| ICM VERTICAL |

THE PROFESSIONAL FALL ARREST SYSTEM

Involving end users in the process of developing new and customized PPE-solutions is becoming increasingly common. As a distributor with many years of experience in the field, ICM is at the forefront of technological innovation and customer’s needs.

It is legally required to secure employees against fall hazards when working at heights. However, this also includes ascending and descending personnel. When it comes to maintaining wind turbines in unforgiving offshore environments, some of the world’s leading turbine manufacturers rely on ICM Vertical, a climbing protection system created through a longstanding collaboration between ICM, the German PPE-manufacturer Skylotec, and end users.

The ICM Vertical Fall Arrest System was designed to secure up to three users simultaneously on fixed ladders and masts. The system consists of a guided type fall arrester following the user’s movements along a wire under tension. In case of a fall, the fall arrester automatically locks on the wire rope and may open and extend the shock absorber depending on the amount of force applied.

The new EN 353-1:2014 standard improves climbing safety by placing new requirements on compatible fall arresters. According to the new standard, fall arresters must include safety measures that prevent them from being installed upside down or accidentally removed. For instance, our Claw traveller features clear directional markings for fast and correct installation.  The new traveller must also be able to pass any cable guides without any manual intervention. Additionally, a system that allows the user to quickly confirm the correct cable tension must be present and the load requirement for the bottom anchor increased from 2 kN to 5 kN.

Owners of the EN 353-1:2002-compliant system may opt to upgrade to the newest standard with our upgrade kit. The kit includes a step-by-step guide on how to safely upgrade your system. If you have any questions regarding your system, its safety, or on how to upgrade, please do not hesitate to contact ICM.

Read the article in PES Wind about the collaboration between ICM, Siemens Gamesa and Skylotec and how the ICM Vertical system helps protect lives in the offshore sector here.