EP3481509B1 - Device providing safe access to a confined space, notably a lateral-access confined space - Google Patents

Device providing safe access to a confined space, notably a lateral-access confined space Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3481509B1
EP3481509B1 EP17737780.1A EP17737780A EP3481509B1 EP 3481509 B1 EP3481509 B1 EP 3481509B1 EP 17737780 A EP17737780 A EP 17737780A EP 3481509 B1 EP3481509 B1 EP 3481509B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
mast
arm
access device
manhole
access
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17737780.1A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3481509A1 (en
Inventor
Nicolas LE VERN
Olivier Gervais
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
TotalEnergies Raffinage Chimie SAS
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Total Raffinage Chimie SAS
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Publication of EP3481509A1 publication Critical patent/EP3481509A1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C23/00—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes
    • B66C23/18—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes
    • B66C23/20—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes with supporting couples provided by walls of buildings or like structures
    • B66C23/208—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes with supporting couples provided by walls of buildings or like structures with supporting couples provided from the side, e.g. by walls of buildings
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B1/00—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like
    • A62B1/02—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of rescue cages, bags, or the like
    • A62B1/04—Single parts, e.g. fastening devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B1/00—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like
    • A62B1/06—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of rope-lowering devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66D—CAPSTANS; WINCHES; TACKLES, e.g. PULLEY BLOCKS; HOISTS
    • B66D3/00—Portable or mobile lifting or hauling appliances
    • B66D3/04—Pulley blocks or like devices in which force is applied to a rope, cable, or chain which passes over one or more pulleys, e.g. to obtain mechanical advantage
    • B66D3/06—Pulley blocks or like devices in which force is applied to a rope, cable, or chain which passes over one or more pulleys, e.g. to obtain mechanical advantage with more than one pulley
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66D—CAPSTANS; WINCHES; TACKLES, e.g. PULLEY BLOCKS; HOISTS
    • B66D2700/00—Capstans, winches or hoists
    • B66D2700/02—Hoists or accessories for hoists
    • B66D2700/026—Pulleys, sheaves, pulley blocks or their mounting

