OH&S Overview

The TRAM is designed to provide a safe means of accessing the top of tankers from the ladder and working on top of road tankers. The TRAM safety system is designed so that the user is firmly attached to the unit at all times and cannot fall. The safety system includes a mechanical component that slides along a rail fixed to the tanker and a specially designed restraint belt attached by two lanyards. The TRAM provides a handhold that moves with the operator (vertically and horizontally) and is also a moveable anchor point for the restraint belt.

The TRAM has been developed in response to the continuing problem of workers being killed or seriously injured as a result of falls from road tankers. Product development of the TRAM sought input from the road tanker transport industry, including manufacturers, owners and drivers, as well from occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals and engineers. Hazardous Operability Studies were used to analyse the risk of falling from road tankers and devise a safe working system. The innovative engineering of the TRAM is the result of this effort and represents both new technology and a change in paradigm for road tanker safety.

Fall event histories collected for this Risk Assessment included some cases where drivers have lived after falling from tankers with serious injuries, such as paraplegia, whilst other drivers have died.

A review of work-related fatalities involving falls in Australia found that more than 96% of victims were not using personal fall protection (NOHSC, 2000). It was found that all, or nearly all, of the deaths were preventable and the use of personal fall protection devices was recommended.

The transfer between the ladder and the walkway, particularly in descent, is considered to be the most hazardous element of the whole access operation because of the following factors:
Proximity to the tank edge spanning approximately 270 degrees during the transfer manoeuvre
Awkward postures and movements required
Likely high demands on strength to maintain stability
Less than 3 contact points is normal
A lack of purpose provided handholds