From Constraint to Solution: Mobility at the Heart of VNF's Safety Strategy

COMPANY

VNF

LOCATION

Toul Lock, France

YEAR

2021

PRODUCTs:

PortaGantry

 When a Mobile Gantry Becomes the Alternative to Fixed Lifelines

The background

Voies Navigables de France (VNF) manages a significant portfolio of hydraulic structures, including Lock No. 22 located in Écrouves, near Toul. These ageing infrastructures require regular maintenance operations at height.

The challenge

However, the site configuration does not permit the straightforward installation of lifelines or fixed walkways. The challenge was therefore to effectively protect operatives carrying out interventions, whilst limiting heavy and costly civil works.

At Toul, VNF sought a solution capable of securing two operatives simultaneously, quick to deploy, and sufficiently adaptable to be reused across multiple sites..

The SOLUTION

To meet these requirements, Reid Lifting France designed and supplied a mobile PortaGantry system tailored to the site's constraints. The system comprises a seven-metre aluminium beam mounted on height-adjustable legs. The entire assembly can be erected quickly using a simple bolted connection system.

Two sliding trolleys fitted with brakes, combined with fall arrest devices, provide the connection points for harnesses and enable the simultaneous protection of two operatives. Designed in accordance with EN 795 Class B, the gantry offers a safe working load of 240 kg. Its demountable and transportable structure makes the equipment easy to relocate to other sites, without requiring modifications to existing infrastructure.

Characteristics

Model

Standard / Certification

Safe Working Load (SWL)

Maximum Working Height

Maximum Free Span

Component Weights

Mobility

Installation

Accessories Supplied

Intended Use

Values / Details

PortaGantry Aluminium -- 7 m special beam

EN 795 Class B -- CE certified mobile anchor point

240 kg (2 operatives simultaneously)

Adjustable up to 5.86 m at the anchor ring

4.58 m

Beam: 85 kg / Leg: 33 kg (x2)

Sliding trolleys with brake + demountable and transportable structure

Assembly using 4 bolts, no heavy civil works required

2 fall arrest devices connected to trolleys, installation training kit

Working at height safety (maintenance, inspection, occasional lifting)

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Installation Training: Empowering Teams and Securing Every Intervention

A training session was organised directly at the lock site. This enabled VNF teams to learn how to safely assemble and dismantle the gantry, correctly use the accessories, and integrate best practices for working at height. This hands-on training immediately made operatives autonomous and operational, facilitating rapid adoption of the solution.

RESULTS

Thanks to the mobile gantry installed at Toul Lock, VNF was able to strengthen the safety of its operatives whilst gaining operational efficiency. The solution also stands out for its economic impact: it avoids costly structural works associated with installing fixed lifelines, whilst enabling the same equipment to be shared across multiple sites.

By combining safety, compliance and cost control, the mobile gantry represents a particularly competitive alternative to fixed solutions. By selecting this mobile solution, VNF was able to enhance the safety of its teams whilst controlling costs and gaining flexibility.