Falls from height
You might be surprised to learn that whilst inspection pits are below ground level, falls into one are classed as a Fall from Height and that despite their universal nature, inspection pits continue to pose a fall risk to those who work in and around them.
According to HSE, falls from height remain a leading cause of injuries and fatal workplace accidents. Therefore, inspection pits must comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
What are the work-at-height regulations?
The Work at Height Regulations applies to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury and are in place to protect both employers and employees.
The regulations place duties on employers, the self-employed, and any person that controls the work of others, for example, facilities managers or building owners who may contract others to work at height.
An accident waiting to happen
Experience shows that falls from height usually occur due to poor management control rather than equipment failure.
It’s important to remember that garage pits aren’t just for cars. They come in all shapes, sizes and depths and one left uncovered is an accident waiting to happen.
Potential hazards from oil spills and other mechanical fluids can cause slips. Plus, if a workshop is poorly lit or has cars suspended, an exposed inspection pit can present an even more prevalent workplace hazard, leading to injuries.
Important statistics:
- There have been over 7000 injuries and 33 deaths in the motor repair industry in the last five years (HSE).
- 20% of all injuries in the motor repair industry come from slips and trips (HSE)
The hazard of using wooden planks
We’re sorry to say that some garages still use traditional wooden planks to cover inspection pits. These should be replaced with a more suitable and durable safety solution.
Why? Wooden planks can easily splinter and rot under the amount of liquid in a garage and may not be suitable to hold significant weight. Wood is also tough to keep clean as it absorbs any liquid, making walking on them a slip hazard.
So what is the answer?
The safety solution is GRP Grating
We pride ourselves on our high-quality products. Using durable GRP open mesh grating solves your safety problem in more ways than one. Not only does it allow for better cleaning, visibility and storage, it also allows for ventilation into the garage pit and better chemical resistance, as well as fire safety.
It is lightweight enough to lift out and strong enough to support pedestrian foot traffic.
The recommended GRP Grating thickness is 38mm or 50mm, as it can fit flush with floor levels.
Plus, our 38mm deep GRP grating can be combined with anti-slip stair tread covers and nosings to create safe steps into and out of an inspection pit, and we can supply our GRP grating in manageable sections for ease of movement.
So, what makes Glass Reinforced Plastic gratings suitable for inspection pit covers?
GRP gratings are proven to withstand the effects of corrosion and are highly impact resistant. In addition, they have the lowest life cycle costs and weigh considerably less than conventional metal gratings making them more manageable and less expensive to transport, install and remove.
There are also no costs associated with cutting or welding. Not to mention using GRP gratings also reduces the risk of thieves as GRP gratings have no scrap value, whilst steel gratings do.
Can you drive over GRP Grating or park on it?
This is a frequently asked question, and the answer is yes and no because it all depends on what weight is being applied to it.
We would always recommend that you check out the loading data here.
The use of GRP Grating to cover an inspection pit is to prevent a person from falling into it, and it can be safely walked on as part of pedestrian traffic.
Is Glass Reinforced Plastic resistant to corrosion?
GRP Grating is resistant to corrosion, making it ideal in areas prone to corrosive environments; this includes corrosive salts, acids, alkalis, and other chemical products. In addition, it is highly resistant to wear, tear, impact and abrasion.
What is the lifespan of GRP Grating?
GRP is anti-ageing, and more than 50 years of life span is guaranteed for GRP Grating and requires virtually no maintenance.
What colours are available?
Yellow, green or light grey.
Does GripClad cut to size?
Yes, we cut to easy to lift and shift manageable size that would weigh no more than 23kgs approx.
Is the Grating slip resistant?
Yes, the diamond-hard aluminium oxide grit is embedded in the Grating surface as it is manufactured.
GRP inspection pit covers are lightweight to lift out and strong enough to take the heavyweight. Delivered in 1000mm sections, it is ready to lay down when the pit is not in use and easy to lift out as and when required. Another benefit is that there is virtually zero maintenance.
To achieve total safety around vehicle inspection pits, anti-slip GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) grating can be installed with side ramps or in the majority of cases, the grating covers simply slot into a rebated ledge/bearer. It really is that easy!
For more information on this or any of our products, please call us on 02380 406796 or contact us here.
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