Rops and Fops are safety devices that are used by operators of high-profile vehicles, to provide support and protection during their working time. With the changing trends in the industry, it has become necessary to ensure safety while performing critical tasks on plants or equipment.
Mainly these safety equipment are meant for crane operators while they are loading or unloading material on cranes by remaining at an elevated position. This equipment is also used by various construction companies for their workers while they are climbing up a building to provide scaffolding or other structural support.
If this equipment fails due to any damage or malfunctioning, it can lead to critical injury or even death of the people working over them. In order to ensure smooth and safe operation of ROPS/FOPS, repair and servicing should be carried out periodically.
Tips for ROPS/FOPS Repair :
A thorough inspection should be conducted for checking the structural integrity of ROPS/FOPS equipment.
1. The bolts, gusset plates, and welds in ROPS and FOPS which are used to hold all steel components together should be checked and repaired/replaced if required. Reputed manufacturers provide quality repair parts that are specially engineered to provide long-term performance.
2. All welds should be checked regularly for any crack or spall. Welding in some areas is required which depends on the type of design. These areas should be re-welded in order to ensure the structural integrity of ROPS/FOPS equipment.
3. The rollover protection structure (ROPS) design should be checked for ensuring proper weight rating. A ROPS rated for more than the expected load capacity will help avoid any serious consequences during an accident, due to insufficient rating of the equipment.
4. Appropriate machine guarding must be placed around the elevated working platform where people are working for ensuring safety. Guards should be maintained in proper condition, free from any damage or wear and tear to enable smooth working.
5. Proper painting of ROPS/FOPS equipment is also required, depending on the location where it is installed. The painted surface must be kept clean and free from dust at all times which can lead to corrosion if not cleaned on time.
6. ROPS/FOPS should be periodically tested for its functionality, either by an external laboratory or by the manufacturer (wherever applicable). This testing will help determine the structural integrity of the equipment.
7. Spare parts like manual locking pins, locks, and keys must be kept in good condition and checked for any damage or wear and tear. Repairing such spare parts as soon as possible can help avoid serious consequences if such parts fail to operate, due to damages.
8. Periodic inspection of ROPS/FOPS equipment is also necessary for ensuring safety during the work process. This inspection will help identify any major problems that might have occurred while working.
Some of these inspections are listed below:
- Inspect for loose or missing bolts and hardware.
- Check the bearing for oil leakage, cracks, and damage.
- Conduct a load test to ensure the working capacity of the equipment.
- Look for rust, corrosion, and other visible signs of damage on structural components like beams and braces.
- Inspect for signs of damage, wear and tear to any protective guards that are fitted around the equipment.
Conclusion:
As per the above-mentioned points, it can be found that ROPS/FOPS equipment must be maintained regularly for ensuring smooth and safe operation of the same. In order to ensure this, periodic inspections must be carried out by qualified personnel. Repairing faulty components as soon as possible is also required in case any damage has occurred.
