The Dangers of Not Sending a Fall Arrest Block to an Authorised Service Centre

Monday, Aug 22, 2011

Fall Arrest Blocks can be extremely hazardous if opened and tampered with by anyone without appropriate training.  This was recently highlighted at LHR Marine, when they received a DBI-SALA Fall Arrest Block that had been opened.  Fall Arrest Blocks have a metal motor spring loaded in the case that is stored at a high tension.  If this is released, as well as giving the user a shock due to high noise, there is a high chance the user will receive a serious injury.  It is comparable to an extreme Jack in Box exploding in your face.  The coiled spring is also surprisingly long – as shown in the picture above – therefore increasing the chance of injury further.  According to The Work at Height Safety Association (2006):

“Fall Arrest Blocks should be serviced and re-certified by a competent person of an approved service company as specified by the manufacturer at least every 12 months or less if deemed necessary during a risk assessment.”

Therefore, LHR Marine offers a comprehensive inspection and recertification service for Working at Height equipment.  Their experienced and highly trained staff can also provide a wide range of advice which includes Consultancy & Installation Services, System Design, Certification, Re-Testing and Training.  LHR Marine is a fully authorised Service Centre for Working at Height manufacturers Capital Safety (DBI-SALA & Protecta).  It is their promise to ensure that your products are returned to you operating as the manufacturer intended.  Getting your equipment serviced by a fully authorised service agent is crucial, as equipment which is repaired or serviced by a non-approved company may not only be dangerous but also may no longer conform to the relevant standards.  Equipment which is repaired or serviced by non-approved companies may have been fixed with non OEM parts.

LHR Marine’s reputation for selling Mooring Equipment is well known internationally and they also represent top quality manufacturers of: Working at Height Equipment, Anti-Slip Solutions, Marine Safety Products, Lifting & Handling Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Workwear and Industrial Supplies.  LHR Marine’s recent successes include global agreements with major subsea shipping companies and international mooring companies which have been established from their service provision for over the last ten years from Aberdeen, Scotland and Perth, Australia.

Source: LHR Marine