Background
In 1995, the 109th Air National Guard in Scotia, New York, approached L.G. White and Sons, Inc. to develop a new Fall Protection System for working on aircraft. The requirements were to make the new Fall Protection system effective, easy to use, and inexpensive. The 109th ordered the first system in October of 1995 and it has been in continuous use ever since.
The SAFETY NET SUPPORT ARRAY is patented by Lawrence G. White, President of L.G.White Safety Corp., and is a sole sourced item through L.G.White Safety Corp.
The system has never had an accident or injury. Customers are using the system throughout the United States, from Puerto Rico to California.
When the Safety Net Support Array was originally developed, the fall protection requirement for the Air Force was 6 feet. Users of the Safety Net Support Array used maintenance stands on the front of the wings for fall protection. At that time, the safety system only protected the back of the wings and the fuselage. Following the fall protection regulation changing from 6 feet to 4 feet, L.G. White Safety Corporation developed a vacuum attachment for the Safety Net Support Array. The new system is called the Vacuum Attached Guardrail Netting System, and is a patented product. The addition of the vacuum attachment ultimately allows the safety system to be installed around the full perimeter of the top of the aircraft. For more information of the Vacuum Attached Guardrail Netting System, please see below pictures and product information.
Ordering Fall Safety Equipment
To order equipment or to schedule an evaluation of your facility or aircraft, please contact us
Vacuum Attached Guardrail Netting System:
We have in house engineering and the safety experience to get a fall protection system designed and approved for your aircraft to be used at your site.
C-130 Aircraft:
KC-135 Aircraft:
System Parts:
System Description:
L.G. White Safety Corporation has been providing innovative safety solutions for the aviation industry since 1995, specializing in fall protection systems for aircrafts. We offer both active and passive fall protection systems. Our solutions are compliant with OSHA and AFOSH/AFI standards. L.G. White’s Vacuum Attached Guardrail Netting System is a sole sourced item, protected by the United States Patent and Trade Office, and may not be reproduced without direct written consent from authorized personnel representing L.G. White Safety Corporation.
The L.G. White Safety Corporation's Vacuum Attached Guardrail Netting System is a comprehensive fall protection system designed to protect personnel working at a height from falling to a lower level, and allows as many workers as needed to work freely on the upper surface of the aircraft without attaching to lifelines. This passive system allows workers to freely bypass each other, work together without the need to connect or disconnect from a lifeline, and reduces tripping and entanglement hazards.
The system can be setup to cover the main areas of the aircraft including, the forward and rear fuselage, leading and trailing edges of the wings, and the tail. This completely engulfs the top of the aircraft perimeter in netting, providing complete coverage while maintenance is being performed. The safety net support array can provide both active and passive fall protection options. The system consists of lightweight aluminum stanchion assemblies, and high strength nylon netting. L.G. White offers several different stanchion support frame assemblies to support different configurations depending on the type of aircraft and location of the support on the aircraft. Additionally, L.G. White offers a tool and debris stop directly integrated into the fall protection netting to help mitigate falling object hazards below the work surface.
The vacuum equipment is powered simply by attaching to a facility’s compressed air system. No external electricity or vacuum pumps are required. To install, simply place the stanchion support frame on the aircraft, attach positive air supply to the vacuum attachment, attach the netting, and adjust to the desired location. The vacuum system can be equipped with both a pressure gauge and an audio safety alarm to warn if there is any vacuum loss in the system. The vacuum attachment feature allows the system to be mounted on all styles of aircrafts including large fixed wing and helicopters.
Detailed Description of Vacuum Attachment:
The system is powered by a positive air pressure source, such as shop air supply or compressed air storage tanks. The positive air supply can be monitored by both a pressure gauge, and a pressure switch that will activate an alarm if the supply pressure drops below an acceptable level. The system is configured to connected to the compressed air supply using standard quick disconnect air couplings, which can be configured to allow the user to hook the vacuum units up in series, eliminating the need to run a separate air supply line from the source to each vacuum support unit. Once the positive air supply has been connected to the quick disconnect air coupling the vacuum system is automatically activated (turned “On”). The positive air flows through the air coupling to a hand operated directional control valve.
