Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Vertical structure with upper terminal bearing plate or cap – Shaft
Patent
1992-09-22
1994-11-15
Friedman, Carl D.
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Vertical structure with upper terminal bearing plate or cap
Shaft
52687, B65D 5906
Patent
active
053636180
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to construction site safety and in particular to a method and apparatus for reducing the risk of impalement of a person falling on exposed reinforcing steel.
BACKGROUND ART
Reinforced concrete structures are usually made in a number of stages including construction of the form work, tying the steel and pouring the concrete. In order to maintain a structural link between say, foundations and walls or floors, it is usual to "tie" reinforcing bars between the structures so that the bars are common to both structures. This invariably results in the bars being exposed for a period of time which presents an occupational hazard to workers who may fall on the bars and suffers serious injury including impalement.
OUTLINE OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to reduce the risk of impalement by providing in one aspect, a method for reducing the risk of impalement of a person falling on exposed reinforcing steel, the method including capping the free ends of exposed reinforcing bars with at least one impact member, the or each impact member being adjustably locatable relative to the respective free ends of the respective bars so that the or each impact member takes the brunt of impact from the falling person to prevent impalement of the person on the bar.
In another aspect, the invention resides in a partially completed concrete construction including a plurality of exposed reinforcing bars, each bar having a free end, an end cap removably located over each free end and an impact member extending in adjustable relationship from each end cap so as to take the brunt of impact of a falling person and thereby prevent impalement of a person on any of the bars.
In still a further aspect, the invention resides in a reinforcement bar end cap when used or sold or offered for sale or hired or offered for hire, for the purpose of reducing the risk of impalement of a person falling on exposed reinforcing steel, the end cap comprising a hollow body which can be placed over the free end of an exposed reinforcing bar, the body having an impact member receiving means so that an impact member can be adjustably located in the receiving means adjacent the free end of the bar, in order for the impact member to take the brunt of impact from a falling person, so as to prevent impalement of a person on the bar.
The end cap can be of any desired shape and is preferably arranged so that the free end of the reinforcing bar is aligned with or in contact with the impact member so that when a person falls upon the impact member, the impact member engages with the bar so that the responsive force cf the bar is delivered directly or indirectly to the impact member. Advantageously, the hollow body includes a self-centering means in order to center the bar relative to the impact member. The self-centering means is preferably a tapered internal neck adapted to "wedge fit" over the free end of the reinforcing bar. Advantageously, the tapered internal neck is tapered sufficiently so that an end cap can cater for a number of different diameter bars. Alternatively, the end cap can include centering flanges, shoulders or stops or any other suitable means for locating the free end of the reinforcing bar in a predetermined attitude relative to the impact member.
The end cap preferably includes an upper surface free of any projecting portions which, in use, is likely to increase the risk of puncture of the eye of a person falling on the end cap. Advantageously, the upper surface is generally convex presenting an upwardly curved or domed surface.
The impact member receiving means can be a through hole or a slot of any suitable cross-sectional which allows for adjustable movement of the impact member relative to the cap. Advantageously, the hole or slot is preferably a transverse hole or slot relative to the longitudinal axis of the reinforcing bar so that the impact member and the end cap form a generally T-shaped structure in cross-section. Where a slot is employed, it is prefera
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Aubrey Beth A.
Friedman Carl D.
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