Working in Confined Spaces
Working in confined spaces such as silos, shafts and ducts presents a range of significant hazards. These environments can contain dangerous atmospheres, including harmful gases, reduced oxygen levels, and limited visibility.
There is also an increased risk associated with electrical equipment, as confined conditions can make safe operation more difficult. In addition, restricted access and limited freedom of movement can lead to further risks, including awkward working positions, impact hazards, increased physical and mental strain, and challenges in emergency escape or rescue.
In the UK, all work in confined spaces must be properly assessed and controlled in line with the Confined Spaces Regulations 1997. Supporting guidance from the Health and Safety Executive outlines the necessary precautions and protective measures required to ensure safe working conditions.
Lack of Suitable Anchor Points in Confined Spaces
Anyone who has worked in confined or difficult-to-access environments will understand how challenging it can be to find a safe and reliable anchor point.
In industrial settings and when inspecting public infrastructure such as sewers, suitable anchorage is often limited. Fixed anchor points may not be available, and traditional solutions can be too heavy, bulky, or impractical to install in restricted environments.
This creates a significant safety risk, particularly where work at height or vertical entry is involved. Without appropriate fall protection, workers may be exposed to unnecessary danger when carrying out essential tasks.
The consequences can be severe. Even a fall from a relatively low height can result in serious injury or, in the worst cases, fatality.
The Solution: Mobile Anchor Points for Shaft Access
The Tractel Tracrod anchor rod provides an effective and practical solution for safe working in confined spaces and hard-to-access areas.
Designed specifically for applications such as access to tanks, silos, sewers, and drainage systems via manholes, the Tracrod acts as a portable anchor point for personnel working at height or during vertical entry. It supports up to two users, each with a maximum weight of 150 kg including tools and equipment.
Lightweight and compact, the system is easy to transport and can be carried in standard vehicles. It is also quick to assemble, allowing for rapid deployment on site. The anchor rod is installed into a stainless steel sleeve, which is permanently fixed at the point of use, with no specialist tools required.
To increase versatility, optional accessories are available, including a fixing plate for standard structures and a 50 mm spacer to provide additional flexibility during installation.
Manufactured from aluminium, the Tracrod combines low weight with high strength and durability. It can be used with or without a mounting bracket for a blocfor™ 20R or 30R fall arrest device. The bracket can be fitted or removed in seconds, providing added flexibility and enhanced safety for a range of applications.
The advantages at a glance
QUALITY:
- Aluminium bar
- Support bracket made from 316L stainless steel
- blocfor™ bracket made of painted steel
- Very light
- Easy to install
- Tool-free installation (when the bracket is fixed)
- Easy handling
- Well suited as a transportable anchor point for working in confined spaces
- The configuration can be varied depending on the work to be carried out: with or without blocfor™ bracket
- Anchorage for 2 users of 150 kg each
- Equipped with two PPE anchorage points, each designed for one user weighing 150 kg
- Weight: 5.5 kg (without accessories)
- Complies with the EN 795-A:2012 standard
- Complies with the CEN/TS 16415:2017 standard
The Tracrod anchor pole has been certified to EN 795A and TS16415 standards and allows two users, each weighing up to 150kg, to work safely. The pole is the first portable anchor pole with a working height of 1.50 metres that allows access via manholes. It is the only anchor pole of its kind on the market that is certified for this configuration.
Easy assembly and disassembly in just three steps
Assembly of the Tracrod
Step 1
The Tracrod mounting system can be installed using two chemical or mechanical anchors into concrete, or secured with two bolts to a steel structure, providing a stable and reliable fixing point.
Step 2
Hold the Tracrod anchor rod 150 kg so that the side of the release is facing the installer.
Step 3
Place the 150 kg tracrod anchor rod over the tracrod attachment as far as it will go.
Dismantling the tracrod
Step 1
Position yourself on the side of the Tracod 150 kg with unlocking system.
Step 2
Pull and hold the release
Step 3
During unlocking, pull the Tracrod 150 kg anchor rod out of the attachment
The Tracrod is ideal for reaching several identical areas. The stainless steel fixings are permanently installed at each location and the lightweight aluminium pole can then be easily transported between locations.
You can also find out more details in the following video:
FAQ: Personnel safety for shaft access
Are there specialist seminars for working in confined spaces?
Carl Stahl offers a special seminar entitled "Occupational safety in confined spaces - basic seminar (module 4)" as part of its specialist seminars.
Is there special PPE for working in confined spaces?
Tractel offers the HT55 CS full body harness, which has been specially developed for use in confined spaces. The harness has a specially designed attachment point for the user's chemical escape rescuer. It is positioned in such a way that it does not interfere with work, but can be reached immediately in an emergency.