This directional control valve is a 3-way, 3 port, 2 position hand operated valve with a spring return that allows the user to select between the vacuum and blow-off functions of the system. Position 1 allows air flow between Ports 2 and 3, so the default setting for the device is “On” allowing compressed air to pass though the valve. This supplies positive supply air to the venturi vacuum generator causing the device to create negative air pressure, and evacuate the air from the system, sealing the vacuum cup to the support structure. Position 1 also supplies compressed air to the flow control valve, which supplies air to a pneumatic vacuum switch, and an acoustic alarm whistle. Position 2 blocks Port 3 and allows air flow between Ports 2 and 1. This activates the blow-off function of the vacuum generator, causing compressed air to flow into the vacuum system. The positive air supply quickly eliminates the vacuum, and pressurizes the system causing air to flow out of the vacuum port between the support structure and the sealing membrane of the vacuum cup. This creates an air cushion under the cup causing it to release from the surface of the structure at an accelerated rate, and allows for easy repositioning of the unit on the surface if necessary.
While the system is in use there are two ways for users to monitor the vacuum level within the system. The first is a vacuum gauge which reads the vacuum level, and creates a visual output to allow the users to monitor the vacuum level. The second is an acoustic alarm whistle which automatically warns users of an insufficient vacuum level. The whistle is activated by a pneumatic vacuum switch when the vacuum level in the system drops below a programmed level. The pneumatic vacuum switch is normally open causing air to flow from an air flow control valve, which is used to control the volume and pitch of the pneumatic air powered whistle. As the vacuum level in the system increases the valve is pulled closed, shutting off the air flow and deactivating the alarm.
Pictures of Vacuum Attached Guardrail Netting System:
Applicable Standards and System Advantages:
AFI 91-203:
13.3. Protection From Falls. Workers shall be protected from falls of four (4) feet or more.
13.3.1. Types of Fall Protection.
13.3.1.1. Passive. Passive fall protection, such as guardrails, work stands and platforms (aircraft maintenance stands, i.e., B-1, B-4, B-5, etc.), nets, ladder cages and other devices can prevent a worker from falling, but are not directly connected to the worker. Nets do not prevent a worker from falling, but does prevent a worker from hitting the next level. If passive fall protection is not feasible, active fall protection is the preferred option.
(Note by LGWSC: Passive fall protection is the preferred method of fall protection, second is positioning and restrain, and third is a personal fall arrest system (PFAS).
13.3.1.2. Active. Active fall protection, such as positioning and restraint systems, ladder climbing devices and PFAS, require the worker to wear a harness and attach himself/herself to an anchorage or lifeline. Positioning and restraint systems prevent a worker from falling while a PFAS permits a worker to fall, but limits arresting loads to generally safe levels.
13.3.1.2.1. Positioning and restraint systems. Fall restraint systems, also referred to as work positioning systems, are similar to a PFAS; however, fall restraint systems restrict a worker‘s range of movement so the individual cannot fall to the surface below.
13.3.1.2.2. See paragraph 13.4.6 for detailed guidance on PFAS.
13.4.6. Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS). PFAS systems require an anchorage point, connecting means, lanyard and shock absorber…Note: To prevent worker injury or death, PFASs shall not be used without a rescue plan; refer to paragraph 13.7.
(Note by LGWSC: Due to the fact that L.G. White Safety Corp.’s Vacuum Attached Passive Guardrail Netting System does not allow personnel to reach or fall from the elevated working surface of the aircraft a rescue plan typically required while utilizing an active fall protection system (a PFAS) is not required, and helps to limit the need for additional rescue training and equipment.)
24.16. Fall Protection Requirements. Maintenance group commanders or designated representative must ensure safe Air Force maintenance operations. Flight line and hangar operations must include an appropriate level of fall protection commensurate with Air Force mission requirements…
24.16.5. Types of Fall Protection. Fall hazards from aircraft walking and working surfaces are controlled through application of Risk Management, at command and local levels, to determine which fall protection method offers optimal worker safety for the tasks performed. The maximum use of maintenance stands and work platforms, whenever possible, will reduce the exposure and risk. Whenever it becomes necessary to perform required tasks where a worker can fall four (4) feet or more, fall protection will be used. Refer to paragraphs 24.16.1 and 24.16.2 for additional guidance.
24.16.5.1. Passive. Passive fall protection is the most preferred means of protecting workers from falls. Passive Systems need not be directly connected to the worker to prevent a worker from falling. These systems include guardrails, work stands and platforms (including aircraft maintenance stands, i.e., B-1, B-4, B-5, etc.), nets and other devices. If passive fall protection is not feasible, active fall protection will be the next option considered.
(Note by LGWSC: Passive fall protection is the preferred method of fall protection, second is positioning and restrain, and third is a personal fall arrest system (PFAS).
