Confined space entry needs an anchor point directly above the opening and a means of recovering someone who cannot climb out unaided. A tripod provides both. This Kratos unit adjusts from 1.15 m to 2.15 m with a wheelbase spreading from 1.08 m to 1.62 m, carries two mounted pulleys at the head in line with the main leg, and has built-in fixtures for mounting a Kratos winch. Certified to BS EN 795 Type B and to the ATEX Directive for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, which is common in tank, sewer and vessel entry work. Supplied with a carry bag.
Key Features
- Two mounted head pulleys: Positioned at the head in line with the main leg, allowing a cable to pass cleanly to a winch mounted on the leg without fouling.
- Built-in winch mounting: Accepts the Kratos FA 60 003 20, FA 60 003 30, FA 60 023 20 and FA 60 023 20R winches directly, without adaptors or improvised brackets.
- Two auxiliary eyebolts: Additional anchorage points at the head for a second line, typically a fall arrest block alongside the recovery winch.
- Rubber-soled support shoes: Steel shoes with rubber soles to increase friction and stability, which matters on the wet concrete and steel plate typical of entry points.
- ATEX certified: Compliant with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU for use in potentially explosive atmospheres. Relevant for tanks, sewers and process vessels where an ignition source cannot be tolerated.
- Adjustable height and wheelbase: 1.15 m to 2.15 m high, wheelbase 1.08 m to 1.62 m, so it can be set over a range of opening sizes and in restricted footprints.
- Rated 500 kg under head, 250 kg on leg: Two distinct ratings for two distinct load paths. Breaking strength 20 kN, resistance 12 kN.
- Carry bag included: Supplied as standard rather than an accessory.
Technical Specifications
| Property |
Value |
| Product Code |
FA 60 001 00 |
| Adjustable Height |
1.15 m – 2.15 m |
| Wheelbase |
1.08 m – 1.62 m |
| Max Load Under Head |
500 kg |
| Max Load On Leg |
250 kg |
| Breaking Strength |
20 kN |
| Resistance |
12 kN |
| Head Pulleys |
2, in line with main leg |
| Auxiliary Anchorage |
2 eyebolts |
| Compatible Winches |
FA 60 003 20, FA 60 003 30, FA 60 023 20, FA 60 023 20R |
| Supplied With |
Tripod carry bag |
BS EN 795 Type B | ATEX 2014/34/EU | Machinery Directive | EN 1808
Conforms to BS EN 795 Type B, the standard for transportable temporary anchor devices, together with the ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU for equipment used in potentially explosive atmospheres, the Machinery Directive and EN 1808. Breaking strength 20 kN, resistance 12 kN. Supplied with Declaration of Conformity and ATEX certificate. Under LOLER and the Work at Height Regulations, anchor devices and associated equipment require thorough examination by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 12 months, or 6 months where used for lifting persons.
Suitable Applications
The tripod is standard equipment for any confined space entry where the access is from above. That covers manhole and sewer entry, tank and vessel inspection, silo and hopper access, pit and sump work, utility chamber entry, and any permit-to-work confined space operation requiring a rescue plan. Paired with a Kratos winch on the leg mounting and a fall arrest block on an auxiliary eyebolt, it provides both controlled descent and independent fall protection. The ATEX certification extends its use to atmospheres where flammable gas or dust may be present, which covers a large proportion of sewer, fuel tank and process vessel work.
More About This Product
The anchorage is the part of a fall protection system people think about last and should think about first. Most sites can produce a harness and a lanyard within minutes; producing a certified, assessed anchor point is a different matter, and it is what genuinely determines whether the system works.
The forces involved are the reason. Arresting a fall is a dynamic event, and the load a falling person imposes on an anchor is many times their body weight — which is why BS EN 795 exists as a standard in its own right, and why the structure the anchor attaches to has to be assessed separately by someone competent to do it. The anchor may be certified; the beam, the tube, the roof purlin almost certainly is not.
Anchor Position, Fall Factor and Swing
Where the anchor sits changes the severity of a fall more than any other single decision.
Fall factor is the ratio of fall distance to the length of lanyard available to absorb it. An anchor above the head gives the lowest factor and the gentlest arrest. An anchor at foot level gives a factor 2 fall — the worst case, generating forces a shock absorber may struggle to control, and it is what happens when someone clips onto something convenient at their feet rather than something suitable above them.
