Abstract: A safety restraint system for use by a worker working in a bucket, including a primary tether line that securely encircles the bucket at a position adjacent to the upper rim thereof; at least a pair of straps connected to the tether line on opposite sides of the bucket; a safety harness or aerial belt adapted to be worn by the worker and having at least a pair of clips attached thereto; and at least a pair of straps that interconnect the harness buckles to the straps on the tether line, thereby interconnecting the harness to the tether line.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus to increase the frequency and/or probability of use of a personal safety device, and to reduce the probability that a person is exposed to a dangerous situation unless and until a safety device has been engaged. One apparatus includes an alarm that is activated by the use of a mechanized instrument to remind a worker using the instrument to engage a safety device before proceeding to use the instrument, and an actuator for a switch that can be used by the worker to deactivate the alarm. Another apparatus includes a switch to prevent operation of a mechanized instrument unless a safety device is engaged by a worker using the device, and an actuator for a switch that can be used by the worker to permit operation of the instrument.

Abstract: A cage assembly configured to raise and lower with respect to a container which has an opening closed by a hatch cover. The cage assembly comprises a rail structure having a proximal side, a distal side, and first and second ends defining a generally rectangular enclosed area in which a worker can stand. The rail structure further defines an opening in the proximal side so that a worker can access the enclosed area. Moreover, the rail structure further comprises a plurality of parallel rails including a top rail and a lower rail, with the top rail having a generally rectangular configuration to define the enclosed area. A respective bump out is defined by the rail structure on at least one of the proximal and distal sides thereof to facilitate opening of the hatch cover. The bump out is formed at least in part by a configuration of the lower rail.

Abstract: A fall prevention assembly to prevent injuries when a user climbing a pole and falls, is provided. The fall prevention assembly includes a pole strap, a first connector, a floating back plate, a second connector and a lanyard. The pole strap has a first end, a second end and a mid portion between the first end and the second end. The first connector has a first end that is slidably coupled proximate the first end of the pole strap. The floating back plate is engaged between a portion of the first connector and the pole strap and is configured and arranged to selectively bind the pole strap to the first connector. The second connector is coupled a select distance from the second end of the pole strap. The lanyard has a first end, a second end and mid portion between the first and second ends. A second end of the first connector is slidably coupled to the lanyard.

Abstract: A treestand platform adjustment mechanism adjusts the angle of a treestand platform with respect to a vertical support. The treestand's vertical support extends between a seat and a platform, the platform extending generally perpendicularly from the support, the support generally aligned with a tree. The support comprises openings extending through a tree-facing side of the support. A captive bracket substantially surrounds the support. A fixing bolt extends through the captive bracket and is received by the openings to set the position of the platform with respect to the support.

Abstract: An improved portable fluid storage tank comprising an enclosure having a bottom wall upon which the tank rests, a front or forward end, a back or rear end, a pair of opposed, vertically extending side walls, a top wall, and at least one recessed channel formed in said top wall whereby a walkway is formed to allow an operator to safely maneuver on top of said tank. In a further embodiment, a system of portable storage tanks is described wherein the walkways of two or more said improved portable storage tanks are connected thereby creating a walkway network between said improved portable fluid storage tanks.

Abstract: A foldable step stool includes a step and a pair of legs. The legs are mounted on the step for movement between use and storage positions.

Abstract: An adjustable scaffolding that may adjust to the curvature of a structure. The adjustable scaffolding may comprise a main member, pegs, wing platforms, and rails. A method of use may be employed in which the main member is attached to a structure. The pegs may be secured to the main member in any desired orientation to adjust to the curvature of a structure. Wing platforms may be placed over the pegs, allowing a user to walk along the wing platform. Railing is placed within the pegs, allowing the pegs and the railing to secure the wing platform to the main member.

Abstract: A cup lock connection system for scaffold equipment advantageously has a locating arrangement for aligning ledgers, braces and other components on the cup lock at predetermined angular positions relative to the scaffold upright. The connecting ledgers, braces and other components preferably have a connecting head receivable on the cup lock connection in one of two orientations. In one orientation the aligning feature is active. In the second orientation the connection can be made without using the alignment functionality.

Abstract: A method for demolishing a building, where the building comprises a building base placed in proximity of a ground, or placed on the ground, and an opposite building top or temporary building top arranged away from the building base, as well as building floors. The equipment used in the method includes a platform adapted to be positioned against the top of the building, avoiding ground support devices which extend from the platform to the base of the building or the ground surrounding the building. The platform includes at least one working scaffold adapted to be arranged along the periphery of the building and to face at least one floor of said building. The working scaffold is supported, hung, on the platform so that it descends along the side wall of the building to border the works for demolishing the building.

