Fall protection railings for electrical transformers

Abstract

"A retractable railing for fall protection of electrical transformers, characterized in that it is permanently mounted on the transformer and can be retracted when the transformer is de-energized."

Description

Technical area:

[0001] The invention relates to a retractable railing for fall protection for technicians who carry out maintenance and assembly work on electrical transformers. State of the art:

[0002] When servicing electrical transformers, which are typically over 2 meters high, there is a significant risk of falls for technicians. Current fall protection solutions are inadequate. There are permanently installed railings made of non-conductive polymers, temporarily erected scaffolds, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) against falls from a height. These solutions have significant deficiencies: 1. Fixed railings: These are susceptible to dew formation, which can lead to the formation of a conductive layer that increases the risk of electric shock. 2. Scaffolding: The assembly and dismantling times for scaffolding are long, and technicians are also exposed to the risk of falling during this time. 3. PPE: This often only provides perceived protection, since effective securing at transformer height is not possible due to the required fall-free space. Legal basis:

[0003] In Germany, employers are required by the Workplace Ordinance (BetrSichV) and the Accident Prevention Regulations (UVV) to implement appropriate fall protection measures to ensure the safety of workers working at heights. These regulations require that effective fall protection, such as railings, nets, or personal protective equipment, must be provided when working at heights of more than 2 meters to ensure the safety of employees. Technical problem:

[0004] The invention aims to provide a safe and effective fall protection system that minimizes the risks for technicians while performing maintenance on electrical transformers. Solution to the problem:

[0005] The invention comprises a retractable railing that is permanently mounted on the transformer. It can be raised when the transformer is de-energized and locks into place at a height specified during the original installation. After work is completed, it can be lowered again by pulling a position-locking bolt. Example:

[0006] The railing is made of sturdy steel components that ensure secure grounding. It includes telescopic crossbars to easily adjust the height of the posts to meet maintenance requirements. Installation is carried out without drilling or welding, using a clamp-on attachment that allows for non-destructive attachment to the transformer.

[0007] The modular system allows the railing to be adapted to both new and existing transformers. Different ladder access options can be integrated to facilitate access, and the railing can be flexibly configured depending on the transformer type, existing auxiliary equipment or other components, and the required clearances. References to drawings:

[0008] The appendix shows systematic diagrams of an electrical transformer. These show the markings of the fixed conductors (1), the fixed guardrail (2), and the temporarily retractable guardrail (3). The drawings illustrate the arrangement and functionality of the various safety systems in relation to the transformer. Advantages of the invention: 1. Safe fall protection during maintenance work on de-energized transformers. 2. Easy handling thanks to tool-free operation. 3. Grounding for added safety, minimizing electrical hazards. 4. Flexible adaptability to different transformer shapes and configurations through a modular system.

Claims

[1] “Retractable railing for fall protection for electrical transformers, characterized by that it is firmly mounted on the transformer and can be pushed up when the transformer is de-energized." [2] “Retractable railing according to the main claim, characterized by that the crossbars are telescopic to allow adjustment of the post height." [3] “Retractable railing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it has an earthing device that ensures a safe electrical connection to the transformer." [4] “Retractable railing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it can be adjusted between the operating and safety positions without the use of tools." [5] “Retractable railing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat it has a position locking bolt that is activated in the deployed position of the railing to ensure stability." [6] “Retractable railing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the attachment to the transformer can also be carried out exclusively by means of a clamping device which enables non-destructive attachment.

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