you guys have a reliable way to test its strength, making sure that it will hold just as promised.
Yes, that's right. It's the combination of substrate, type of anchor and how it is attached to it, like, screwed, glued or wedged with the correct torque. And the correct usage.
I've never seen this work from close as you can only see it if you're there, obviously. So thanks for the detailed post, helps me learn and understand better. Now that the anchors are set, it can be used next time, if they prove to be safe.
Thank you for your feedback and my pleasure to give insights.
The anchors bring safety to everybody who is using it, with the right knowledge and correct use.
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