While working in a hangar, the traditional fall protection solutions have been overhead cable or rigid rail based fall protection systems. While these are good solutions for standard applications, they will not be available with the introduction of overhead cranes to the environment or if you are working out on the flight line. In a dynamic maintenance operation which services many different types of aircraft, there may also be difficulty positioning the varying aircraft relative to fixed overhead systems.
Wingrip may be used as a single fall protection anchor point on the wings, fuselage and stabilizers, or alternatively, can be connected in series with a horizontal lifeline to cover the entire wing span.
Fall Arrest vs. Fall Restraint
In most aircraft applications, the Wingrip is rigged to provide fall restraint. In this situation, the worker may work on a wing section, but the anchor is placed in such a position so the worker cannot get to the leading edge of a wing and experience a fall. This is the most popular fitment for low wing aircraft which may have very little distance from the working surface of the wing to the ground. The restraint system prevents the worker from being introduced to a fall.
For high wing aircraft applications, tail sections and the fuselage, where there is sufficient fall distance for a workers shock absorbing lanyard to elongate and prevent the worker from contacting the ground or next lower level, the Wingrip may be rigged for full fall arrest. The Wingrip is designed to provide a compliant anchor for the forces that may be experienced in fall arrest.
Low Operating and Maintenance Cost
Efficiency and innovation in design make calibration and maintenance of the Wingrip vacuum module and pads a simple and painless procedure. Calibration may be conducted on site by competent personnel with no specialized tools or equipment. Operating cost is also very low, without the need for a backup stock of components.
Safety, Alarms and Backup
The Wingrip system has a number of safeguards should the air supply feed line be compromised or if the vacuum module to pad hose be removed without the knowledge of the workers on the aircraft. The pads provide up to 20 minutes back up to allow the workers time to safely vacate the elevated work should an alarm sound. Worker safety is paramount.
Portability and Versatility
Aircraft maintenance organizations will appreciate the flexibility of being able to use Wingrip on all aircraft types without the requirement to limit overhead crane operations. Wingrip provides a totally flexible solution that is quick and easy to use. With no electronic parts, the vacuum module is driven solely on compressed shop air or for remote applications where shop air is not available, compressed nitrogen may be used by utilizing the accessory high pressure regulator.
Please contact your Flexible Lifelines Representative for a demonstration of this innovative tool that will help make your maintenance team even more efficient.
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