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for secure access to a confined space, in particular a confined space with lateral access, as well as an enclosure equipped with such an access device.
  • a confined space can be defined as a totally or partially closed volume (building, structure, equipment, installation ...) which has not been designed and constructed to be occupied by people permanently, nor intended to be , but which, on occasion, may be temporarily occupied to carry out maintenance, upkeep, cleaning, punctual and more or less frequent operations, or operations not scheduled following exceptional events.
  • the atmosphere in a confined space can also present risks to the health and safety of people entering it due to the design or location of the structure, insufficient natural ventilation, the materials, substances or fluids it contains or which are used there, the equipment which is used there or even the nature of the work which is carried out there.
  • the intervention of personnel in such confined spaces requires the implementation of protective measures to reduce the risk of accidents and emergency response measures.
  • the document US 5,431,248 describes an access device of this type comprising two or four telescopic support arms.
  • the document US 5,617,963 describes an access device fixed to the edge of a lateral opening by clamping jaws.
  • the DBI-SALA® device offers a device having a support fixed without tools on the edge of the lateral opening on which is fixed an articulated rotary arm, one end of which can be positioned inside the confined space to support a man.
  • the pivoting arm inserted inside the confined space extends away from the walls: it is then difficult to introduce tools or the like via the manhole.
  • the installation time is relatively long and this device can not support more than one person at a time and its weight remains high, greater than 50kg, making it difficult to transport.
  • the proposed access device can thus be fixed to a manhole, more precisely to an external rim of the manhole, via the fixing member (s): a fixing can thus be easily and quickly carried out, in a few minutes only.
  • the device according to the invention is also relatively compact so that it can be easily transported. It also has few parts, it is therefore relatively light and simple to make. Finally, the different parts being rigidly fixed to each other (with no possible movement relative to each other), the device according to the invention has the advantage of being robust and allowing two men to be supported.
  • the fixing member (s) may in particular be shaped so as to be able to be fixed to elements of the opening enabling it to be closed.
  • a manhole has on its periphery a rim pierced with orifices allowing a closure plate to be fixed there.
  • the fixing member (s) are advantageously shaped to be fixed on this rim, preferably via the holes in the latter, for example via removable fixing elements of the screw-nut or pin type.
  • the fixing member (s) may extend on the side of the second arm, in particular in the immediate vicinity of the latter.
  • the fixing member (s) may be arranged so as to position the second arm in abutment against an internal surface of the opening when they cooperate with the latter.
  • the mast can comprise at least two fixing members, in particular rigidly fixed to the mast, extending in a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the mast and the first and second arms, on either side of the mast. This can improve the maintenance of the access device.
  • one or two fixing members may be provided which are removably fixed to the mast and defining with the latter, or with another fixing member rigidly fixed to the mast, a clamp.
  • This clamp can be shaped to be clamped on an outer edge of a manhole, for example via removable fastening elements of the screw-nut or pin type.
  • said at least one fixing member can define an orifice with an axis parallel to the second arm.
  • This hole can have an elongated or oblong shape, extending for example in the direction of the mast, or an elongated and curved shape, the curvature of which is directed towards the end of the mast secured to the second arm. These shapes make it easier to match with another orifice existing around the manhole.
  • the mast can be formed of two parts, the ends of which are nested and secured by removable fixing elements. It is thus possible to disassemble the access device in order to transport it, or even to fix first to the manhole the part comprising the fixing members, then to secure the other part of the access device to the part. already attached and possibly to the manhole.
  • a first nested end can define a U-shaped housing whose concavity is open in a direction opposite to the second arm and a second nested end can be received inside the housing, bearing against surfaces internal to the housing.
  • the second fitted end can then comprise a pierced fixing tab cooperating with an orifice formed in a bottom wall of the U-shaped housing of the first end, a removable fixing element assembling the fixing tab to the bottom wall of the housing.
  • This fixing element can be in the form of a screw-nut assembly, for a robust fixing.
  • the fixing lug can be part of the aforementioned fixing members. It can then participate in fixing the access device to the manhole via the fixing element.
  • the removable fastening elements used to secure the two nested parts of the mast can be chosen from a pin passing through corresponding orifices of the nested ends and a screw-nut assembly.
  • the fasteners can extend in perpendicular directions for better fixation.
  • two parallel pins can be provided, one arranged at the above the other and extending perpendicular to the plane defined by the mast and the arms.
  • the screw-nut assembly can then extend parallel to the first and second arms.
  • the second arm can be a section with an H cross section.
  • the first arm and the mast can also be closed hollow sections.
  • the second arm can include at least one anchoring element located at a predetermined distance from the mast, which can be used to secure safety elements (rope ladder, fall arrest device) or tools.
  • This anchoring element can support one of the pulleys previously mentioned.
  • the access device is intended to facilitate access to an enclosure defining a confined space, via a manhole present on a side wall of the enclosure.
  • this type of enclosure is cylindrical, with a vertical axis of symmetry in use, although this can extend horizontally.
  • the access device is intended to be arranged so that the support mast extends vertically and the two arms horizontally, the second arm extending inside the confined space through the opening. , especially along an internal surface of this opening.
  • the attachment can thus be carried out in a simple manner.
  • the access device is pressed against the internal wall of the manhole so that it only very slightly reduces access to the interior of the manhole: men and equipment can enter and exit while the access device is attached.
  • the terms upper, lower refer to the directions up and down, in the position of use of the access device in which the mast is substantially vertical, in other words substantially in the direction of gravity.
  • substantially horizontal, longitudinal or vertical is meant a direction / plane forming an angle of at most ⁇ 20 °, or even at most 10 ° or at most 5 ° with a direction / horizontal, longitudinal or vertical.
  • substantially parallel or perpendicular is meant a direction / plane deviating by at most ⁇ 20 °, or even at most 10 ° or at most 5 ° from a direction / plane parallel or perpendicular .
  • the first arm 14 comprises an anchoring element, rigidly fixed, situated at a predetermined distance from the mast 12. This distance can in particular be chosen as a function of the length of the first arm 14 and of the mast 12.
  • a single anchoring element 18 is provided at the free end 14a of the first arm 14. It is in the form of a tab pierced with an orifice 19 for the attachment of a fixing element, for example from the carabiner type, or for passing a rope.
  • This anchoring element 18 is inclined in the direction of the lower end 12b of the mast.
  • the second arm 16 is in turn provided with two pulleys 20, 22 whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to the plane defined by the mast 12 and the first and second arms 14, 16.
  • a first pulley 20 is located at one end 16a of the second arm 16, here the end 16a fixed to the mast 12, and a second pulley 22 is located near the other end 16b of the second arm.
  • the anchoring element 18 as well as the pulleys 20 and 22 are arranged so as to allow the passage of a rope from the anchoring element 18 to the pulleys 20, 22 without interfering with the mast 12 and the first and second arm 14, 16.
  • a pulley 20 may be located in the extension of the second arm 16, at the end of the mast 12, the other pulley 22 may be arranged below the second arm 16, at the end thereof.
  • This pulley 22 can be fixed to the second arm 16 by means of a fixing lug 23.
  • the invention is not limited to a particular arrangement of the pulleys and of the anchoring element, nor to a particular number of these elements.
  • the positioning of the pulleys and of the anchoring element could be different, in particular the pulleys could occupy more offset positions relative to the mast and the second arm and the anchoring element could be at a distance from the mast, but not at the end of the first arm 14.
  • Other anchoring elements and / or pulleys could also be provided, as required.
  • the pulley 22 can also be disposed at a predetermined distance from the mast 12, for example at a distance sufficient to be inside the enclosure and sufficiently distant from the internal walls of the enclosure in order to avoid friction between the rope and these walls. It will be noted that the length of the second arm is then sufficient so that its free end can be arranged inside different types of enclosure and to allow positioning of the pulley 22 as specified above.
  • the length of the first arm will be chosen as a function of the length of the mast in order to allow a rope to be hooked to the anchoring element and to the pulleys, without interference with the access device 10.
  • the mast 12 also has at least one fixing member intended to cooperate with an opening of the confined space.
  • two fixing members 24, 26 are arranged on either side of the mast 12. They extend from the side of the second arm 16 in a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the mast 12 and the first and second arm 14, 16.
  • These fixing members 24, 26 define orifices 25, 27 respectively, with an axis parallel to the second arm 16.
  • These orifices 25, 27 each have an elongated and curved shape, the curvature of which is directed towards the end 12b of the mast secured to the second arm.
  • the center of curvature is on a straight line extending substantially in the extension of the mast 12, under the latter.
  • the two orifices 25, 27 follow substantially the same curve, the curvature of which can correspond to the curvature of a rim of a manhole.
  • These holes are quite large, which makes it easy to match them with pre-existing holes of different manhole edges.
  • the fasteners 24, 26 are here similar to fastening rings. Note that they are located in the immediate vicinity of the second arm 16 in the example shown.
  • the mast 12 has a fixing orifice 28 located between the fixing members 24, 26 and whose axis is parallel to the second arm 16. It will be noted that this orifice 28 is here of oblong shape whose length extends substantially parallel to the axis of the mast 12. This orifice 28 also forms a fixing member within the meaning of the invention.
  • the access device 10 according to the invention can be made in a single piece, or of several elements permanently secured to one another. The access device is then removable.
  • the access device 10 according to the invention can be produced in several parts, preferably in two parts as in the example shown.
  • the mast 12 is thus formed of two parts, 121, 122, the ends of which are nested and secured by removable fixing elements. A robust mast 12 is thus obtained despite its constitution in two parts.
  • a first nested end forming here the whole of the first part 121 of the mast 12 defines a U-shaped housing whose concavity is open in a direction opposite to the second arm 16.
  • the bottom wall 123 of this U-shaped housing is disposed on the side of the second arm 16 between the fixing members 24, 26. This bottom wall 123 extends in the longitudinal direction of the mast.
  • a second nested end 124 which is part of the second part 122 of the mast 12, is received inside the U-shaped housing, bearing against surfaces internal to this housing.
  • this second end 124 has a complementary shape of the U-shaped housing.
  • the second end 124 has a fixing lug 125 pierced with an orifice 126.
  • This fixing lug abuts against the bottom wall 123 of the first part 121 when the two parts 121, 122 are fitted one in the other.
  • the orifice 28 of the bottom wall 123 can then correspond with the orifice 126 of the fixing lug 125. It is thus possible to fix the fixing lug 125 to the bottom wall 123 by means of a fixing element removable, such as for example a screw-nut assembly which will be described later.
  • these fixing elements are two pins 30, 32, or axes, which extend parallel to one another and perpendicular to the plane defined by the mast 12 and the first and second arms 14, 16.
  • these pins are arranged one above the other and pass through orifices provided for this purpose in the first and second nested parts 121, 122 of the mast, these orifices being matched for the passage of the pins 30, 32.
  • These pins can be connected by a chain or similar to the mast 12 in order to avoid losing them.
  • a screw-nut assembly comprising a screw 34 makes it possible to associate the first and second parts 121, 122 via the orifices 28, 126 described above, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second arm 16.
  • the second arm 16 comprises two anchoring elements, 36, 38, located at a distance from the mast 12, here at the level of the pulley 22, namely at the free end of the second arm 16. They are integral of the lug 23 supporting the pulley 22.
  • the various anchor points, 18, 36, 38 are preferably made so as to comply with the safety standards in force for people, such as class B of the standard EN795: 2012.
  • the second arm 16 is in the form of a section with an H cross section.
  • the first arm 14, as well as the upper part 122 of the mast 12 are closed section hollow profiles.
  • the figure 3 shows the access device 10 described above fixed to a manhole 84 of an enclosure (not shown in the figure 3 ).
  • the same access device 10 is represented schematically in different configurations of use on the figures 4-7 .
  • the figure 3 shows in particular an outer edge 40 of the manhole 84 which usually extends away from the side wall 82 of an enclosure 80 (see figures 4-7 ).
  • This outer rim 40 defines a bearing surface 42 pierced with orifices 44. It will be noted that these orifices 44 are distributed over the entire periphery of the outer rim 40, here of annular shape. These orifices 44 are initially intended to ensure the closing of the manhole 84 by a plate screwed by screws passing through these orifices 44. In order to ensure good closing of the manhole, the bearing surface 42 is therefore generally flat and extends over the entire periphery of the manhole 84.
  • the mast 12 of the access device 10 When attached to the manhole 84, the mast 12 of the access device 10 extends vertically (or substantially vertically), above the manhole.
  • the first arm 14 extends substantially perpendicular to the side wall 82 of the enclosure, while the second arm 16 extends inside the manhole, substantially parallel to the axis thereof.
  • This second arm 16 is in abutment against an upper internal surface 46 of the outer rim 40.
  • the fastening members 24, 26 are in abutment against the bearing surface 42 of the outer rim.
  • the access device 10 is joined together by two fixing screws 48, 50 by means of clamping nuts (not shown), these screws being inserted through the orifices 25, 27 of the fixing and holes 44 of the outer rim 40 matched.
  • the lower part of the access device 10, namely the second arm 16 and the part 121 of the mast 12, is firstly fixed on the manhole 84.
  • the fixing members 24, 26 are pressed against the bearing surface 42 of the outer rim 40, the part 121 of the mast extending substantially vertically above the manhole 84, the second arm 16 is in turn applied along the internal wall upper 46 of the manhole.
  • the orifices 25, 27 of the fixing members and the orifice 28 can be matched with orifices 44 of the outer rim.
  • the support plates 56, 58 are threaded on the screws 48, 50, then the tightening nuts are in place.
  • the lower part of the access device is then fixed to the manhole.
  • the upper part can then be put in place, by fitting the end 124 into the end 121.
  • the fixing screw 34 is then inserted into the orifices 126, 28 and 44 matched and its nut is put in place. It is thus possible to quickly secure, in particular in less than 5 minutes, the device for access to the outer edge by means of three screw-nut assemblies.
  • the invention is not limited to a particular number of removable fastening elements, nor to their shape, provided that they make it possible to rigidly fix the non-definitive access device to the manhole, and the different parts of the mast if necessary.
  • the figure 4 shows a configuration in which a ladder 64 is fixed to one of the anchoring points 36, 38 of the device located inside the enclosure.
  • the other anchoring element 38 is used here to secure the descent of a worker by means of a fall arrest device 66 to which the worker is attached by means of a harness.
  • the figure 5 represents a rescue configuration.
  • the external anchoring element 18 is used here for fixing a lifting device 68, the rope 69 of which passes through the pulleys 20, 22 to the victim to be raised.
  • the rescuer is in turn attached by a harness to a fall prevention device 66 attached to the anchoring element 36. It is thus possible to reassemble a person even unconscious via the access device according to the invention.
  • a winch 70 is fixed outside the enclosure 80 on the first arm 14 of the access device 10.
  • a ladder 64 is fixed inside the enclosure to the anchoring element 36 to facilitate the descent.
  • a fall arrest device 66 is hooked to the anchoring element 36.
  • a winch 70 is fixed in the same manner as in the configuration of the figure 6 and is used to raise or lower a person.
  • the access device thus allows secure access to a confined space, for maintenance interventions, the various anchoring elements making it possible to ensure the safety of a worker and / or to hang equipment from work, or for rescue operations, the various anchoring elements that can be used to attach the descent / ascent device.
  • the access device is compact and its weight can be of the order of 30 to 35 kg when the different parts are made of steel.
  • other materials can be envisaged, such as aluminum or other alloys.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Underground Structures, Protecting, Testing And Restoring Foundations (AREA)
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Description

L'invention concerne un dispositif d'accès sécurisé à un espace confiné, notamment un espace confiné à accès latéral, ainsi qu'une enceinte équipée d'un tel dispositif d'accès.The invention relates to a device for secure access to a confined space, in particular a confined space with lateral access, as well as an enclosure equipped with such an access device.