Abstract: A drop netting system configured to installation on a building slab such as a balcony to protect against falling debris, overspray, concrete, and the like. The system includes plurality of spaced apart brackets disposed around the perimeter of the slab so as to form an array of attachment points for a drop net to be attached to and suspended from the brackets. The brackets extend outward from the edge of the slab and are each optionally angled slightly upward from the surface of the slab. A drop net is secured to the distal end of each bracket and suspended therefrom such that the drop net is spaced away from the edge of the slab to permit construction workers to have access of the slab edge in order to carry out construction work. The drop netting system can be installed on adjacent floors to encase the space between the floors.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus that includes a stationary hinge portion, which includes a first bracket configured to be attached to a fixed surface, a first arm extending from the first bracket, and a second arm extending from the first bracket. The first and second brackets include axial holes with a hinge pin arranged therethrough. The hinge pin defines a rotation axis. The stationary hinge portion also includes a stop plate extending away from the first bracket and connected to the first arm. The hinge apparatus also includes a rotatable hinge portion, which includes a body arranged around the hinge pin between the first and second arms and a stop body extending from the body along the rotation axis. Ends of the stop body contact the stop plate to limit rotation of the body about the rotation axis. A second bracket configured to be attached to a movable body.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or manned/unmanned personal flying device (PFD) may be used to deliver a deployable descent system to an elevated location at which people await rescue, such as people trapped in an upper story of a burning building. The UAV or PFD may be used to deliver the descent system, attach the descent system to the building, and deploy the descent system. After deployment, the descent system may be tensioned to prevent sway and facilitate descent. Standoffs may be installed or integrated into the descent system to provide for adequate handholds for descending individuals. Various equipment and methods used in such systems are described herein.

Abstract: A work platform system for implementation in relation to a structure, as well as subsystems and components thereof and methods of implementation and use relating thereto, are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the work platform system includes a first pair of flexible elements and a second pair of flexible elements, where a respective first end of each of the flexible elements is coupled at least indirectly to a first support component and a respective second end of each of the flexible elements is coupled at least indirectly to a second support component. The work platform system can further include a plurality of panel structures supported upon the flexible elements, a suspension component, and a clamp structure coupled to at least one of the first pair of flexible elements and the second pair of flexible elements. The work platform system can include one or more support extension.

Abstract: A device, system and method are used for hoisting and lowering a load. The device has a front plate that may be displaced to reveal a sheave. The device also has a friction accessory. The friction accessory is arranged to create friction between a rope and the device when a load is suspended from the device using the rope and where the device is secured to a support structure. The system may be prepared by an operator, having ascended to an elevated location, and further allows the operator to lower the load from the elevated location prior to descending.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a horizontal scaffold member having a primary end connector and a secondary end connector. Each end connector is configured to couple to a cup on a vertical scaffold member. Each end connector includes a wedge assembly having a handle and a wedge, movable with respect to the wedge head to a latched and unlatched position. The primary wedge assembly is connected to the secondary wedge assembly by a cable, and configured so that moving the primary wedge assembly to an unlatched position also moves the secondary wedge assembly to an unlatched position.

Abstract: A fall restraint kit for rope access work may include a length of rope (1), at least two rope braking devices (2a, 2b) permanently attached to the rope, at least two rope ascender devices (3) at least five karabiners (4, 5) at least two rope pulleys (6) and at least two slings (7, 8). The application discloses improved roping arrangements suitable for working at heights using a number of those components. In one basic fall restraint arrangement a first rope braking device (2a) is attached to an anchor point (18), a second rope baking device (2b) is attached to a person (22), typically via a harness and a length of rope (1) extends between the first and second rope braking devices. In the event of a fall, or accident, the person may safely lower themselves to ground using the second rope braking device (2b), or may be lowered to ground by a colleague/operator (20) located at the anchor point (18) operating the first rope braking device.

Abstract: A descent control device to facilitate rapid descent and abseil (rappelling) maneuvers, including a body, a handle integrally affixed to the body to define a longitudinal axis for the device, an attachment lug disposed on the body, and a combination of through holes through the body through which a safety line is threadably inserted in a specific pattern, and shallow channels between the through holes, thereby giving rise to configurations that allow the safety line to payout freely through the descent device, to be locked in relation to the descent device, or to payout in a controlled pace, all configurations depending on the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the device to the anchored upper portion of the safety line.

Abstract: Tree stand apparatuses are provided herein. An example tree stand assembly includes an anchor brace that is configured to interface with a portion of a tree, a rotating and pivoting assembly having a rotating sub-assembly and a pivoting sub-assembly, as well as a seat assembly. The rotating and pivoting assembly is configured to allow the seat assembly to be positioned level to a ground surface regardless of an orientation of the rotating and pivoting sub-assembly relative to the ground surface.

Abstract: A retracting lifeline system, includes: a housing, a first connector attached to the housing, a lifeline, and a hub to which the lifeline is attached at a first end of the lifeline and around which the lifeline is coiled within the housing. The housing includes an opening through which the lifeline exits the housing. The hub is tensioned to rotate in a first direction to cause retracting of the lifeline and coiling of the lifeline around the hub. The retracting lifeline system further includes a second connector attached to a second end of the lifeline. At least a section of the lifeline has an initial ultimate tensile load of at least 8000 pounds and is abrasion resistant (that is, satisfying the abrasion test requirement set forth in the ANSI/ASSE Z359.13-2009 standard) such that the section of the lifeline is available for tie-back anchoring using the second connector. The section of the lifeline is at least partially retractable within the housing.