Latchways WinGrip - Fall Arrest for Aircraft Maintenance

The Latchways WinGrip range of products were first bought to the market in 1999. Since then the product range has gone from strength to strength, growing with the needs of the customers and with changes in legislation. The WinGrip product range is supported by a network of services which have been continuously developed since day one to ensure that the customer is offered a complete solution, from advice on purchase to training and support during the products lifetime.

The WinGrip range consists of 4 systems and has been designed in a modular way incorporating interchangeable components, giving the end user choice and flexibility when addressing worker fall protection issues.

The WinGrip system can be used as a single point anchor (using the WinGrip single user system) or as a multi-user system (WinGrip lifeline system) by using a number of vacuum pads with a single or pair of cables spanning between them. The system is powered by compressed air or nitrogen, without the need for batteries, electrical cables or large equipment. Being completely non -electrical and with no moving metal on metal contact, the system is inherently safe with fuel tanks open.

The users attach themselves to the cables using an adjustable work positioning rope. The unique Latchways Shuttle allows the users to access the complete wing without the need to disengage from the cable. The Shuttle glides over the intermediate brackets fitted to the WinGrip vacuum anchors.

The WinGrip barrier system provides a safe working environment for an unlimited amount of workers for any duration of time. The barrier rails can be adjusted to any length, allowing any shape of system to be installed.

The latest addition to the WinGrip range is the WinGrip AIO, using a removable, rechargeable gas bottle to give users maximum flexibility. The WinGrip AIO vacuum anchor pad is suitable for use in all temperatures from freezing Arctic conditions through to high desert temperatures.

WinGrip is rated for fall arrest in wet and dry conditions and has been tested by a third party UK Government appointed company to the rigorous European standard EN795 and is CE marked. The WinGrip system also satisfies the Australian, Canadian, New Zealand and USA safety and fall arrest standards.

The latest series of tests to be carried out by Latchways on the WinGrip product included over forty separate tests identifying the performance using a variety of load weights and free fall distances in both wet and dry conditions.

The test results demonstrate that despite using excessive testing outside of recommendations, the WinGrip system is able to arrest the fall in every instance, highlighting the competence of the system and its ability to meet and exceed international, national and local standards.

This video shows one of the additional tests being carried out. In this instance a load of 2 x 282 lbs is applied to the system with a fall distance of 14.4 ft. All calculations being in imperial for the American market.

• Lightweight and portable, anchors weigh less than 6 kg
• Suitable for wet or dry surfaces, inside hangars or on the apron
• Approved and used by all major aircraft manufacturers
• Easy to install and simple hands-free operation
• Inherently safe, even with fuel tanks open
• Run on compressed air or nitrogen, no electrical requirement
• Independently tested to meet all relevant international standards
• No metal on metal contact to protect aircraft surface and eliminate risk of sparking
• Guaranteed safety period with all systems
• Multiple-user cable based system or single-user anchor options, tailored to customer needs
• Suitable for both heavy and light maintenance environments