Case Studies - Safety Engineering

Evaluation of Safety Nets by Modelling and Experiment
There is potential for mistreatment of safety nets on construction sites. To address some of these issues, HSL has constructed a dynamic experimental facility, unrivalled in the UK. This is being used to collect baseline data for safety nets under a range of non-ideal loading conditions.
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Small scale fracture toughness specimens for structural integrity assessment
HSL has explored the possibility of obtaining useful engineering-critical assessment data from specimens as small as 5mm by 5mm in cross section.
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Walkway collapse at the Port of Ramsgate
HSL was part of the HSE investigation into the collapse of a pedestrian walkway at the Port of Ramsgate in September 1994.
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Improving the safety of detaching hooks
Following an accident in the Vaal Reefs mine in the Republic of South africa, HSL investigated the possible failure mechanisms of detaching hooks used in drum winding installations.
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Crashworthiness of Mark 1 rolling stock
Following a collision in 1988 involving three Mark 1 trains, HSL reviewed the crashworthiness of Mark 1 vehicles. This was followed by experimental and full-scale crash tests.
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The performance of high strength lifting chain
Fracture mechanics was applied to establish the fracture toughness of different steels used to manufacture lifting chains. Of particular interest was the fracture toughness of boron-containing steels.
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Structural integrity of storage spheres
To assess whether the operating life of storage speheres can be safely exended, an engineering assessment is necessary. HSL investigated the practicability of various test methods for fracture toughness - an important factor in such assessments.
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HSL investigations of major rail accidents
HSL has been involved in the investigation of a number of major rail accidents. The accidents, and the findings from their investigation, are having a major influence on attitudes to safety in the rail industry.
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Investigation of the Avonmouth Bridge platform collapse
An HSL team took part in the investigation of an incident in which one end of a maintenance platform beneath the Avonmouth Bridge became detached, causing four workmen to fall 30 metres to their deaths.
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Safety of roll containers
Roll containers are widely used to carry goods in the retail and other sectors. HSL investigated the extent and causes of roll container accidents and developed advice on container design.
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