Un espace confiné peut être défini comme un volume totalement ou partiellement fermé (bâtiment, ouvrage, équipement, installation...) qui n'a pas été conçu et construit pour être occupé de façon permanente par des personnes, ni destiné à l'être, mais qui, à l'occasion, peut être occupé temporairement pour y effectuer des opérations d'entretien, de maintenance, de nettoyage, ponctuelles et plus ou moins fréquentes, ou des opérations non programmées à la suite d'événements exceptionnels. L'atmosphère au sein d'un espace confiné peut en outre présenter des risques pour la santé et la sécurité des personnes qui y pénètrent en raison de la conception ou de l'emplacement de l'ouvrage, d'une insuffisance de ventilation naturelle, des matières, substances ou fluides qu'il contient ou qui y sont utilisés, des équipements qui y sont mis en œuvre ou encore de la nature des travaux qui y sont exécutés.A confined space can be defined as a totally or partially closed volume (building, structure, equipment, installation ...) which has not been designed and constructed to be occupied by people permanently, nor intended to be , but which, on occasion, may be temporarily occupied to carry out maintenance, upkeep, cleaning, punctual and more or less frequent operations, or operations not scheduled following exceptional events. The atmosphere in a confined space can also present risks to the health and safety of people entering it due to the design or location of the structure, insufficient natural ventilation, the materials, substances or fluids it contains or which are used there, the equipment which is used there or even the nature of the work which is carried out there.

Les espaces confinés sont ainsi présents dans de nombreux secteurs d'activité, notamment dans l'industrie pétrochimique, en particulier dans l'industrie du raffinage.Confined spaces are thus present in many sectors of activity, notably in the petrochemical industry, in particular in the refining industry.

L'intervention de personnel dans de tels espaces confinés nécessite la mise en place de mesures de protection afin de diminuer les risques d'accidents et de mesures d'intervention d'urgence. Il existe ainsi des dispositifs d'accès destinés à permettre la sortie d'une personne blessée hors de l'espace confiné, via une ouverture pratiquée dans une paroi horizontale ou latérale, généralement appelée trou d'homme. Le document US 5 431 248 décrit un dispositif d'accès de ce type comprenant deux ou quatre bras télescopiques d'appui. Le document US 5 617 963 décrit un dispositif d'accès fixé au rebord d'une ouverture latérale par des mâchoires de serrage.The intervention of personnel in such confined spaces requires the implementation of protective measures to reduce the risk of accidents and emergency response measures. There are thus access devices intended to allow the exit of an injured person out of the confined space, via an opening in a horizontal or lateral wall, generally called a manhole. The document US 5,431,248 describes an access device of this type comprising two or four telescopic support arms. The document US 5,617,963 describes an access device fixed to the edge of a lateral opening by clamping jaws.

Lorsque l'accès à l'espace confiné ne peut se faire que par une ouverture sur une paroi latérale s'étendant verticalement, on peut utiliser des dispositifs d'évacuation reposant sur le sol ou sur une plateforme.When access to the confined space can only be through an opening on a side wall extending vertically, one can use evacuation devices resting on the ground or on a platform.

Il existe également des dispositifs pouvant être fixés sans outil sur le bord d'une ouverture latérale. Le dispositif DBI-SALA® propose ainsi un dispositif présentant un support fixé sans outil sur le rebord de l'ouverture latérale sur lequel est fixé un bras rotatif articulé dont une extrémité peut être positionnée à l'intérieur de l'espace confiné pour supporter un homme. Le bras pivotant inséré à l'intérieur de l'espace confiné s'étend à distance des parois : il est alors difficile d'introduire des outils ou autre via le trou d'homme. En outre, le temps d'installation est relativement long et ce dispositif ne peut supporter plus d'une personne à la fois et son poids reste élevé, supérieur à 50kg, le rendant difficilement transportable.There are also devices that can be attached without tools to the edge of a side opening. The DBI-SALA® device thus offers a device having a support fixed without tools on the edge of the lateral opening on which is fixed an articulated rotary arm, one end of which can be positioned inside the confined space to support a man. The pivoting arm inserted inside the confined space extends away from the walls: it is then difficult to introduce tools or the like via the manhole. In addition, the installation time is relatively long and this device can not support more than one person at a time and its weight remains high, greater than 50kg, making it difficult to transport.

Il existe donc un besoin pour un dispositif d'accès sécurisé à un espace confiné, notamment via un trou d'homme, qui soit facilement transportable, qui puisse être monté rapidement et qui permette de soutenir deux personnes.There is therefore a need for a device for secure access to a confined space, in particular via a manhole, which is easily transportable, which can be mounted quickly and which makes it possible to support two people.

L'invention vise à pallier ces inconvénients en proposant un dispositif d'accès sécurisé à un espace confiné, comprenant :

  • un mât de support rectiligne,
  • un premier bras fixé rigidement à une extrémité du mât et s'étendant perpendiculairement audit mât,
  • un deuxième bras fixé rigidement à une autre extrémité du mât et s'étendant perpendiculairement audit mât, dans un même plan que le plan défini par le premier bras et le mât mais dans une direction opposée audit premier bras,
et dans lequel :
  • le premier bras comprend au moins un élément d'ancrage situé à une distance prédéterminée du mât,
  • le deuxième bras est pourvu d'au moins deux poulies dont l'axe de rotation est perpendiculaire au plan défini par le mât et les premier et deuxième bras, une poulie étant située à une extrémité du deuxième bras fixée au mât et une autre poulie étant située à une distance prédéterminée du mât, l'élément d'ancrage et lesdites au moins deux poulies étant agencés de manière à permettre le passage d'un cordage de l'élément d'ancrage aux poulies sans interférer avec le mât et les premier et deuxième bras,
  • le mât présente au moins un organe de fixation destiné à coopérer avec une ouverture de l'espace confiné.
The invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a device for secure access to a confined space, comprising:
  • a straight support mast,
  • a first arm rigidly fixed to one end of the mast and extending perpendicular to said mast,
  • a second arm rigidly fixed to another end of the mast and extending perpendicular to said mast, in the same plane as the plane defined by the first arm and the mast but in a direction opposite to said first arm,
and in which:
  • the first arm comprises at least one anchoring element situated at a predetermined distance from the mast,
  • the second arm is provided with at least two pulleys whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to the plane defined by the mast and the first and second arms, a pulley being located at one end of the second arm fixed to the mast and another pulley being situated at a predetermined distance from the mast, the anchoring element and said at least two pulleys being arranged so as to allow the passage of a rope from the anchoring element to the pulleys without interfering with the mast and the first and second arm,
  • the mast has at least one fixing member intended to cooperate with an opening of the confined space.

Le dispositif d'accès proposé peut ainsi être fixé à un trou d'homme, plus précisément à un rebord externe du trou d'homme, via le ou les organes de fixation : une fixation peut ainsi être facilement et rapidement réalisée, en quelques minutes seulement.The proposed access device can thus be fixed to a manhole, more precisely to an external rim of the manhole, via the fixing member (s): a fixing can thus be easily and quickly carried out, in a few minutes only.

Le dispositif selon l'invention est en outre relativement peu encombrant de sorte qu'il peut être facilement transporté. Il comporte en outre peu de pièces, il est par conséquent relativement léger et simple à réaliser. Enfin, les différentes pièces étant fixées rigidement les unes aux autres (sans mouvement possible les unes par rapport aux autres), le dispositif selon l'invention présente l'avantage d'être robuste et de permettre de supporter deux hommes.The device according to the invention is also relatively compact so that it can be easily transported. It also has few parts, it is therefore relatively light and simple to make. Finally, the different parts being rigidly fixed to each other (with no possible movement relative to each other), the device according to the invention has the advantage of being robust and allowing two men to be supported.

Le ou les organes de fixation peuvent notamment être conformés pour pouvoir être fixés sur des éléments de l'ouverture permettant de l'obturer. En général, un trou d'homme présente sur son pourtour un rebord percé d'orifices permettant d'y fixer une plaque de fermeture. Le ou les organes de fixation sont avantageusement conformés pour être fixés sur ce rebord, de préférence via les orifices de ce dernier, par exemple via des éléments de fixation amovibles de type vis-écrou ou goupilles.The fixing member (s) may in particular be shaped so as to be able to be fixed to elements of the opening enabling it to be closed. In general, a manhole has on its periphery a rim pierced with orifices allowing a closure plate to be fixed there. The fixing member (s) are advantageously shaped to be fixed on this rim, preferably via the holes in the latter, for example via removable fixing elements of the screw-nut or pin type.

De manière générale, le ou les organes de fixation peuvent s'étendre du côté du deuxième bras, notamment à proximité immédiate de celui-ci. Le ou les organes de fixation peuvent être agencés de manière à positionner le deuxième bras en appui contre une surface interne de l'ouverture lorsqu'ils coopèrent avec celle-ci.In general, the fixing member (s) may extend on the side of the second arm, in particular in the immediate vicinity of the latter. The fixing member (s) may be arranged so as to position the second arm in abutment against an internal surface of the opening when they cooperate with the latter.

