Falls from heights are a significant hazard in Australian workplaces, contributing to annual injuries and fatalities. According to Safe Work Australia, falls from a height were the second-highest contributor to worker fatalities, with a 71% increase from 17 to 29 deaths between 2022 and 2023. ¹

Non-fatal falls also impose substantial financial burdens, with each incident costing employers downtime, medical expenses, and recovery costs. This underscores the critical need for robust height safety measures, with personal fall arrest systems playing a pivotal role in mitigating these risks. 

 The Australian Height Safety Landscape 

Australia maintains a comprehensive legislative framework for workplace safety, particularly for working at heights. 

A range of standards employed within this framework include: 

• AS/NZS 1891 (series); and 
• AS/NZS 5532:2013.

AS/NZS 1891 (series) 

This standard series offers detailed guidance on the various aspects of personal fall arrest systems, including selection, use, and maintenance of industrial fall-arrest systems and devices.  

AS/NZS 5532:2013 

This standard specifies manufacturing requirements for single-point anchor devices used in harness-based work at height. It outlines the design, testing, and performance criteria that anchor devices must meet to ensure reliability during fall arrest scenarios. 

The Role of Personal Fall Arrest Systems  

Personal fall arrest systems are critical safety measures for workers operating at heights. Their effectiveness depends on proper selection, installation, and use, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive training. Personal fall arrest systems should serve as a final line of defence when other preventative measures, such as guardrails or safety nets, are not feasible. 

Importance of Training 

Workers utilising personal fall arrest systems must receive thorough training on the following: 

Equipment Selection: Choosing appropriate personal fall arrest systems based on specific tasks and environmental conditions.

Proper Donning and Doffing: Ensuring correct fitting and adjustment for optimal function and safety.

Routine Inspections: Conducting regular checks to identify any damage or defects that could compromise safety.

Emergency Procedures: Being prepared to respond effectively in the event of a fall, including rescue operations and equipment handling.

RUD: Leading with Anchor Points 

RUD offers a range of personal fall arrest system anchor points compliant with Australian standards: 

PSA VRS-STARPOINT: A 360-degree rotatable anchor point designed for permanent installations on buildings and wind turbines.

PSA INOX-STAR: Similar to the VRS-STARPOINT but constructed from stainless steel, making it suitable for harsh environments.

Weld-on Anchor Points: RUD is preparing to release a range of weld-on anchor points with boltable plates, expanding secure anchoring options for various substrates.

All RUD fall arrest anchor points are tested and certified to meet AS/NZS 1891.4:2009 and AS/NZS 5532:2013, ensuring compliance with Australian safety regulations. A forthcoming weld-on duplex stainless steel anchor point will be suitable for corrosive environments.

Contact RUD for more information, applications and technical advice. Call 07 3809 1300 or email us here.

Article copyright to RUD Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. 

References:

1. Safework Australia - https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/media-centre/news/key-work-health-and-safety-statistics-2024

In the demanding world of construction and infrastructure projects, the safe and efficient lifting of heavy loads is critical. If you want to lift heavy loads from 85 tonnes upwards, look no further than the RUD WBPG, which offers safe lifting as a single product.

The amazing RUD WBPG is the best heavy-duty bootable lifting point in the market and can lift loads from 85 tonnes to 250 tonnes, which is a game changer for the construction and infrastructure industry!

RUD's Commitment to Safety and Efficiency:

RUD's decades of experience in lifting technology are evident in the WBPG hoist ring. The WBPG lifting point is designed for exceptional strength and durability, meeting and exceeding industry standards.

Benefits

• Exceptional Load Capacity: The WBPG is available in size M48 with a Working Load Limit (WLL) ranging from 85 to 250 tonnes, making it the best choice for heavy lifting in construction and infrastructure projects.
• Ball Bearing Mounted for Smooth Operation: The innovative ball bearing mounting ensures smooth operation even under heavy loads, reducing friction and wear on the lifting point. A crucial benefit for increased safety even with multiple uses.
• Shackle Pivoting and Swivel Bolt: The WBPG features a 180° shackle pivot and a 360° swivel bolt with ball bearings, allowing for flexible load positioning and manoeuvring.
• Removable Suspension Ring: The WBPG ring is designed to resemble a shackle, permitting secure attachment of hoops in heavy concrete sleepers. This makes it easier for your team to work faster and more efficiently.
• Multi-directional Loading: The WBPG can be loaded from any side in the direction of the pivot, making it ideal for lifting and turning heavy loads.
• Robust Design and Construction: RUD's lifting points are built to withstand dynamic loads of at least 20,000 cycles and are tested at an overload of 50%. All bolts undergo a 100% crack test, providing quadruple safety in every loading direction.