24.16.5.2. Active. Active fall protection, such as positioning devices, fall restraint systems, ladder climbing devices and Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFASs), require the worker to wear a full body harness and components and attach himself/herself to an anchorage or lifeline. Positioning devices and fall restraint systems prevent a worker from falling off unprotected sides and edges by restricting the worker‘s range of movement while a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) allows a worker to fall off unprotected sides and edges, but the PFAS and components absorb the energy forces during a fall, reducing the potential for injury.
24.16.5.2.1. PFASs require an anchorage connection point, connecting hardware components, body and fixed or shock absorbing lanyard, depending on system design. Anchorage connecting point(s) for each worker will have minimal support strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kilo-newton [kN]). Vertical and horizontal lifelines shall have a minimal breading strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN). Horizontal lifelines shall be designed, installed and used under the supervision of a qualified person, as part of a complete PFAS, which maintains a safety factor of at least two…To prevent worker injury or death, PFASs shall not be used without a rescue plan. IAW ANSI Z359.4, Safety Requirements for Assisted-Rescue and Self-Rescue Systems, Subsystems and Components, prompt rescue means getting to the subject within six (6) minutes after an accidental fall… Multi-use or combinations of use can result in two falls and could hinder and/or prevent self-rescue or external rescue. Warning: Hanging in a harness for an extended period of time can be fatal. Supervisors shall ensure workers using a PFAS can be properly rescued or can rescue themselves should a fall occur. Availability of rescue personnel, ladders or other rescue equipment shall be determined prior to using a fall arrest system.
24.16.5.2.2. Positioning and restraint systems. Fall restraint systems restrict a worker‘s range of movement so the individual cannot get into a position that would allow a fall. Positioning systems allow a worker to be supported on an elevated vertical/inclined surface and body support is hands free. Anchorage connecting point(s), work positioning and restraint lanyards for each worker will have minimal support strength of 5,000 pounds (22.2 kN). Secure the worker to an anchor using a lanyard short enough to prevent the worker‘s center of mass from reaching the fall hazard. When exposed to a fall hazard, a PFAS must also be used. Refer to paragraph 24.16.5.2.1 for additional guidance.
(Note by LGWSC: Due to the fact that L.G. White Safety Corp.’s Vacuum Attached Passive Guardrail Netting System does not allow personnel to reach or fall from the elevated working surface of the aircraft a rescue plan typically required while utilizing an active fall protection system (a PFAS) is not required, and helps to limit the need for additional rescue training and equipment.)
24.16.5.3. Procedural Controls. Active and passive means of fall protection shall be used to the maximum extent practical. However, procedural controls, the least preferred method of fall protection, may be used for aircraft operations (such as those conducted outside a hangar, wash rack or at any location without an overhead structure) where the use of active or passive means of fall protection, i.e., railings, work stands, portable anchorages, mobile lifts, nets, PFAS, etc., is ineffective, would create a greater hazard or is not feasible. MDS procedural controls, such as restricting workers to TO designated aircraft surfaces, require aggressive risk management and shall be documented in a JSA developed by the lead MAJCOM for the MDS and incorporated in the applicable weapon system TOs to standardize the process. Local procedural controls, driven by conditions unique to a local facility or equipment design, or local operational requirements, will be developed and documented in a JSA IAW AFI 91-202 by the maintenance group (or equivalent), approved by the maintenance group commander and coordinated with the organizational/appropriate Ground Safety office before the procedural controls are used. In the absence of active or passive fall protection, the JSA identifies the best level of fall protection available within existing operational limitations. Procedures and equipment identified in the JSA are considered to be the minimum mandatory requirements for operations covered in the JSA. Considerations when developing procedural controls include:
24.16.5.3.1. Controlled Access Zones (CAZs). CAZs are a procedural control method consisting of designated working surfaces that are restricted to those individuals specifically trained for and required to enter the area during the maintenance operation.
24.16.5.3.2. TO Designated Walkways. TO designated walkways shall be considered when maintenance or inspections can be performed from within the TO designated walkways. Note: Some TO designated walkways may be suitable for use as procedural controls for fall protection. However, TO designated walkways are primarily designed to protect the aircraft and are not necessarily areas that, by virtue of location, provide workers a minimal risk of falling to the next lower level. During maintenance within the designated walkways, walkways that become minimized by the removal of leading or trailing edge surfaces, fall protection will be employed.
(Note by LGWSC: The TO Designated Walkways can be utilized as a procedural control for fall protection while installing L.G. White Safety Corp.’s Vacuum Attached Passive Guardrail Netting System allowing personnel to quickly and easily install the preferred passive fall protection system)