Avantageusement, le mât peut comporter au moins deux organes de fixation, notamment fixés rigidement au mât, s'étendant dans un plan perpendiculaire au plan défini par le mât et les premier et deuxième bras, de part et d'autre du mât. Ceci peut améliorer le maintien du dispositif d'accès.Advantageously, the mast can comprise at least two fixing members, in particular rigidly fixed to the mast, extending in a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the mast and the first and second arms, on either side of the mast. This can improve the maintenance of the access device.

En variante, on peut prévoir un ou deux organes de fixation fixés de manière amovible au mât et définissant avec ce dernier, ou avec un autre organe de fixation fixé rigidement au mât, une pince. Cette pince peut être conformée pour être serrée sur un rebord extérieur d'un trou d'homme, par exemple via des éléments de fixation amovibles de type vis-écrou ou goupilles.As a variant, one or two fixing members may be provided which are removably fixed to the mast and defining with the latter, or with another fixing member rigidly fixed to the mast, a clamp. This clamp can be shaped to be clamped on an outer edge of a manhole, for example via removable fastening elements of the screw-nut or pin type.

De manière générale, ledit au moins un organe de fixation peut définir un orifice d'axe parallèle au deuxième bras. Cet orifice peut présenter une forme allongée, ou oblongue, s'étendant par exemple suivant la direction du mât, ou encore une forme allongée et courbe, dont l'incurvation est dirigée en direction de l'extrémité du mât solidaire du deuxième bras. Ces formes permettent de faciliter la mise en correspondance avec un autre orifice existant autour du trou d'homme.In general, said at least one fixing member can define an orifice with an axis parallel to the second arm. This hole can have an elongated or oblong shape, extending for example in the direction of the mast, or an elongated and curved shape, the curvature of which is directed towards the end of the mast secured to the second arm. These shapes make it easier to match with another orifice existing around the manhole.

Afin de faciliter davantage la manipulation et le transport du dispositif d'accès selon l'invention, le mât peut être formé de deux parties dont les extrémités sont emboitées et solidarisées par des éléments de fixation amovibles. Il est ainsi possible de démonter le dispositif d'accès afin de le transporter, voire de fixer d'abord au trou d'homme la partie comportant les organes de fixation, puis de solidariser l'autre partie du dispositif d'accès à la partie déjà fixée et éventuellement au trou d'homme.In order to further facilitate the handling and transport of the access device according to the invention, the mast can be formed of two parts, the ends of which are nested and secured by removable fixing elements. It is thus possible to disassemble the access device in order to transport it, or even to fix first to the manhole the part comprising the fixing members, then to secure the other part of the access device to the part. already attached and possibly to the manhole.

Cet emboîtement peut être réalisé de manière très simple. Tout emboîtement de parties mâle/femelle peut ainsi être envisagé, pourvu que les deux parties de mât puissent être solidarisées l'une à l'autre afin de former un mât rectiligne.This nesting can be done very simply. Any nesting of male / female parts can thus be envisaged, provided that the two mast parts can be secured to one another in order to form a rectilinear mast.

A titre d'exemple, une première extrémité emboîtée peut définir un logement en U dont la concavité est ouverte dans une direction opposée au deuxième bras et une deuxième extrémité emboîtée peut être reçue à l'intérieur du logement, en appui contre des surfaces internes au logement.For example, a first nested end can define a U-shaped housing whose concavity is open in a direction opposite to the second arm and a second nested end can be received inside the housing, bearing against surfaces internal to the housing.

Avantageusement, la deuxième extrémité emboîtée peut alors comporter une patte de fixation percée coopérant avec un orifice ménagé dans une paroi de fond du logement en U de la première extrémité, un élément de fixation amovible assemblant la patte de fixation à la paroi de fond du logement. Cet élément de fixation peut se présenter sous la forme d'un ensemble vis-écrou, pour une fixation robuste. La patte de fixation peut faire partie des organes de fixation précités. Elle peut alors participer à la fixation du dispositif d'accès au trou d'homme via l'élément de fixation.Advantageously, the second fitted end can then comprise a pierced fixing tab cooperating with an orifice formed in a bottom wall of the U-shaped housing of the first end, a removable fixing element assembling the fixing tab to the bottom wall of the housing. . This fixing element can be in the form of a screw-nut assembly, for a robust fixing. The fixing lug can be part of the aforementioned fixing members. It can then participate in fixing the access device to the manhole via the fixing element.

Les éléments de fixation amovibles utilisés pour solidariser les deux parties emboîtées du mât peuvent être choisis parmi une goupille traversant des orifices correspondant des extrémités emboîtées et un ensemble vis-écrou. Les éléments de fixation peuvent s'étendre dans des directions perpendiculaires pour une meilleure fixation. A titre d'exemple, on peut prévoir deux goupilles parallèles, disposées l'une au dessus de l'autre et s'étendant perpendiculairement au plan défini par le mât et les bras. L'ensemble vis-écrou peut alors s'étendre parallèlement aux premier et deuxième bras.The removable fastening elements used to secure the two nested parts of the mast can be chosen from a pin passing through corresponding orifices of the nested ends and a screw-nut assembly. The fasteners can extend in perpendicular directions for better fixation. As an example, two parallel pins can be provided, one arranged at the above the other and extending perpendicular to the plane defined by the mast and the arms. The screw-nut assembly can then extend parallel to the first and second arms.

Afin de réduire davantage le poids du dispositif d'accès selon l'invention, le deuxième bras peut être un profilé à section transversale en H. Le premier bras et le mât peuvent en outre être des profilés fermés creux.In order to further reduce the weight of the access device according to the invention, the second arm can be a section with an H cross section. The first arm and the mast can also be closed hollow sections.

Enfin, le deuxième bras peut comporter au moins un élément d'ancrage situé à une distance prédéterminée du mât, qui peut être utilisé pour fixer des éléments de sécurité (échelle de corde, dispositif antichute) ou des outils. Cet élément d'ancrage peut supporter l'une des poulies précédemment mentionnées.Finally, the second arm can include at least one anchoring element located at a predetermined distance from the mast, which can be used to secure safety elements (rope ladder, fall arrest device) or tools. This anchoring element can support one of the pulleys previously mentioned.

Le dispositif d'accès selon l'invention est destiné à faciliter l'accès à une enceinte définissant un espace confiné, via un trou d'homme présent sur une paroi latérale de l'enceinte. En général, ce type d'enceinte est cylindrique, avec un axe de symétrie vertical en utilisation, bien que celui-ci puisse s'étendre horizontalement. Notamment, le dispositif d'accès est destiné à être disposé de sorte que le mât de support s'étende verticalement et les deux bras horizontalement, le deuxième bras s'étendant à l'intérieur de l'espace confiné au travers de l'ouverture, notamment le long d'une surface interne de cette ouverture.The access device according to the invention is intended to facilitate access to an enclosure defining a confined space, via a manhole present on a side wall of the enclosure. In general, this type of enclosure is cylindrical, with a vertical axis of symmetry in use, although this can extend horizontally. In particular, the access device is intended to be arranged so that the support mast extends vertically and the two arms horizontally, the second arm extending inside the confined space through the opening. , especially along an internal surface of this opening.

L'invention concerne ainsi également une enceinte comprenant une paroi latérale pourvue d'un trou d'homme présentant sur son pourtour un rebord extérieur distant de la paroi latérale, définissant par exemple une surface, notamment plane, percée d'orifices, caractérisée en ce qu'elle est pourvue d'un dispositif d'accès selon l'invention solidarisé audit trou d'homme, dans laquelle :

  • le mât du dispositif d'accès s'étend verticalement ou sensiblement verticalement au dessus du trou d'homme, le premier bras s'étendant perpendiculairement ou sensiblement perpendiculairement à la paroi latérale de l'enceinte et le deuxième bras s'étendant à l'intérieur du trou d'homme, en appui contre une surface interne supérieure dudit trou d'homme,
  • au moins un organe de fixation du dispositif d'accès est en appui contre le rebord extérieur et solidarisé à ce dernier par des éléments de fixation amovibles.
The invention thus also relates to an enclosure comprising a side wall provided with a manhole having on its periphery an outer rim distant from the side wall, defining for example a surface, in particular planar, pierced with orifices, characterized in that that it is provided with an access device according to the invention secured to said manhole, in which:
  • the mast of the access device extends vertically or substantially vertically above the manhole, the first arm extending perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the side wall of the enclosure and the second arm extending to the inside the manhole, pressing against an upper internal surface of said manhole,
  • at least one fixing member of the access device is in abutment against the external rim and secured to the latter by removable fixing elements.

La fixation peut ainsi être réalisée de manière simple. En outre, le dispositif d'accès est plaqué contre la paroi interne du trou d'homme de sorte qu'il ne réduit que très peu l'accès à l'intérieur du trou d'homme : des hommes et du matériel peuvent entrer et sortir alors que le dispositif d'accès est fixé.The attachment can thus be carried out in a simple manner. In addition, the access device is pressed against the internal wall of the manhole so that it only very slightly reduces access to the interior of the manhole: men and equipment can enter and exit while the access device is attached.

