Problems of the dynamic test method for individual protection equipment (shock absorbers)

Abstract

This paper examines issues of safety of high-altitude works, using individual protection equipment to prevent falling from a height. In particular, the paper reviews personal protective equipment - shock absorber, its dynamic characteristics and related test methods to meet the requirements of Technical Regulations 019/2011 “Safety of Individual Protection Equipment”. The paper discusses the differences between the Russian and European standards for dynamic characteristic testing of shock absorbers, even as the former are harmonized texts of the latter, and the effect of such differences on protective performance of shock absorbers and ultimately on safety of works on heights. It have been shown that tests, conducted in accordance with the Russian regulative documents for dynamic performance of the shock absorbers, entail decreasing in safety usage of such type of IPE and increasing in injuries during falls from a height. It has been defined necessity to actualize the range of the testing system of shock absorbers, and to admit its larger value that will cause increase in protective properties of shock absorbers.