PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROCESS APPLIED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MOBILE RETRACTABLE FALL ARREST SYSTEM (RFAS)

Abstract

Working at heights is routinely carried out in various engineering fields. For this activity, several pieces of equipment are used, including the safety harness, which is attached to a steel cable fixed to the piece/structure, limiting the cable's positioning according to the needs related to Occupational Safety Risk Management. The objective of this study is to propose an independent system with a mobile base for variable positioning. This system is composed of components such as a retractable mast for height adjustment and pulleys with quick coupling for securing the steel cable. The project is derived from fixed systems, with the justification of bringing continuous improvements to the processes used in Occupational Safety Engineering and technologies associated with safety. The applied method was a field research using observations in the workplace, associated with the Product Development Process Reference Model for Product Management and Development. It is concluded that the Product Development Process, applied to the creation of a mobile Retractable Height Work System (RHWS), provides greater predictability and risk mitigation in the work environment.