L'invention concerne enfin un procédé d'installation d'un dispositif d'accès selon l'invention, à un trou d'homme ménagé au travers d'une paroi latérale d'une enceinte, ledit trou d'homme présentant sur son pourtour un rebord extérieur distant de la paroi latérale, définissant par exemple une surface, notamment plane, percée d'orifices. Le procédé d'installation comprend les étapes suivantes :

  • mise en appui des organes de fixation du dispositif d'accès contre le rebord extérieur, le mât s'étendant verticalement ou sensiblement verticalement au dessus du trou d'homme, le premier bras s'étendant perpendiculairement ou sensiblement perpendiculairement à la paroi latérale de l'enceinte et le deuxième bras s'étendant à l'intérieur du trou d'homme, en appui contre une surface interne supérieure dudit trou d'homme,
  • solidarisation d'au moins un organe de fixation au rebord extérieur par des éléments de fixation amovibles.
The invention finally relates to a method of installing an access device according to the invention, to a manhole formed through a side wall of an enclosure, said manhole having on its periphery an outer rim distant from the side wall, for example defining a surface, in particular flat, pierced with orifices. The installation process includes the following steps:
  • pressing the fasteners of the access device against the outer rim, the mast extending vertically or substantially vertically above the manhole, the first arm extending perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the side wall of the enclosure and the second arm extending inside the manhole, pressing against an upper internal surface of said manhole,
  • attachment of at least one fixing member to the outer rim by removable fixing elements.

L'invention est maintenant décrite en référence aux dessins annexés, non limitatifs, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente une vue en perspective éclatée d'un dispositif d'accès sécurisé à un trou d'homme selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
  • la figure 2 représente une vue en perspective du même dispositif d'accès, à l'état assemblé ;
  • la figure 3 représente le même dispositif d'accès fixé à un rebord extérieur de trou d'homme, ce dernier étant partiellement représenté ;
  • les figures 4, 5, 6, 7 sont des représentations schématiques du dispositif selon l'invention dans différentes configurations d'utilisation.
The invention is now described with reference to the accompanying non-limiting drawings, in which:
  • the figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a secure access device to a manhole according to an embodiment of the invention;
  • the figure 2 shows a perspective view of the same access device, in the assembled state;
  • the figure 3 shows the same access device attached to an outer manhole rim, the latter being partially shown;
  • the figures 4, 5 , 6, 7 are schematic representations of the device according to the invention in different configurations of use.

Dans la présente description, les termes supérieur, inférieur, font référence aux directions haut et bas, dans la position d'utilisation du dispositif d'accès dans laquelle le mât est sensiblement vertical, autrement dit sensiblement dans la direction de la pesanteur.In the present description, the terms upper, lower, refer to the directions up and down, in the position of use of the access device in which the mast is substantially vertical, in other words substantially in the direction of gravity.

Par sensiblement horizontal, longitudinal ou vertical, on entend une direction/un plan formant un angle d'au plus ±20°, voire d'au plus 10° ou d'au plus 5° avec une direction/un plan horizontal, longitudinal ou vertical.By substantially horizontal, longitudinal or vertical is meant a direction / plane forming an angle of at most ± 20 °, or even at most 10 ° or at most 5 ° with a direction / horizontal, longitudinal or vertical.

Par sensiblement parallèle ou perpendiculaire, on entend une direction/un plan s'écartant d'au plus ±20°, voire d'au plus 10° ou d'au plus 5° d'une direction/d'un plan parallèle ou perpendiculaire.By substantially parallel or perpendicular is meant a direction / plane deviating by at most ± 20 °, or even at most 10 ° or at most 5 ° from a direction / plane parallel or perpendicular .

Les figures 1 et 2 représentent un dispositif d'arrêt sécurisé 10 comprenant :

  • un mât de support rectiligne 12,
  • un premier bras 14 fixé rigidement à une extrémité 12a du mât 12, ici une extrémité supérieure, et s'étendant perpendiculairement au mât 12,
  • un deuxième bras 16, fixé rigidement à une autre extrémité 12b du mât 12 et s'étendant perpendiculairement au mât 12, dans un même plan que le plan défini par le premier bras 14 et le mât 12, mais dans une direction opposée au premier bras 14.
The Figures 1 and 2 represent a secure stop device 10 comprising:
  • a rectilinear support mast 12,
  • a first arm 14 rigidly fixed to one end 12a of the mast 12, here an upper end, and extending perpendicular to the mast 12,
  • a second arm 16, rigidly fixed to another end 12b of the mast 12 and extending perpendicular to the mast 12, in the same plane as the plane defined by the first arm 14 and the mast 12, but in a direction opposite to the first arm 14.

Ces différents éléments (le mât 12, les premier et deuxième bras 14, 16) sont fixés rigidement les uns aux autres, autrement dit, aucune possibilité de mouvement n'existe entre ces éléments.These different elements (the mast 12, the first and second arms 14, 16) are rigidly fixed to each other, in other words, no possibility of movement exists between these elements.

Le premier bras 14 comprend un élément d'ancrage, fixé rigidement, situé à une distance prédéterminée du mât 12. Cette distance peut notamment être choisie en fonction de la longueur du premier bras 14 et du mât 12. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, un unique élément d'ancrage 18 est prévu à l'extrémité libre 14a du premier bras 14. Il se présente sous la forme d'une patte percée d'un orifice 19 pour l'accrochage d'un élément de fixation, par exemple du type mousqueton, ou pour le passage d'un cordage. Cet élément d'ancrage 18 est incliné dans la direction de l'extrémité inférieure 12b du mât.The first arm 14 comprises an anchoring element, rigidly fixed, situated at a predetermined distance from the mast 12. This distance can in particular be chosen as a function of the length of the first arm 14 and of the mast 12. In the embodiment shown, a single anchoring element 18 is provided at the free end 14a of the first arm 14. It is in the form of a tab pierced with an orifice 19 for the attachment of a fixing element, for example from the carabiner type, or for passing a rope. This anchoring element 18 is inclined in the direction of the lower end 12b of the mast.

Le deuxième bras 16 est quant à lui pourvu de deux poulies 20, 22 dont l'axe de rotation est perpendiculaire au plan défini par le mât 12 et les premier et deuxième bras 14, 16. Une première poulie 20 est située à une extrémité 16a du deuxième bras 16, ici l'extrémité 16a fixée au mât 12, et une deuxième poulie 22 est située à proximité de l'autre extrémité 16b du deuxième bras.The second arm 16 is in turn provided with two pulleys 20, 22 whose axis of rotation is perpendicular to the plane defined by the mast 12 and the first and second arms 14, 16. A first pulley 20 is located at one end 16a of the second arm 16, here the end 16a fixed to the mast 12, and a second pulley 22 is located near the other end 16b of the second arm.

L'élément d'ancrage 18 ainsi que les poulies 20 et 22 sont agencées de manière à permettre le passage d'un cordage de l'élément d'ancrage 18 jusqu'aux poulies 20, 22 sans interférer avec le mât 12 et les premier et deuxième bras 14, 16. A cet effet, à titre d'exemple, tel que représenté ici, une poulie 20 peut être située dans le prolongement du deuxième bras 16, à l'extrémité du mât 12, l'autre poulie 22 peut être disposée en dessous du deuxième bras 16, à l'extrémité de celui-ci. Cette poulie 22 peut être fixée au deuxième bras 16 au moyen d'une patte de fixation 23.The anchoring element 18 as well as the pulleys 20 and 22 are arranged so as to allow the passage of a rope from the anchoring element 18 to the pulleys 20, 22 without interfering with the mast 12 and the first and second arm 14, 16. For this purpose, by way of example, as shown here, a pulley 20 may be located in the extension of the second arm 16, at the end of the mast 12, the other pulley 22 may be arranged below the second arm 16, at the end thereof. This pulley 22 can be fixed to the second arm 16 by means of a fixing lug 23.

L'invention n'est pas limitée à un agencement particulier des poulies et de l'élément d'ancrage, ni à un nombre particulier de ces éléments. Le positionnement des poulies et de l'élément d'ancrage pourrait être différent, notamment les poulies pourraient occuper des positions davantage déportées par rapport au mât et au deuxième bras et l'élément d'ancrage pourrait être à distance du mât, mais non à l'extrémité du premier bras 14. D'autres éléments d'ancrage et/ou poulies pourraient également être prévus, selon les besoins.The invention is not limited to a particular arrangement of the pulleys and of the anchoring element, nor to a particular number of these elements. The positioning of the pulleys and of the anchoring element could be different, in particular the pulleys could occupy more offset positions relative to the mast and the second arm and the anchoring element could be at a distance from the mast, but not at the end of the first arm 14. Other anchoring elements and / or pulleys could also be provided, as required.

