Is Advanced Guard Rail (AGR) the future for mobile access?
Hire Station's Frank
Seddon has taken a closer look at Advanced Guard Rail towers and
attempts to answer all your questions
| Is
AGR safer than the 3T (or through the trapdoor)
method? |
The simple answer to this is no... Following extensive tests
carried out by PASMA (the industry leading body) and the HSE, they
concluded the AGR is no safer than the 3T system.
|
Does AGR fit all tower heights? |
No, the following platform heights can be used:
2.2m, 2.7m, 3.7m, 4.2m, 4.7m, 5.7m, 6.2m, 6.7m, 7.7m, 8.2m,
8.7m, 9.7m, 10.2m, 10.7m, 11.7m, 12.2m
|
What platform heights are not
compatible? |
1.2m, 1.7m, 3.2m, 5.2m, 7.2m, 9.2m, 11.2m. Some of these platform
heights are currently our most frequently hired, so if we do
eventually take the decision of solely stocking AGR, this would
likely have the effect of making podium steps, folding work
platforms, Pop-Ups and Power Towers more popular.
|
Does the AGR system use the same components as the 3T
system? |
The majority of our tower fleet is Eiger 500. You only use two
diagonal (blue) braces and two horizontal (red) braces, then two
AGR frames per section. For building instructions, refer to
manufacturers guidelines.
| Are
Boss and Eiger components compatible? |
Whilst Boss and Eiger components should not be mixed if at all
possible, Pop Up has confirmed the two brands are compatible and
can be interchanged if necessary.
The major construction companies are now insisting that
subcontractors on certain sites use some form of the AGR system due
to the structures requiring fewer components. AGR is also quicker
to build and dismantle, and it does give users the sense of being
safer when working at height.
However, as mentioned earlier, PASMA and the HSE have stated
that in practice, neither system is safer than the other.
|
That is the situation regarding training on the AGR
system? |
Anybody that already has a standard PASMA card is covered to use
AGR. However, as of January 2012, building with the AGR system
became part of the practical of a PASMA course. If you or your
customers would like further information about this, please contact
the Training Services department.
For more information regarding towers available via
Hire Station, visit the 'Access and Support' section, or
call 0845 604 5337.
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