Selecting the Right Lifting Point

When choosing a lifting point for a construction or infrastructure project, it is essential to:

1. Determine the Total Weight. Accurately calculate the weight of the load being lifted.
2. Consider the Number of Lifting Points. The appropriate number of lifting points must be determined based on the shape of the load and installation position.
3. Account for Reduction Factors. Refer to operating instructions to factor in reductions due to tilt angles and temperature variations.
4. Select a Lifting Point with Sufficient WLL. To ensure a safe margin, choose a lifting point with a WLL that exceeds the weight determined in step 3.

RUD's WBPG: A Solution for Heavy Lifting Challenges

The RUD WBPG hoist ring is the best boltable lifting point in the market. It offers an exceptional solution for heavy lifting in the construction and infrastructure industries. Its robust design, high load capacity, and multiple safety features provide peace of mind and efficiency, ensuring the safe and successful completion of even the most demanding projects.

Read how the WBPG helped the world's largest crane manufacturer build an enormous ship crane that would be used for offshore applications in the oil and gas sector and wind farm installation and disassembly. Click here for the full article.

RUD Australia has a ready stock of VWBG 200t. Call 07 3809 1300 or email us here for more details on how it can meet your heavy-lifting needs.

The INOX-ABA weld-on lifting point, which is part of the ABA family, provides a robust and corrosion-resistant solution for lifting operations in challenging environments. This lifting point is forged from duplex stainless steel 1.4462 and offers superior resistance to pitting and surface corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance even when exposed to corrosive elements like seawater.

Designed for Durability and Reliability

The INOX-ABA is forged from duplex stainless-steel 1.4462, known for its strength and resistance to corrosion. This material choice ensures that the anchor point can withstand demanding conditions often encountered in industries such as:

Paper and food processing: Hygiene quality control is very important in the paper and food industries to prevent contamination. INOX-ABA's duplex stainless-steel manufacturing prevents any potential leaching of coatings or particles, thereby safeguarding the process.

Petrochemical plants: The INOX-ABA’s resistance to corrosive chemicals and high temperatures makes it ideal for handling equipment and machinery in these challenging environments.

Maritime environments: The INOX-ABA is specifically designed to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater, making it perfect for use on ships, rigs, and offshore installations.

Addressing Common Challenges

Most weld-on lifting points, while doing a great job, fall short in challenging environments. The INOX-ABA, however, addresses these shortcomings with its robust construction and comprehensive design features:

Corrosion Resistance: The duplex stainless-steel forging and closed fillet weld provides superior protection against rusting and pitting, ensuring the lifting point remains functional and safe even after prolonged exposure to corrosive elements.

Load in All Directions: The INOX-ABA has full WLL in any direction, providing a secure and reliable lifting solution regardless of the load's orientation.

Enhanced Safety: The INOX-ABA has a 4:1 design factor for safety compared to traditional lifting points, ensuring a wide safety margin in critical lifting operations.

Wear Indicators: Patented internal and external wear indicators permit easy inspection and monitoring of wear and tear, enabling timely maintenance and ensuring continued safety.

Adaptable and Versatile

The INOX-ABA is available in three load capacities (0.8t, 1.6t, and 2.7t) to accommodate a wide range of lifting applications. Its operating temperature ranges from -40°C to 250°C, further expanding its versatility, making it suitable for a variety of temperature environments. The duplex stainless-steel 1.4462 used in the INOX-ABA allows electromagnetic crack testing to ensure the integrity of the anchor point.

Welding Compatibility and Diverse Applications

The INOX-ABA's duplex stainless-steel construction is compatible with various materials, including structural steel, permitting seamless integration into diverse applications. This makes it ideal for use in container construction, particularly in the food production and oil & gas industries, where its resistance to corrosion and contamination is beneficial.

