Installation Procedure

Where to use the Soft Landing System (SLS)

The purpose of the system is to reduce the fall potential of personnel working at height and, in doing so, eliminate or reduce incidence of injury.

• SLS has been designed for use principally inside a building during construction, where the "Soft Bags" are constrained against lateral movement by walls or partitions. For example, in residential construction.
  
• SLS can be used for other applications in conjunction with a webbing constraint system, designed to maintain functionality of the system. For example, on top of and surrounding “catch” platforms and leading edge protection.

Checking Bags

Each bag must be visually inspected to ensure that there is no damage to the outer casing. The clips must be inspected for damage to ensure that they are fully operational. Any build up of mortar or mud should be removed with a stiff hand brush. The overall appearance of the bag should be assessed to check if the energy absorbent material has not been crushed.

Installation at Ground Floor

The concrete site should be cleared of all rubbish and sharp objects and swept out to provide a clear surface on which to install the bags. Working from one corner, clip the “Soft Bags” together to form a complete unit. As each bag is installed it must be pushed hard into the previous bags to ensure that a continuous mat is assembled. Ensure all clips except those on the perimeter are used. Where the area of floor to be covered by the final row of bags is smaller than the length or width of bag, simply allow the bag to curve up the perimeter wall. (This should direct a falling body onto the “Soft Landing System”). It is advisable to protect the perimeter of the SLS from falling mortar by means of strips of polythene etc.

Checking Installation

Once the bags are installed the “Foot Test” should be carried out. This is a simple way to check that the bags have been correctly installed. If the bags have been correctly installed, you will be unable to push your foot in-between the bags. (See installation guide). If the foot test fails, additional bags should be installed or the webbing constraint system modified to ensure effectiveness of the “Foot Test”.

Installation at First Floor Joists

Once first floor joists are fixed, the “Soft Bags” can be used for protection on the first floor. (Note: - The “Soft Bags” weigh under 7Kg and are easily handled by one person, however extra care should be taken in strong winds) At first floor, it is recommended that the bags are laid on “Weather Deck” or similar weatherproof flooring or on temporary boarding. Particular care should be taken at stairwells which must be adequately boarded over to ensure that a firm base is in place for the bags. The bags will not span a stairwell without support. Use scaffold boards or similar, directly on the joists at right angles to the joists, to provide an adequate safe working platform for operatives to install the “Soft Bags”. Once a safe working platform has been established the installation is the same as at ground floor.

Installation in Multi-Storey Buildings

Dependant on the construction method, installation of the “Soft Bags” follows the same basic procedures as above and is applicable where the fall potential is below 2.5 metres. It is essential that a safe working platform is in place for the operatives passing the bags from one floor to another. The “Soft Bags” are extremely strong but like all equipment should be treated with care to ensure a long life.

Caution

SLS has been tested at a 3.5 metre fall potential (that is, 3 metres from fall level to top of SLS), with satisfactory results.

However, it is recommended that, wherever possible, the fall potential be reduced to less than two metres when using SLS. If the fall potential exceeds 2 metres a further layer (or layers) of “Soft Bag” will be required.

The SLS bags are very strong but should only be walked on where absolutely necessary. Continual walking on the bags will eventually compress the energy-absorbing fill and thus reduce the active life expectancy of the bags.

Installation Supervision

Competent personnel, trained and certificated by IRM Services Pty Ltd staff or their appointed agents, should only carry out the installation of the SLS. Once the installation is complete a designated person employed by the main contractor/developer should approve it. Each company will have its own system for signing off the installation; we have however a sample form that can be used if required, these are available from our main office.

Reporting System

Where someone has fallen into the Soft Landing System the details of the fall should be reported to our office. This will allow collection and analysis of data for use in improving the design of SLS. A sample reporting form is available from our office.

Safe Work Method Statement

A sample Safe Work Method Statement suitable for residential construction has been provided. This can be adjusted for other applications as required. To download this SWMS click below.

• Safe Work Method Statement
  (71KB PDF)

1.Clear area of all debris

2. Unload bags into site

3. Check bags clips are free of debris

4. Clip bags together

5. Continue to assemble the bags
until the site is full.

6. If the “Foot Test” fails, add more
bags!