WHICH ARE THE APPROVED COLLECTIVE PROTECTION SOLUTIONS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR?
In the construction sector, collective protections are essential to guarantee the safety of workers and to minimize the risks associated to falls from height, impacts and other common hazards at construction sites. These systems are designed to protect several workers simultaneously, complying with the legal safety requirements established in the current regulations.
Types of Collective Protections in Construction
1. Safety nets
Safety nets are essential for fall protection on construction sites, and their versatility allows them to be used in different configurations. There are several types of net systems, each one with specific characteristics for different situations:
• System S: Horizontal safety net with perimeter rope.
• System T:Safety net attached to consoles or metal supports, for horizontal use
• System V: Safety net with perimeter rope attached to a gallows-type support
• Sistema U: Safety net for vertical protection
In addition, safety nets are classified as follows:
Class A1 E= 2.3 kJ Mesh size ≤ 60mm
Class A2 E= 2.3 kJ Mesh size ≤ 100mm
Class B1 E= 4.4 kJ Mesh size ≤ 60mm
Class B2 E= 4.4 kJ Mesh size ≤ 100mm
• System S: An horizontal safety net, installed in large areas, ideal for covering large working surfaces where the fall from height hazard is high. Designed to secure during roofing works, works on warehouses frame structures, protection of openings in the ceilings of buildings and the construction of bridges and viaducts.
• System T:Also for horizontal use, but placed on consoles/metal supports to protect edges on floors and other exposed structures. The “console” will protect workers from falling while working at the edges of buildings sites.
• System V: Installed in vertical position, it is attached to an inverted L-type support (jib or gallows). It is commonly used in façade work. Compared to type T nets, jib or gallows system is a much cheaper solution and easier to use in complex building sites.
• System U: Used vertically, installed on a support structure for temporary enclosures, or to protect working areas on the outside of buildings. (Nets as railings)
• Red below slabs system A and system B: These nets are designed to be placed under the formwork slabs during the construction stages of buildings. The system A is fixed directly to the slab, while system B is used in combination with other structural elements, such as consoles or brackets. Both systems are essential in work at great heights to prevent falls from different levels.
• Vertical net for closing facades: Used to temporarily closing on facades, and protect both workers and pedestrians from falling objects or debris. These nets are essential in construction sites where work is carried out at height, and perimeter security must be guaranteed.
• Safety railings / Edge protection: These are temporary systems installed at the edges of floors, stairs or openings, to prevent workers and material from falling from height. There are different types of edge protection systems, depending on the inclination and characteristics of the surface, divided in class A, B and C, so to adapt to the different project needs
• . Canopies: For attachment to buildings, bridges, or concrete or cement walls using threaded rods. The canopies are designed exclusively for falling materials, protecting both workers and any pedestrians. The canopies must be able to withstand the impact energy of falling objects, holding them safely.
Standards and requirements
Collective protection systems must comply with a series of technical standards and regulations, such as UNE-EN 13374 for edge protection, and UNE-EN 1263 for safety nets. These standards specify minimum safety requirements and assessment methods to ensure that installed products provide adequate protection to workers and pedestrians.
Conclussion
As a summary, the implementation of collective protection is not only a legal requirement, but also a fundamental tool for preserving safety on construction sites, while significantly contributing to increasing productivity by creating a safe working environment for workers, who are the main actors exposed to potential accidents. By using safety nets, railings, canopies and other compliant systems, the risks associated with working at height and falling objects can be minimized.
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