INOX-ABA is also becoming popular for use on cruise ships. It can perform a range of lifting tasks while seamlessly blending into the ship's stainless-steel environment. Its versatility and adaptability make it an asset in diverse industries, ensuring safety and reliability in challenging conditions.

A Comprehensive Solution

RUD's INOX-ABA weld-on lifting point represents a significant advancement in lifting solutions for harsh environments. Its robust construction, corrosion resistance, and comprehensive design features combine to provide a safe, reliable, and versatile solution for a wide range of industries. From heavy-duty lifting operations to fall protection applications (Only 1.6t), the INOX-ABA is a dependable and durable lifting point, ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations in even the most challenging conditions.

References:

Content is taken from www.rud.com.au and technical websites as given below:

• MM Logistik - https://www.mm-logistik.vogel.de/rud-hat-einen-korrosionsbestaendiger-anschlagpunkt-a-27f74963a0bcd18714630d9cf2419782/
• Maschinen Markt - https://www.maschinenmarkt.vogel.de/rud-hat-einen-korrosionsbestaendiger-anschlagpunkt-a-504d289f8344599d53f939f85cc9535a/

If you want more details of our lifting and lashing solutions, call us on 07 3809 1300 or email us here.

Part 2 of the 2-part article. Click here to read Part 1.

Risk Analysis: A Crucial Step for Integrated and Attachable Lifting Points

A comprehensive risk analysis is mandatory before conducting a lift, whether utilising integrated or attachable lifting points. This analysis should consider the following key aspects regarding lifting points:

• The lifting point or lifting eye should not have any sharp edges.
• The lift point must be suitable for the hooks/shackles/slings being used.
• Wall thicknesses and edge distances must be assessed to ensure the load can be transferred appropriately into the structure.
• The product-specific marking must be provided.

Lifting Point Selection Criteria

Choosing the appropriate lifting point is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of any lifting operation. Here are some key factors to consider during the selection process:

• Mass and Centre of Gravity: The payload's mass and centre of gravity are the primary determinants. Lifting points with a Working Load Limit (WLL) equal to or exceeding the load weight must be selected. Additionally, the centre of gravity will influence the number and placement of lifting points required for balanced lifting.
• Number of Lifting Points and Lifting Configuration: The number of lifting points depends on the number of legs in the lifting sling and the desired lifting configuration (single-leg, multi-leg). The chosen configuration will impact the overall WLL of the lifting system.
• Deduction Factors: External factors like tilt angle and temperature fluctuations can affect the WLL of a lifting point. Deduction factors specific to the anticipated lifting scenario should be considered during selection.
• Lifting Point Type and WLL: Based on the load weight, lifting configuration, and deduction factors, a lifting point with an appropriate WLL and suitable type (boltable, weldable, rigid, swivel) must be chosen.

Verification and Documentation

The selected lifting point should possess a valid test certificate conforming to the relevant standards. This certification verifies that the manufacturer adheres to stringent testing protocols, including proof load application, destructive tensile tests, and crack detection procedures.

Design and Calculation Resources

Providing engineers access to 2D/3D CAD design documents and calculation programs can significantly enhance the lifting point selection process. These resources allow engineers to incorporate lifting points directly into technical drawings while considering factors impacting WLL calculations, such as:

• The number of lifting strands/legs.
• Potential angle variations during the lift.
• The symmetry or asymmetry of the lifted object.

Simplified Lifting Point Inspection with RFID Technology

Regular inspection and maintenance of lifting points are essential for safe operation. RUD offers lifting points equipped with RFID transponders. These transponders contain unique identification numbers that a dedicated reader can scan to transmit data to cloud-based software. This technology simplifies inspection recordkeeping and allows for convenient access to vital lifting point information.

Click here to see the RUD ACP-TURNADO, the world’s first intelligent lifting point with RFID.

Lifting Point Purchasing Checklist

To streamline the selection process, consider this checklist when purchasing lifting points:

• Is the lifting point type specified in the project plan?
• How many lifting points are needed per component?
• What is the required WLL for the lifting point?
• Are there any specific design dimensions to consider?
• What are the anticipated loading directions for the lifting point?
• Are there any necessary approvals or certifications required for the lifting point?

