Step bolt & bent step bolt

It is necessary to climb pylons for inspection work, maintenance and repair as well as in the event of damage. The height of the structures and the path to the work site constitute permanent potential danger which can only be reduced by suitable technical measures. The responsibility towards their own service personnel motivated the utility provider VERBUND Austrian Power Grid AG at the beginning of 1990 to search for a simple solution for fall protection technology. Together with Stahlbau Grabmayr and their long-standing experience in the production of high-voltage pylons and substations, the VG safety step bolt was developed as a basic module for further advancement. The safety step bolts are an integral component of the pylon structure and combine optimal functionality with a discreet appearance. The step bolts and safety step bolts are arranged at constant intervals and ensure ergonomic climbing.

Since pylons are climbed on average every 7 years only, the installed safety climbing path must not incur any maintenance costs because of economic considerations.  Due to the used materials and the structural design, regular inspections of Grabmayr safety step bolts are permitted to exceed 12 months. Inspections are therefore only required if necessary and, after a period of more than 12 months, before the next ascent by an authorized worker at the latest (visual inspection).

In the Federal Republic of Germany, experience with the use of Grabmayr safety step bolts has been available since the mid-1990s. The Grabmayr safety step bolt has also found its way into the German Employer's Liability Insurance Association's rule ‘Use of Rising Bolts and Rising Bolt Walkways’ (BGR 140).

Assure quality:
In Austria a number of safety step bolts which had been installed more than 30 years ago were tested for long-term durability by Austrian Power Grid AG. In this test the material properties of the old safety step bolt were compared with the properties of a newly manufactured safety step bolt. Results showed that despite the long time the safety step bolt had been exposed to extremely hot and cold temperatures, its quality was equivalent to a newly manufactured safety step.
The special material composition in combination with the adapted annealing processes enables the production of a durable, functional and aging-resistant safety component which does not entail any maintenance costs.

The safety step bolts by Grabmayr are single bolt-shaped steps with an integrated safety mechanism and are firmly attached to all vertical or nearly vertical components. The helical ends serve for inserting the rope and constitute an intermediate anchor to be used temporarily by the worker. When climbing, a suitable leader system must be used to secure the worker.

Bent safety step bolts are a special type which are, e.g., used by Deutsche Bahn for flat lattice towers of high-speed railway lines.

 

The Grabmayr safety step bolts M20 and M24 were tested by TÜV Austria in analogy to norm EN 795:2012 with a test structure adapted to their actual use. The safety step bolts by Grabmayr constitute a separate group of products. 

 

The safety step bolts by Grabmayr are single bolt-shaped steps with an integrated safety mechanism and are firmly attached to all vertical or nearly vertical components. The helical ends serve for inserting the rope and constitute an intermediate anchor to be used temporarily by the worker. When climbing, a suitable leader system must be used to secure the worker.

Safety step bolts with helical end are a special type which are, e.g., used by Deutsche Bahn for flat lattice towers of high-speed railway lines.

The Grabmayr safety step bolts M20 and M24 were tested by TÜV Austria in analogy to norm EN 795:2012 with a test structure adapted to their actual use. The safety step bolts by Grabmayr constitute a separate group of products.

Your advantage - for sure

Advantage for the user

• Easy to handle
• Continuous safeguarding with an integrated system up to the actual work site
• Ready to use at any time, regardless of weather conditions
• Easy mounting
• Optimally secured freedom of movement on the pylon
• Easy and quick rescue via the safety step bolt from any point of the structure
• Evaluated rescue concept that always functions in the same way
• The safety and functionality of the installed components are immediately evident for the climbing person
• Grabmayr safety step bolts are independent of PPE suppliers.  You are therefore free to choose your PPE components. With testing by an accredited testing organization, you can also assemble the components you prefer into an integrated system.
• Proven transition to the crossarm levels without having to change the climbing technique
• Ergonomic movement during climbing
• Grabmayr safety step bolts are free of defects and safe at all times, regardless of weather conditions – safe for climbers and rescuers in the event of emergency
• The safety-relevant PPE is taken back after use and can thus be stored in accordance with the regulations
• During a rescue, the anchor point is also the rappelling point
• Assured aging-resistant quality

Advantage for the technician

• Optimal advice from the manufacturer
• Flexible basis for planning
• Solutions for all types of pylons and substations
• Safety planning by the manufacturer up to the actual work site

Advantage for the purchaser

• Optimal economic benefit and maximal safety for the user
• Extendable climbing path with matching component modules for all types of pylons
• Grabmayr safety step bolts and their components are to be considered as part of the pylon structure and correspond to its service life. Mechanical movements, thermal expansion and vibrations of the pylon structure do not affect the safety step bolts, which means that no follow-up costs are to be expected.
• Our product range complies with all pertaining standards of professional associations and insurance carriers.