Selon la longueur du deuxième bras 16, la poulie 22 peut en outre être disposée à une distance prédéterminée du mât 12, par exemple à une distance suffisante pour être à l'intérieur de l'enceinte et suffisamment éloignée des parois internes de l'enceinte afin d'éviter un frottement entre le cordage et ces parois. On notera que la longueur du deuxième bras est alors suffisante pour que son extrémité libre puisse être disposée à l'intérieur de différents types d'enceinte et pour permettre un positionnement de la poulie 22 tel que précisé précédemment. La longueur du premier bras sera choisie en fonction de la longueur du mât afin de permettre un accrochage d'un cordage à l'élément d'ancrage et aux poulies, sans interférences avec le dispositif d'accès 10.Depending on the length of the second arm 16, the pulley 22 can also be disposed at a predetermined distance from the mast 12, for example at a distance sufficient to be inside the enclosure and sufficiently distant from the internal walls of the enclosure in order to avoid friction between the rope and these walls. It will be noted that the length of the second arm is then sufficient so that its free end can be arranged inside different types of enclosure and to allow positioning of the pulley 22 as specified above. The length of the first arm will be chosen as a function of the length of the mast in order to allow a rope to be hooked to the anchoring element and to the pulleys, without interference with the access device 10.

Le mât 12 présente par ailleurs au moins un organe de fixation destiné à coopérer avec une ouverture de l'espace confiné.The mast 12 also has at least one fixing member intended to cooperate with an opening of the confined space.

Dans le mode de réalisation représenté, deux organes de fixation 24, 26 sont disposés de part et d'autre du mât 12. Ils s'étendent du côté du deuxième bras 16 dans un plan perpendiculaire au plan défini par le mât 12 et les premier et deuxième bras 14, 16.In the embodiment shown, two fixing members 24, 26 are arranged on either side of the mast 12. They extend from the side of the second arm 16 in a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the mast 12 and the first and second arm 14, 16.

Ces organes de fixation 24, 26 définissent des orifices 25, 27 respectivement, d'axe parallèle au deuxième bras 16. Ces orifices 25, 27 présentent chacun une forme allongée et courbe, dont l'incurvation est dirigée en direction de l'extrémité 12b du mât solidaire du deuxième bras. Notamment, le centre de courbure est sur une droite s'étendant sensiblement dans le prolongement du mât 12, sous celui-ci. Ainsi, les deux orifices 25, 27 suivent sensiblement une même courbe, dont la courbure peut correspondre à la courbure d'un rebord d'un trou d'homme. Ces orifices sont assez grands, ce qui permet de les mettre facilement en correspondance avec des orifices préexistants de différents rebords de trou d'homme.These fixing members 24, 26 define orifices 25, 27 respectively, with an axis parallel to the second arm 16. These orifices 25, 27 each have an elongated and curved shape, the curvature of which is directed towards the end 12b of the mast secured to the second arm. In particular, the center of curvature is on a straight line extending substantially in the extension of the mast 12, under the latter. Thus, the two orifices 25, 27 follow substantially the same curve, the curvature of which can correspond to the curvature of a rim of a manhole. These holes are quite large, which makes it easy to match them with pre-existing holes of different manhole edges.

Les organes de fixation 24, 26 sont ici semblables à des anneaux de fixation. On notera qu'ils sont situés à proximité immédiate du deuxième bras 16 dans l'exemple représenté.The fasteners 24, 26 are here similar to fastening rings. Note that they are located in the immediate vicinity of the second arm 16 in the example shown.

Le mât 12 présente un orifice 28 de fixation situé entre les organes de fixation 24, 26 et dont l'axe est parallèle au deuxième bras 16. On notera que cet orifice 28 est ici de forme oblongue dont la longueur s'étend sensiblement parallèlement à l'axe du mât 12. Cet orifice 28 forme également un organe de fixation au sens de l'invention.The mast 12 has a fixing orifice 28 located between the fixing members 24, 26 and whose axis is parallel to the second arm 16. It will be noted that this orifice 28 is here of oblong shape whose length extends substantially parallel to the axis of the mast 12. This orifice 28 also forms a fixing member within the meaning of the invention.

Le dispositif d'accès 10 selon l'invention peut être réalisé d'une seule pièce, ou de plusieurs éléments solidarisés de manière définitive les uns aux autres. Le dispositif d'accès est alors indémontable. Avantageusement, et tel que représenté sur les figures, le dispositif d'accès 10 selon l'invention peut être réalisé en plusieurs parties, de préférence en deux parties comme dans l'exemple représenté.The access device 10 according to the invention can be made in a single piece, or of several elements permanently secured to one another. The access device is then removable. Advantageously, and as shown in the figures, the access device 10 according to the invention can be produced in several parts, preferably in two parts as in the example shown.

Ici, le mât 12 est ainsi formé de deux parties, 121, 122 dont les extrémités sont emboîtées et solidarisées par des éléments de fixation amovibles. Un mât 12 robuste est ainsi obtenu malgré sa constitution en deux parties.Here, the mast 12 is thus formed of two parts, 121, 122, the ends of which are nested and secured by removable fixing elements. A robust mast 12 is thus obtained despite its constitution in two parts.

Dans l'exemple représenté et tel que visible particulièrement sur les figures 1 et 2, une première extrémité emboîtée formant ici la totalité de la première partie 121 du mât 12, définit un logement en U dont la concavité est ouverte dans une direction opposée au deuxième bras 16. Autrement dit, la paroi de fond 123 de ce logement en U est disposée du côté du deuxième bras 16 entre les organes de fixation 24, 26. Cette paroi de fond 123 s'étend suivant la direction longitudinale du mât.In the example shown and as seen particularly on the Figures 1 and 2 , a first nested end forming here the whole of the first part 121 of the mast 12, defines a U-shaped housing whose concavity is open in a direction opposite to the second arm 16. In other words, the bottom wall 123 of this U-shaped housing is disposed on the side of the second arm 16 between the fixing members 24, 26. This bottom wall 123 extends in the longitudinal direction of the mast.

Une deuxième extrémité emboîtée 124, laquelle fait partie de la deuxième partie 122 du mât 12, est reçue à l'intérieur du logement en U, en appui contre des surfaces internes à ce logement. Autrement dit, cette deuxième extrémité 124 présente une forme complémentaire du logement en U.A second nested end 124, which is part of the second part 122 of the mast 12, is received inside the U-shaped housing, bearing against surfaces internal to this housing. In other words, this second end 124 has a complementary shape of the U-shaped housing.

On notera que la deuxième extrémité 124 comporte une patte de fixation 125 percée d'un orifice 126. Cette patte de fixation vient en appui contre la paroi de fond 123 de la première partie 121 lorsque les deux parties 121, 122 sont emboîtées l'une dans l'autre. L'orifice 28 de la paroi de fond 123 peut alors correspondre avec l'orifice 126 de la patte de fixation 125. Il est ainsi possible de fixer la patte de fixation 125 à la paroi de fond 123 au moyen d'un élément de fixation amovible, tel que par exemple un ensemble vis- écrou qui sera décrit plus loin.It will be noted that the second end 124 has a fixing lug 125 pierced with an orifice 126. This fixing lug abuts against the bottom wall 123 of the first part 121 when the two parts 121, 122 are fitted one in the other. The orifice 28 of the bottom wall 123 can then correspond with the orifice 126 of the fixing lug 125. It is thus possible to fix the fixing lug 125 to the bottom wall 123 by means of a fixing element removable, such as for example a screw-nut assembly which will be described later.

Tel que mentionné plus haut, les deux parties 121, 122, du mât 12 sont solidarisées par des éléments de fixation amovibles. Dans l'exemple, ces éléments de fixation sont deux goupilles 30, 32, ou axes, lesquelles s'étendent parallèlement l'une à l'autre et perpendiculairement au plan défini par le mât 12 et les premier et deuxième bras 14, 16. Ici, ces goupilles sont disposées l'une au-dessus de l'autre et traversent des orifices prévus à cet effet dans les première et deuxième parties 121, 122 emboîtées du mât, ces orifices étant mis en correspondance pour le passage des goupilles 30, 32. Ces goupilles peuvent être reliées par une chaîne ou similaire au mât 12 afin d'éviter de les perdre. En outre, un ensemble vis- écrou comprenant une vis 34 permet d'associer les première et deuxième parties 121, 122 via les orifices 28, 126 décrits plus haut, suivant une direction parallèle à la direction longitudinale du deuxième bras 16.As mentioned above, the two parts 121, 122 of the mast 12 are secured by removable fixing elements. In the example, these fixing elements are two pins 30, 32, or axes, which extend parallel to one another and perpendicular to the plane defined by the mast 12 and the first and second arms 14, 16. Here, these pins are arranged one above the other and pass through orifices provided for this purpose in the first and second nested parts 121, 122 of the mast, these orifices being matched for the passage of the pins 30, 32. These pins can be connected by a chain or similar to the mast 12 in order to avoid losing them. In addition, a screw-nut assembly comprising a screw 34 makes it possible to associate the first and second parts 121, 122 via the orifices 28, 126 described above, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second arm 16.

