For over 15 Years AirDeck have been providing height safety solutions for a wide variety of industries, and are always looking to improve and innovate. To do this, every opportunity is taken to ensure the best safety coverage for those working at height.
While AirDeck is currently tested to PAS 59:2014. Sayfa have not stopped there. They have gone one step further to improve upon the original design. Through the introduction of realistic demonstrations, Sayfa have gained a better understanding of how the products behave in the event of a fall. To help with these demonstrations AirDeck have volunteered their Head of User Experience, Roofus, to take the fall. Roofus is a lean 75kg lifelike crash test dummy.
What is the purpose of this demonstration?
The demonstration is by no means scientific and is done purely for observational analysis. This video shows AirDeck in action during a fall arrest scenario, where a worker has fallen over an unprotected edge. The original height which Roofus could have potentially fallen from was 2.75m from the ground. A fall from this height can be fatal, especially if the user falls face first as Roofus expertly demonstrates. So what can be seen happening in this demonstration?
Life Saving
The major take away from this demonstration is that AirDeck works (which comes as no surprise). AirDeck effectively absorbed the G-Force when the user fell, which drastically reduced the damage the user sustained. This type of fall without the AirDeck system would have resulted in serious injury or death.
Reduces the Fall Height
In a fall arrest scenario, reducing the distance a user falls can significantly improve the outcome for the user. AirDeck at full inflate to approximately 750mm high; which can drastically reduce the force from a fall. To further build upon this aspect of AirDeck, the launch of the AirDeck Safety Layer allows the distance to be further reduced, which in turn increases the effective fall height of AirDeck.
Cushioning the Fall
A fundamental feature of AirDeck is the inflated inner liner which acts as an air cushion for the user. Decelerating the speed of the individual's fall, without putting excessive strain on the body, reduces the likelihood of significant injury to the user. Additionally, the benefit of using a closed air system instead of the standard bean bag filling improves the carrying weight of the device and reduces the environmental impact of AirDeck.
Low Bounce
Due to the level of inflation and material composition of AirDeck there is no significant bounce when Roofus lands. This is by design. Ensuring the correct level of inflation is vital when utilising AirDeck. If inflation is too high this can lead to:
The individual bouncing on to the hard surface surrounding the AirDeck;
and/or the inner liner bursting and failing to reduce the force of the landing.
If the inflation level is too low the amount of cushioning the users receives may not be enough to reduce harm caused upon impact. To ensure the inner liner is properly inflated, AirDeck have designed the InflatorDeck to be used with the Makita Inflator to ensure the correct level of inflation every time.
Good Coverage
The use of multiple AirDeck around the risk area ensures that in the event of a fall the user is protected. To improve upon the flexibility of AirDeck the AirDeck Safety Lock was introduced as the double clip alternative to AirDeck Original. The Safety Lock adaptation allows for AirDeck to be used in a freestanding scenario as the AirDeck act as supports.
Things to look our for...
AirDeck at it's core is a simple and effective form of fall protection, but there is always room to improve. So what has been learnt from this demonstration.
Mind the Gaps
While AirDeck is effective at fall arrest there are still areas for improvement. As is shown in the demonstration Roofus falls comfortably onto the AirDeck. However, it is worth noticing there is a possibility of falling through the gaps between the individual units. Falling through the gaps can bring about it's own risks such as, the user becoming stuck or trapping limbs which could result in dislocations or breakage. It is important to ensure the bags are connected properly, and adjusted to minimise the gaps. Alternatively AirDeck have introduced the new AirDeck Cover which uses material cover to bridge the gap between the individual units and reduce drastically reduce the risk and improving the safety of the falling individual.
Safety in High Risk Environments
In order to provide an effective landing area, AirDeck needs to be as close to each other as possible. This can generate friction between the bags when adjusting position or in the event a user falls on the system. The possibility of a static charge resulting from friction can be a concerning, especially in areas with highly combustible material, such as a chemical plant or airfields. To minimise any risk of ignition relating to static charge, AirDeck is available as Anti-Static to remove the chance of accidental ignition. Additionally, all products except for the 'AirDeck Original' are fire-retardant as standard.
How does this help you as the end user?
Better Understanding of AirDeck
Height Safety equipment is unique, as it's a product you buy but never want to see used. This is why demonstration videos such as this allow you as the consumer to see AirDeck used in a controlled environment. By giving you the ability to see AirDeck's effectiveness it should give you confidence that you are ensuring your workers are protected against fall related injuries.
Continuous Improvement
As we continue to improve and develop our products you as the customer benefit from an improved safety product which keeps your site team, maintenance team, general workers safe when working at height.
Get In Touch
If you have any questions regarding the demonstration or AirDeck in general, Get In Contact.