07/10/2024
The HSE have recently carried out an investigation into anchorage of inflatables. Following their findings they have shared their thoughts and are now preparing to launch ETIS07 imminently.
P**A released a document in September, TB08 (see here www.pipa.org.uk/media/ox5esmmb/tb08-anchorage-calculations-interim-v10.pdf ) which incorporates the the HSE requirements on anchorage.
Through ITATS we raised the following questions with P**A relating to TB08 and the answers are shown after each question.
1. Is this to be implemented immediately? - (P**A) 'Yes, HSE do not want any grace period as they have identified this as an immediate action to be taken forward from their research. It is likely to be stated in the ETIS07 document (the last version I seen did and there was no talk of removing it, more so emphasising it).'
2. Is it to be applied retrospectively in its entirety? - (P**A) 'Yes – to fit in with ETIS07 and to meet the research HSE conducted.'
3. There are a number of diagrams featuring corner anchor points - EN14960, whist stating that corner anchor points count as 50% , nowhere does it state what constitutes a corner anchor point. Whilst I have agreed with the principle shown in the diagram, when this was raised we were told that any anchor point within 12 inches/30cm of a corner constituted a corner anchor point. I couldn't clarify on how many units will be affected by this change but there are certainly a few. - (P**A) 'We highlighted this to HSE, however they looked at this within their research and this was the definitive answer given and superseding all others. It has to be absolutely on the corner. Anything away from the corner, is counted as part of the calculation on the applicable side.'
4. TB08 states there is a more comprehensive TB on anchorage in the pipeline so do we have a release date and will it supersede TB08? This is a much bigger project and there is no timeline on this. (P**A) 'We don’t want to rush this one. But it wont replace the information, it will just make it a bigger technical bulletin covering more things related to anchorage.'
So what does this mean for you?
In essence, anchorage on all units will need to be recalculated to meet with this new HSE directive. It is possible that some of your units may require further anchor points added if they do not meet these new requirements. These calculations will be carried out during the next inspection cycle. If you have already had your inspections completed for 2024 then you need to do nothing until 2025.
How is the calculation carried out?
There is a formula in EN14960 that shows how to calculate the required number on each side and this equates to -
surface area x 114 x 1.5 divide by 1600 This gives the required number of anchor points. All results are rounded up to the nearest whole.
The easiest way to calculate the surface area is to multiply length x height. This will build in an additional safety factor. This is known as the 'box' method. If you look at TB08 you will see a diagram of a slide which explains the difference between the 'box' method and 'actual' calculation of the surface area.
Remember that high anchor points are no longer part of the total. However, if high anchor points are fitted to any unit they must be used during operation as the aid stability.
I hope all is clear but if not please feel free to contact me or I will be a LSS this week all day Wednesday and Thursday morning.