Dans l'exemple représenté, le deuxième bras 16 comprend deux éléments d'ancrage, 36, 38, situés à distance du mât 12, ici au niveau de la poulie 22 à savoir à l'extrémité libre du deuxième bras 16. Ils sont solidaires de la patte 23 supportant la poulie 22.In the example shown, the second arm 16 comprises two anchoring elements, 36, 38, located at a distance from the mast 12, here at the level of the pulley 22, namely at the free end of the second arm 16. They are integral of the lug 23 supporting the pulley 22.

Dans la présente invention, les différents points d'ancrage, 18, 36, 38 sont de préférence réalisés de manière à respecter les normes de sécurité en vigueur pour les personnes, telle que la classe B de la norme EN795 :2012.In the present invention, the various anchor points, 18, 36, 38 are preferably made so as to comply with the safety standards in force for people, such as class B of the standard EN795: 2012.

Afin d'alléger au plus le poids du dispositif d'accès 10, le deuxième bras 16 se présente sous la forme d'un profilé à section transversale en H. Le premier bras 14, ainsi que la partie supérieure 122 du mât 12 sont des profilés creux à section fermée.In order to reduce the weight of the access device 10 as much as possible, the second arm 16 is in the form of a section with an H cross section. The first arm 14, as well as the upper part 122 of the mast 12 are closed section hollow profiles.

La figure 3 représente le dispositif d'accès 10 décrit ci-dessus fixé sur un trou d'homme 84 d'une enceinte (non représentée sur la figure 3). Le même dispositif d'accès 10 est représenté schématiquement dans différentes configurations d'utilisation sur les figures 4-7.The figure 3 shows the access device 10 described above fixed to a manhole 84 of an enclosure (not shown in the figure 3 ). The same access device 10 is represented schematically in different configurations of use on the figures 4-7 .

La figure 3 montre notamment un rebord extérieur 40 du trou d'homme 84 qui s'étend habituellement à distance de la paroi latérale 82 d'une enceinte 80 (voir figures 4-7). Ce rebord extérieur 40 définit une surface d'appui 42 percée d'orifices 44. On notera que ces orifices 44 sont répartis sur toute la périphérie du rebord extérieur 40, ici de forme annulaire. Ces orifices 44 sont initialement destinés à assurer la fermeture du trou d'homme 84 par une plaque vissée par des vis traversant ces orifices 44. Afin d'assurer une bonne fermeture du trou d'homme, la surface d'appui 42 est donc généralement plane et s'étend sur tout le pourtour du trou d'homme 84.The figure 3 shows in particular an outer edge 40 of the manhole 84 which usually extends away from the side wall 82 of an enclosure 80 (see figures 4-7 ). This outer rim 40 defines a bearing surface 42 pierced with orifices 44. It will be noted that these orifices 44 are distributed over the entire periphery of the outer rim 40, here of annular shape. These orifices 44 are initially intended to ensure the closing of the manhole 84 by a plate screwed by screws passing through these orifices 44. In order to ensure good closing of the manhole, the bearing surface 42 is therefore generally flat and extends over the entire periphery of the manhole 84.

Lorsqu'il est fixé au trou d'homme 84, le mât 12 du dispositif d'accès 10 s'étend verticalement (ou sensiblement verticalement), au-dessus du trou d'homme. Le premier bras 14 s'étend sensiblement perpendiculairement à la paroi latérale 82 de l'enceinte, alors que le deuxième bras 16 s'étend à l'intérieur du trou d'homme, sensiblement parallèlement à l'axe de celui-ci. Ce deuxième bras 16 est en appui contre une surface interne supérieure 46 du rebord extérieur 40. Les organes de fixation 24, 26 sont en appui contre la surface d'appui 42 du rebord extérieur. Ici, la solidarisation du dispositif d'accès 10 est obtenue par deux vis de fixation 48, 50 au moyen d'écrous de serrage (non représentés), ces vis étant insérées au travers des orifices 25, 27 des organes de fixation et d'orifices 44 du rebord extérieur 40 mis en correspondance. On notera que du fait de la relativement grande dimension des orifices 25, 27, les têtes 49, 51 des vis 48, 50 respectivement ne peuvent être retenue par les organes de fixation. Pour permettre néanmoins un maintien des vis 48, 50, on interpose des plaquettes d'appui 52, 54 percées entre les têtes de vis 49, 51, et les organes de fixation 24, 26, les vis 48, 50 traversant ces plaquettes 52, 54 dont les dimensions sont suffisamment grandes pour être en appui contre les bords des orifices 25, 27. D'autres plaquettes percées 56, 58 sont disposées en appui contre une face du rebord extérieur 40 opposée à la surface d'appui 42 recevant les anneaux de fixation, entre le rebord 40 et des écrous de serrage (non représentés). Ces plaquettes 56, 58, également traversées par les vis 48, 50, permettent d'assurer une meilleure mise en prise et un meilleur serrage des ensembles vis-écrou. A noter que les écrous de serrage peuvent être intégrés à ces plaquettes 56, 58 pour une manipulation plus aisée.When attached to the manhole 84, the mast 12 of the access device 10 extends vertically (or substantially vertically), above the manhole. The first arm 14 extends substantially perpendicular to the side wall 82 of the enclosure, while the second arm 16 extends inside the manhole, substantially parallel to the axis thereof. This second arm 16 is in abutment against an upper internal surface 46 of the outer rim 40. The fastening members 24, 26 are in abutment against the bearing surface 42 of the outer rim. Here, the access device 10 is joined together by two fixing screws 48, 50 by means of clamping nuts (not shown), these screws being inserted through the orifices 25, 27 of the fixing and holes 44 of the outer rim 40 matched. It will be noted that due to the relatively large dimension of the orifices 25, 27, the heads 49, 51 of the screws 48, 50 respectively cannot be retained by the fixing members. However, to allow the screws 48, 50 to be held in place, support plates 52, 54 are interposed between the screw heads 49, 51, and the fixing members 24, 26, the screws 48, 50 passing through these plates 52, 54, the dimensions of which are large enough to bear against the edges of the orifices 25, 27. Other pierced plates 56, 58 are disposed in abutment against a face of the outer rim 40 opposite the bearing surface 42 receiving the rings fixing, between the flange 40 and clamping nuts (not shown). These plates 56, 58, also traversed by the screws 48, 50, ensure better engagement and better tightening of the screw-nut assemblies. Note that the clamping nuts can be integrated into these plates 56, 58 for easier handling.

D'autres plaquettes percées 60, 62 sont prévues pour assurer le serrage de la vis 34 traversant les orifices 126, 28. Cette vis 34 sert ainsi également à la fixation du dispositif d'accès 10 sur le rebord extérieur 40 par le passage au travers de l'un des orifices 44 mis en correspondance.Other pierced plates 60, 62 are provided for tightening the screw 34 passing through the orifices 126, 28. This screw 34 thus also serves for fixing the access device 10 to the outer rim 40 by passing through from one of the orifices 44 matched.

La fixation du dispositif d'accès 10 précédemment décrit au trou d'homme 84 est maintenant détaillée.The attachment of the access device 10 previously described to the manhole 84 is now detailed.

La partie inférieure du dispositif d'accès 10, à savoir le deuxième bras 16 et la partie 121 du mât 12, est tout d'abord fixée sur le trou d'homme 84. A cet effet, les organes de fixation 24, 26 sont mis en appui contre la surface d'appui 42 du rebord extérieur 40, la partie 121 du mât s'étendant sensiblement verticalement au-dessus du trou d'homme 84, le deuxième bras 16 est quant à lui appliqué le long de la paroi interne supérieure 46 du trou d'homme.The lower part of the access device 10, namely the second arm 16 and the part 121 of the mast 12, is firstly fixed on the manhole 84. For this purpose, the fixing members 24, 26 are pressed against the bearing surface 42 of the outer rim 40, the part 121 of the mast extending substantially vertically above the manhole 84, the second arm 16 is in turn applied along the internal wall upper 46 of the manhole.

Après cette mise en appui, on peut mettre en correspondance les orifices 25, 27 des organes de fixation et l'orifice 28 avec des orifices 44 du rebord extérieur. On peut alors insérer les vis de fixation 48, 50 montées sur les plaquettes d'appui 52, 54. De l'autre coté du rebord extérieur, les plaquettes d'appui 56, 58 sont enfilées sur les vis 48, 50, puis les écrous de serrage sont mis en place. La partie inférieure du dispositif d'accès est alors fixée au trou d'homme. On peut ensuite mettre en place la partie supérieure, par emboîtement de l'extrémité 124 dans l'extrémité 121. La vis de fixation 34 est alors insérée dans les orifices 126, 28 et 44 mis en correspondance et son écrou est mis en place. Il est ainsi possible de solidariser rapidement, notamment en moins de 5 minutes, le dispositif d'accès au rebord extérieur au moyen de trois ensembles vis-écrou.After this setting in support, the orifices 25, 27 of the fixing members and the orifice 28 can be matched with orifices 44 of the outer rim. We can then insert the fixing screws 48, 50 mounted on the support plates 52, 54. On the other side of the outer rim, the support plates 56, 58 are threaded on the screws 48, 50, then the tightening nuts are in place. The lower part of the access device is then fixed to the manhole. The upper part can then be put in place, by fitting the end 124 into the end 121. The fixing screw 34 is then inserted into the orifices 126, 28 and 44 matched and its nut is put in place. It is thus possible to quickly secure, in particular in less than 5 minutes, the device for access to the outer edge by means of three screw-nut assemblies.

