Bibo® to the rescue
Falls from roofs are the single biggest cause of workplace deaths in the UK but systems such as Bibo® by Zoontjens can prevent injury and save lives.
In 2003/4, falls from roofs accounted for 67 deaths and nearly 4000 major injuries. The figures compare unfavourably with those of other leading European economies, even allowing for the fact that a proportion of these fatalities involved individuals without authorised access.
Zoontjens’ new Bibo® fall arrest system was developed using design experience and knowledge derived from decades of involvement in the production of concrete slab systems for flat roofs. Multifunctional and re-usable, Bibo® comes in several versions:
- Individual anchor
- Temporary lifeline system
- Permanent steel cable system
- Free-standing demarcation balustrade (which can even be used in combination with anchor points or temporary lifeline).
Compatible with virtually all roofing substrates, a Bibo® system will last at least as long as the actual building and installation has no adverse effects on waterproofing membrane or potential points of waterproofing failure.
The patented system, now available in the UK through Insight approved stockists, is based on the Bibo® Block: a concrete slab measuring 900x900mmx105mm with an embedded 800mm diameter stainless steel cable which forms the anchor attachment points at the Block edges. The product meets BS EN 795: Protection against falls from height: Anchor devices, both in respect of Category A (anchoring facility secured to horizontal surfaces) and Category E (deadweight anchor devices).
Which arrest system to use?
The Bibo® system can be used on traditional bitumen roofs with mineral finishes, or more contemporary EPDM and PVC finishes. Frequency, complexity and extent of roof access determine which type of fall arrest system should be used.
Bibo® Single Block
A single block will provide a basic but highly efficient safety system. Lanyards attached to safety harness belts are connected to the 192kg block. A ‘Lifeline’ system can provide greater working flexibility by employing a mobile lifeline between two Blocks/Corners over a distance of up to 20 metres. The product is best used when performing minimal maintenance on simple roof profiles.
Bibo® Cable System
This provides an integral horizontal stainless steel cable system with a shuttle running along it. The shuttle slides smoothly over the cable and the intermediate supports. This means the user has no need to risk detaching his line.
The product is best used on roofs of varying levels or hazards.
Bibo® Fence
The Fence, fitted to Bibo Blocks, is a safety railing that marks the ‘safe zone’ on a roof, and is considered as a collective protection measure under Work at Height Regulation requirements. It can be located away from or close to the roof edge. If placed away from the edge, the blocks to which the railings are fitted can still be used as anchor attachment points.
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