Confined Space Tripods - Choosing the Right One

Tripods are designed for confined space work and rescue and are used to keep workers safe from falls at height when entering and exiting confined spaces. They support workers when entering, escaping or working within an area that has a risk of causing asphyxiation, fire, explosion or loss of consciousness. 

When choosing a tripod for a confined space, you must select one that meets the requirements of safety, compliance, regulations and standards for the application. Here are three key considerations to make when choosing a tripod. 

• Strength and Stability – they must be able to support the weight of the load, whether that be workers or materials. You should never use a tripod over its maximum safe working load. Combined weight of workers and tools/materials should also be considered to ensure that it is never used over its load capacity.
• Height and Reach – tripods should always be tall enough to clear the entrance to the confined space to facilitate entry and exit and to ensure workers can safely and comfortably do so. Many tripods come with adjustable legs to accommodate different applications and sites and to allow use on uneven terrain and surfaces. Adjustable leg tripods can also be used with various entry point sizes.
• Anchorage points – users should consider what kind of anchorage points they need a tripod based on the work the tripod will be used for. Tripods can be anchored to fall protection accessories like winches, bosun chairs and rescue nappies. The number of anchorage points on the tripod is essential to ensure there is enough for the user to use the amount of equipment needed for the tripod use. 

Please remember that even though you have the correct equipment to work in a confined space, you still need appropriate training to ensure you know how to use it correctly and safely. Workers can enter and exit confined spaces safely with proper training, regular kit inspections, and strict adherence to safety protocols. 

Abtech Safety provides tripods for confined spaces, including those designed for general confined space work and specific confined space rescue tripods. Their tripod range can be purchased as single tripods or as part of a confined space kit. Their confined space kits come with all the equipment workers need for entering, exiting, and working from within a confined space kit. Each kit has a confined space tripod and winch, and some offer a harness. Users can choose a kit based on their site requirements, like their confined space tripod requirements and the style and length of the winch required. Abtech Safety kits are a value-for-money solution for applications that require a complete tripod confined space rescue system. 

A full range of confined space tripods and kits can be found on our website here. Frontline Safety offers confined space tripod and winch hire that can be used over flexible periods to suit your specific needs. To find out more about confined space tripod and winch hires and rentals, please visit our dedicated hire page to find out more. Alternatively, don't hesitate to contact our sales team who can advise you more on our hire service and available products.