By following these guidelines and utilising available resources, you can ensure the selection of the most suitable lifting points for your specific lifting applications, promoting a safe and efficient operation. RUD Australia has a team of experienced, CPEng-qualified engineers who can assist you in selecting the correct lifting points for your application.

Article copyright to RUD Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise. 

This is a 2 part article.

Lifting points are fundamental elements within any lifting system. They are the crucial connection between lifting equipment (cranes, hoists) and the load itself, facilitating lifting, rotating, and manoeuvring operations. Common lifting point examples include eyebolts, swivel load rings and pad eyes, which connect to lifting chains using hooks, shackles, or other dedicated connectors. Modern lifting points are engineered to ensure safe load handling and to prevent damage throughout the lifting and transportation process.

Integrating Lifting Points at the Design Stage

With over 140 years of experience, RUD recognises that lifting points are often overlooked during the initial design phase. This can lead to complications and potential safety hazards later in the project. Incorporating lifting points should be prioritised from the outset to prevent such issues. This includes considering lifting requirements throughout the product lifecycle, from production and internal transportation to delivery, installation, assembly, and even potential relocation or decommissioning. Implementing lifting points at each stage minimises risk and promotes smooth operation. During the design phase, collaboration between the engineering, production, logistics, and supply chain management teams ensures proper lifting point integration.

Evolution of Lifting Points: From Simple Eye Bolts to Modern Safety Standards

Over time, lifting point design has evolved to comply with changing regulations and safety requirements. Four decades ago, DIN 580 eyebolts were the most prevalent lifting point option. However, a series of accidents in German underground operations, attributed to eyebolt breakage, necessitated stricter standards. These types of incidents regarding the misuse of collared eyebolts led to the development of modern lifting points, offering significantly higher safety margins against breakage in all directions. As a result, collared eyebolts such as DIN 580 and AS 2317.1 eyebolts are no longer the preferred choice for lifting points.

The Role of Lifting Points in Conjunction with Lifting Equipment

Lifting points play a vital role when working with lifting equipment like cranes, crane trucks, and material-handling machinery. Lifting chains that connect the machine to the load rely on these critical components. In Australia, specific standards for lifting (e.g. AS 4991, AS 3775.2, AS 3776) set the requirements for various lifting gear, prioritising operator safety. This focus on safety emphasises the importance of selecting the most suitable lifting gear for each application.

Types of Lifting Points: Boltable vs. Weldable, Rigid vs. Swivel

Lifting points are generally categorised into two primary types: boltable and weldable. Boltable options are the most common due to their versatility, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly as needed. They are available for standard thread sizes, offering maximum flexibility. Conversely, weldable lifting points are permanently affixed to the load. Their primary advantage is eliminating accidental unscrewing or over-tightening during load rotation or turning. Beyond these classifications, lifting points can also be rigid or swivelling. Rigid variants, such as collared eyebolts or pad eyes, lack adjustability in the pulling direction. Swivel lifting points, on the other hand, offer greater flexibility. They are commonly employed in multi-strand lifting applications, as they can automatically align themselves with the lifting force during load handling.

Click for our full range of bolt-on and weld-on lifting points.

Advantages of Lifting Points with Swivel and Rotation Capabilities

Lifting points specifically designed for rotating and turning applications offer additional benefits, translating into increased value. These points often integrate ball bearings, enabling a full Working Load Limit (WLL) under rotation. This makes them ideal for scenarios requiring load manipulation during lifting. The ball bearings significantly reduce sudden and unwanted movements during rotation, a crucial safety feature. Achieving smooth, impact-free rotation under load is only possible with these bearings.

Click here for an example of a ball-bearing lifting point - The RUD VWBG Load Ring.

Understanding Working Load Limit (WLL)

WLL is a critical industry term indicating the working load a lifting point can be subject to. Selecting appropriate lifting points necessitates a thorough understanding of their WLLs. Several factors influence a lifting point's WLL, including its attachment method, positioning, load symmetry, and the number of lift points used.

To be continued ...

Article copyright to RUD Group. This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.