Pendulum swing is the second consideration and the one that catches people out. An anchor directly overhead means a fall goes straight down. An anchor off to one side means the faller swings, and the swing can be more dangerous than the drop — into structure, into plant, or across a surface at speed. A swing that ends against a steel column is not survivable simply because the harness held.
The practical rule is to position the anchor as high as practicable and as close to directly overhead as the work allows, and to reassess it every time the work position moves.
How to Use the Confined Space Tripod
- Set up on stable, level ground: All three feet must bear evenly on ground capable of taking the load. The rubber soles provide friction, not anchorage.
- Set legs to equal length: Confirm all three legs are adjusted to the same setting and the locking pins are fully engaged, and that the head sits level.
- Position the head over the opening: The anchor point must be directly above the access so the line runs vertically. An angled line loads the tripod in a way it is not designed for.
- Fit the winch to the leg mounting: Use the built-in fixture and a compatible Kratos winch. Do not improvise a mounting.
- Use a separate fall arrest line: The winch is for controlled raising and lowering. A separate fall arrest block on an auxiliary eyebolt provides protection independent of the winch.
- Respect the two ratings: 500 kg under the head, 250 kg on the leg. They are not interchangeable and describe different load paths.
- Never leave a person suspended unattended: Confined space entry requires a top man in attendance throughout.
Warning: This is Category III personal protective equipment used for work at height and confined space entry. It must only be used by trained, competent persons within a documented safe system of work. Never exceed 500 kg under the head or 250 kg on the leg. Never use as the sole means of fall protection without an independent fall arrest system.
Safety Information
- Use only within a documented confined space entry procedure with trained personnel.
- Maximum 500 kg under head, 250 kg on leg. These are separate ratings.
- All three legs must be equally adjusted with locking pins fully engaged.
- The head must sit directly above the access opening so the line runs vertically.
- A separate, independent fall arrest system is required alongside the recovery winch.
- Ground must be level and capable of supporting the load at all three feet.
- Inspect before every use for damage, distortion, corrosion and secure locking pins.
- Withdraw from service immediately after arresting a fall, pending examination.
- Thorough examination by a competent person required at intervals not exceeding 12 months, or 6 months where used for lifting persons.
Inspection and Maintenance
As Category III PPE this tripod requires formal periodic examination as well as pre-use checks, and records must be kept. Before every use, check the legs for distortion, dents and cracking particularly around the locking holes, confirm every locking pin engages fully and positively, inspect the head casting and both pulleys for free rotation and wear, check the auxiliary eyebolts are tight and undamaged, and examine the rubber soles for wear or contamination that would reduce friction. The dedicated Tripod Inspection Guide in the downloads sets out the full procedure. Any tripod involved in arresting a fall must be withdrawn immediately and examined by a competent person before further use.
Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the 500 kg and 250 kg ratings?
They describe different load paths. 500 kg is the load that may hang directly beneath the head, taken by all three legs together. 250 kg is the load that may be applied to a single leg, typically a winch mounted on it. They are not interchangeable and the lower figure is not a general derating.
Q: Why does ATEX certification matter?
Because a great deal of confined space work happens in atmospheres where flammable gas or dust may be present, including sewers, fuel tanks and process vessels. ATEX certification confirms the equipment will not provide an ignition source. Where your risk assessment identifies a potentially explosive atmosphere, non-ATEX equipment must not be used.
Q: Do I need a winch as well?
For entry and recovery, yes. The tripod is an anchor device; the winch provides controlled raising and lowering. This unit accepts the FA 60 003 20, FA 60 003 30, FA 60 023 20 and FA 60 023 20R directly. You should also fit an independent fall arrest block to one of the auxiliary eyebolts, so fall protection does not depend on the winch.
Q: 7ft or 10ft?
This model adjusts to 2.15 m. The 10ft version, FA 60 002 00, reaches higher and gives more clearance above the opening, which helps where a casualty must be lifted clear of an obstruction or where a stretcher is involved. It is correspondingly larger and heavier to transport. For routine manhole and chamber work the 7ft is usually sufficient.
Q: How often must it be inspected?
Pre-use checks before every entry, and a formal thorough examination by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 12 months, reducing to 6 months where the equipment is used for lifting persons, which confined space rescue is. Records must be kept. The Tripod Inspection Guide in the downloads sets out the procedure.