A noter que l'invention n'est pas limitée à un nombre particulier d'éléments de fixation amovibles, ni à leur forme, pourvu qu'ils permettent de fixer rigidement de manière non définitive le dispositif d'accès au trou d'homme, et les différentes parties du mât le cas échéant.It should be noted that the invention is not limited to a particular number of removable fastening elements, nor to their shape, provided that they make it possible to rigidly fix the non-definitive access device to the manhole, and the different parts of the mast if necessary.

Quelques configurations d'utilisation du dispositif d'accès sont décrites ci-après.Some configurations for using the access device are described below.

La figure 4 représente une configuration dans laquelle une échelle 64 est fixée à l'un des points d'ancrage 36, 38 du dispositif situé à l'intérieur de l'enceinte. L'autre élément d'ancrage 38 sert ici à sécuriser la descente d'un ouvrier au moyen d'un dispositif antichute 66 auquel l'ouvrier est rattaché au moyen d'un harnais.The figure 4 shows a configuration in which a ladder 64 is fixed to one of the anchoring points 36, 38 of the device located inside the enclosure. The other anchoring element 38 is used here to secure the descent of a worker by means of a fall arrest device 66 to which the worker is attached by means of a harness.

La figure 5 représente une configuration de sauvetage. L'élément d'ancrage extérieur 18 sert ici à la fixation d'un dispositif de remontée 68 dont le cordage 69 passe par les poulies 20, 22 jusqu'à la victime à remonter. Le sauveteur est quant à lui rattaché par un harnais à un dispositif antichute 66 attaché à l'élément d'ancrage 36. Il est ainsi possible de remonter une personne même inconsciente via le dispositif d'accès selon l'invention.The figure 5 represents a rescue configuration. The external anchoring element 18 is used here for fixing a lifting device 68, the rope 69 of which passes through the pulleys 20, 22 to the victim to be raised. The rescuer is in turn attached by a harness to a fall prevention device 66 attached to the anchoring element 36. It is thus possible to reassemble a person even unconscious via the access device according to the invention.

Dans la configuration de la figure 6, un treuil 70 est fixé à l'extérieur de l'enceinte 80 sur le premier bras 14 du dispositif d'accès 10. Un cordage 71 passant par les poulies 20, 22, relie l'ouvrier au treuil. Une échelle 64 est fixée à l'intérieur de l'enceinte à l'élément d'ancrage 36 pour faciliter la descente.In the configuration of the figure 6 , a winch 70 is fixed outside the enclosure 80 on the first arm 14 of the access device 10. A rope 71 passing through the pulleys 20, 22, connects the worker to the winch. A ladder 64 is fixed inside the enclosure to the anchoring element 36 to facilitate the descent.

Dans la configuration de la figure 7, un dispositif antichute 66 est accroché à l'élément d'ancrage 36. Un treuil 70 est fixé de la même manière que dans la configuration de la figure 6 et est utilisé pour remonter ou descendre une personne.In the configuration of the figure 7 , a fall arrest device 66 is hooked to the anchoring element 36. A winch 70 is fixed in the same manner as in the configuration of the figure 6 and is used to raise or lower a person.

Le dispositif d'accès selon l'invention permet ainsi un accès sécurisé à un espace confiné, pour des interventions de maintenance, les différents éléments d'ancrage permettant d'assurer la sécurité d'un ouvrier et/ou d'accrocher des équipements de travail, ou pour des interventions de sauvetage, les différents éléments d'ancrage pouvant servir à l'accrochage de dispositif de descente/remontée.The access device according to the invention thus allows secure access to a confined space, for maintenance interventions, the various anchoring elements making it possible to ensure the safety of a worker and / or to hang equipment from work, or for rescue operations, the various anchoring elements that can be used to attach the descent / ascent device.

En outre, le dispositif d'accès est peu encombrant et son poids peut être de l'ordre de 30 à 35 kg lorsque les différentes parties sont en acier. Bien entendu, d'autres matériaux peuvent être envisagés, tels que de l'aluminium ou d'autres alliages.In addition, the access device is compact and its weight can be of the order of 30 to 35 kg when the different parts are made of steel. Of course, other materials can be envisaged, such as aluminum or other alloys.

Claims (11)

  1. Device (10) providing safe access to a confined space, comprising:
    - a rectilinear support mast (12),
    - a first arm (14) rigidly fastened to one end (12a) of the mast and extending perpendicularly to said mast,
    - a second arm (16) rigidly fastened to another end (12b) of the mast and extending perpendicularly to said mast, in the same plane as the plane defined by the first arm and the mast but in a direction opposite to said first arm,
    and wherein:
    - the first arm (14) comprises at least one anchoring element (18) located at a predetermined distance from the mast,
    - the second arm (16) is provided with at least two pulleys (20, 22), the axis of rotation of which is perpendicular to the plane defined by the mast and the first and second arms, one pulley (20) being located at one end of the second arm (16) fastened to the mast and another pulley (22) being located at a predetermined distance from the mast, the anchoring element (18) and said at least two pulleys (20, 22) being arranged to allow a rope to pass from the anchoring element to the pulleys without interfering with the mast and the first and second arms,
    - the mast (12) has at least one fastener (24, 26, 125) for cooperating with an opening of the confined space.
  2. Access device (10) according to claim 1, characterised in that the mast comprises at least two fasteners (24, 26) extending in a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the mast and the first and second arms, on both sides of the mast.
  3. Access device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said at least one fastener (24, 26, 125) defines an orifice (25, 27, 126) having an axis parallel to the second arm (16), said orifice (25, 27, 126) having a shape selected from an elongate shape and an elongate and curved shape, the curvature of which is directed towards the end (12b) of the mast secured to the second arm.
  4. Access device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the mast (12) is formed by two parts (121, 122), the ends (121, 124) of which are nested and secured by removable fastening elements (30, 32).
  5. Access device (10) according to claim 4, characterised in that a nested first end (121) defines a U-shaped receptacle the concavity of which is open in a direction opposite to the second arm, and a second nested end (124) is received inside the receptacle, bearing against internal surfaces of the receptacle.
  6. Access device (10) according to claim 5, characterised in that the second nested end (124) comprises a pierced fastening bracket (125) cooperating with an orifice (28) formed in a bottom wall (123) of the U-shaped receptacle of the first end, a removable fastening element (34) joining the bracket (125) to the bottom wall (123) of the receptacle.
  7. Access device (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterised in that the removable fastening elements are chosen from a pin (30, 32) passing through the corresponding orifices of the nested ends and a screw-nut assembly (34).
  8. Access device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the second arm (16) is a profile having an H-shaped cross section.
  9. Access device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the second arm (16) comprises at least one anchoring element (36, 38) located at a predetermined distance from the mast.
  10. Enclosure (80) comprising a side wall (82) provided with a manhole (84) having on its periphery an outer flange (40) remote from the side wall, characterised in that it is provided with an access device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims secured to said manhole, in which:
    - the mast (12) of the access device extends substantially vertically above the manhole, the first arm (14) extending substantially perpendicularly to the side wall (82) of the enclosure and the second arm (16) extending inside the manhole, bearing against an upper inner surface (46) of said manhole,
    - at least one fastener (24, 26) of the access device bears against the outer flange (40) and is secured thereto by removable fastening elements.
  11. Method for installing an access device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 on a manhole (84) formed through a side wall (82) of an enclosure (80), said manhole having on its periphery an outer flange (40), the method comprising the following steps:
    - supporting at least one fastener (24, 26) of the access device (10) against the outer flange (40), the mast (12) extending substantially vertically above the manhole, the first arm extending substantially perpendicularly to the side wall of the enclosure and the second arm extending inside the manhole, bearing against an upper inner surface of said manhole,
    - securing at least one fastener (24, 26) to the outer flange (40) by removable fastening elements.
EP17737780.1A 2016-07-11 2017-07-10 Device providing safe access to a confined space, notably a lateral-access confined space Active EP3481509B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1656616A FR3053598B1 (en) 2016-07-11 2016-07-11 ACCESS DEVICE SECURED TO A CONFINED SPACE, IN PARTICULAR A CONFINED SPACE WITH SIDE ACCESS.
PCT/EP2017/067198 WO2018011109A1 (en) 2016-07-11 2017-07-10 Device providing safe access to a confined space, notably a lateral-access confined space

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EP3481509B1 true EP3481509B1 (en) 2020-04-29

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EP (1) EP3481509B1 (en)
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Publication number Publication date
WO2018011109A1 (en) 2018-01-18
EP3481509A1 (en) 2019-05-15
FR3053598A1 (en) 2018-01-12
US20190241409A1 (en) 2019-08-08
FR3053598B1 (en) 2018-08-10
US10669133B2 (en) 2020-06-02

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