This update is to provide safety guidance advising that under no circumstances should any railok systems be used by workers for climbing structures on Chorus network sites.

What’s happening

We have been working to progressively remove the railok system rails used to access wireless network equipment on towers and masts and other structures on the Chorus network. Due to extremes in temperature, over time fracturing and cracking has occurred on the equipment. It was decided that the system was no longer fit for purpose, installation was discontinued and progressively, these systems are being removed.

It has come to our attention that some towers may still have these systems installed.    

What’s the details

The railok vertical rail safety system (“railok system”) is a fixed fall arrest system comprising a trolley, rail, and attachment devices which is designed to arrest the fall of worker when it becomes loaded.

All riggers need to be aware that the railok system has not been checked, nor is it certified. As a consequence, there is a significant risk of failure that may result in a worker becoming inverted, separating or free falling, causing the potential for serious injury or fatality.

We understand that there are very few, if any, of these systems still in place on the Chorus network, however, for your safety, please ensure any of your staff or contractors who may be required to climb on any Chorus structures are made aware of this information.

We anticipate that any remaining railok systems will be removed from the chorus network before April 2020.

For full safety alert details please read our safety alert HERE.

Next steps

Where railok systems are discovered, DO NOT USE.

Please photograph, then report the site location immediately to wireless@chorus.co.nz

Contact

For any queries please contact us - wireless@chorus.co.nz

You’ll find full details on our updates page