Working at Height Regulations
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury.
They 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).
Experience shows that such events usually arise due to poor management control rather than equipment failure. In MVR, risk assessments should include:
Prevention of falls in vehicle inspection pits, the safety of steps into the pit and ladders.
Where are they?
It is highly likely that you will find these in most commercial garages, transport depots, Motor Vehicle Repair establishments and other facilities which regularly need to access the underside of vehicles.
We can supply GRP Grating covers for Bus & Coach Pits, Truck, Trailer & HGV Pits, Wide Bodied Vehicle Pits, and Railway & Locomotive Pits. DVSA ATF Testing Pits right down to the humble Home Garage Pit.
Uncovered Pits – An accident waiting to happen
A deep pit left uncovered is a potential hazard. Oil spills and other mechanical fluids can cause slips, which can lead to injuries. Additionally, if a garage is poorly lit or has cars suspended, an uncovered garage pit can present even more prevalent workplace hazards.
Garage pits come in all shapes and sizes, as well as depths – and they aren’t just for cars. Whether for HGVs, coaches, or even locomotive and railway needs, garage inspection pits need a durable, high-quality cover to protect staff and visitors.
What can be done to prevent falls?
Having an open pit creates an ongoing risk of falling, so how do you protect against it?
The simple answer is to…COVER IT or BLOCK IT!
The most effective fall prevention equipment is a pit cover. Most have been covered with awkward heavy, and cumbersome timber, such as railway sleepers or metal grilles which poses a small risk of falling whilst setting them down or lifting them out.
Why wooden planks don’t cut it anymore
Some garages still use traditional wooden planks to cover inspection pits, which can easily splinter, rot under the amount of liquid found in a garage and may not be suited to hold significant weight. Wood is also very hard to keep clean as it absorbs any liquid, making walking on them a slip hazard.
They are also heavy and cumbersome to move around and storing them must be done carefully to avoid damage and damp collection.
So what is the practical answer?
To eradicate this risk, you need a very strong, durable cover that is lightweight to lift and shift, highly visible and anti-slip.
Why GRP Grating is the solution you need
Using durable and lightweight GRP Anti-Slip Grating solves this problem in more ways than one. Not only does it allow for better cleaning, visibility and storage, but also allows for ventilation in the garage pit and better chemical resistance.
It is the ideal and practical solution, not only because it is lightweight but because it is strong enough for pedestrian traffic. 1m2 section weighs 19.5kgs, so easy to lift out.
Can you drive over the 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 recommend 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 pedestrian traffic.
What size is the grating?
The standard Grating has a mesh of 38/38mm-32/32mm Internal Square Hole Opening at 38mm Deep and 50/50mm- 42/42mm Internal Square Hole Opening at 50mm Deep.
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.
Don’t forget pit steps present a hazard as well
Also, remember that steps into the pit can get a build-up of grease/oils and potentially turn into a slippery surface. This can be solved using our retrofit anti-slip stair tread.
To achieve total safety around vehicle inspection pits, anti-slip GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) grating can be installed with side ramps or easy slot in grating covers.
GRP garage covers are lightweight to lift out and strong enough to take heavyweight. We recommend our GRP Grating thickness at 38mm or 50mm.
For more information on these or any of our products, please call us on 02380 406796 or contact us here.
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